Heat Treatment for Bed Bugs in London: How It Works
Heat treatment is the gold standard for bed bug elimination. Learn how it works, why it is more effective than chemicals, and what to expect on the day.
What is Heat Treatment for Bed Bugs?
Heat treatment (also called thermal remediation) is a chemical-free method of eliminating bed bugs by raising the temperature of an infested room to 56°C — the lethal temperature for all life stages of bed bugs, including eggs.
Why Heat Treatment is Superior to Chemical Treatment
| Factor | Heat Treatment | Chemical Treatment | |--------|---------------|-------------------| | Effectiveness | Kills all life stages in one visit | May require 2–3 visits | | Eggs | Kills eggs (chemicals often cannot penetrate) | Limited egg kill | | Resistance | No resistance possible | Bed bugs can develop resistance | | Chemicals | None — safe for sensitive individuals | Chemical residue present | | Furniture | No need to dispose of furniture | Same | | Re-entry | Same day | Usually 4–6 hours |
How Heat Treatment Works
- Preparation — remove heat-sensitive items (candles, aerosols, plants, pets, medications)
- Equipment setup — industrial electric heaters and fans are placed throughout the room
- Heating phase — temperature is gradually raised to 56°C over 1–2 hours
- Hold phase — temperature is maintained for 2–4 hours to ensure penetration into furniture, mattresses, and wall voids
- Monitoring — wireless temperature sensors ensure all areas reach lethal temperature
- Cooling — equipment is removed and the room cools naturally
What Heat Treatment Kills
- Adult bed bugs
- Nymphs (juvenile bed bugs)
- Eggs
- Any other insects present (fleas, carpet beetles, etc.)
Cost
Heat treatment for bed bugs starts from £450 depending on the size of the room and extent of the infestation.
Call 07586 072087 for a same-day assessment and quote across London.