Eonomical Heat Treatment for Bedbugs Philip G. Koehler, Roberto Pereira, and Margie Pfiester Urban Entomology Building

Thermal Death Point for Bed Bugs degrees Fahrenheit degrees Celsius

Killing Bed Bugs Bed bugs at least 113 F

Commercial Heat Treatment Heat whole room or whole structure Expensive equipment –$20,000-$50,000 Lengthy procedure No residual effect Very visible

Commercial Heat Treatment

Bed Bug Whole Room Heat Treatment

Effect of High Temperatures on Bed Bugs Expose bed bugs to high temperatures in a water bath –2 bugs per tube –Temperatures of F –Exposures of min Record bed bug mortality –1 min later –24 h later

How long does it take to kill bed bugs with heat? 106 o F 100 min 109 o F 25 min 113 o F 4 min 117 o F 2 min 120 o F 1 min Minutes to 100% Mortality

Rise in Temperature of 7 degrees F decreases time to kill by10 times Thermal Death Time Curve

Summary of Lab Studies Temperatures above 106 F kill bed bugs An increase of 7 F reduces time to kill by 10 times –>100 min at 106 F –10 min at 113 F –1 min at 120 F Heat is the “Achilles heel” for bed bugs

First attempt at heat treatment 6 mil poly sheeting Space heater Oscillating fan 2 heaters

First attempt at heat treatment Polyethylene 6 mil poly sheeting 2 space heaters

First attempt at heat treatment Polyethylene Too much heat loss with Polyethylene sheeting F F Started: 9 AM Ended: 4 PM F FF

Second attempt at heat treatment Poly sheeting covered with blankets 4 heaters and fans

Second attempt at heat treatment Blankets F F Started: 9:30 AM Ended: 3:07 PM F FF

Second attempt at heat treatment Blankets

Third Attempt at Heat Treatment Styrofoam Heat Chamber Carpeted floor

Third Attempt at Heat Treatment Styrofoam Heat Chamber Under mattress F 141 F Started: 9:00 AM Ended: 11:20 PM Under pillow F FF

Fourth Attempt at Heat Treatment Styrofoam Heat Chamber Tile floor Fans/Heaters poorly placed F FF

Summary of Field Tests Space heaters can heat up to F –Oil-filled eliminates chance of fire Styrofoam heat box contains heat better than plastic or blankets –2 inch thick styrofoam Tile/Concrete floors need to be insulated –Carpet padding or foam play pads Circulation of heat is important –Fan & heater placement at opposite corners

Equipment for Heat Treatment 6 polystyrene sheets 2 box fans 2 heaters Extension cords and power strip 1 oscillating fan

Insulation for Floors: Tile/Terrazo/Concrete Carpet remnants Interlocking foam play pads

Temperature Monitoring ThermometersData Loggers

Equipment 2 Space heaters –$99.90

Equipment 6 Polystyrene sheets (4 by 8 ft) –$137.76

Equipment 2 Box fans –$27.34

Equipment 1 Oscillating fan –$29.95

Equipment 2 Thermometers –$17.94

Equipment Costs $ Space heaters 6 Polystyrene sheets 2 Box fans 1 Oscillating fan 2 Thermometers 2 Extension cords; power strip Duct or packing tape

Set-up of heat chamber for bed bug control Bed Foam insulation Fan Heater

Power Considerations One circuit for each fan and heater Heater –Draws ~12 amps Fan –Draws ~3 amps Total –~15 amps 20 amp circuit breakers

Residual Insecticide Application to Room Perimeter

Important Points for Heat Treatment Check amperage of outlets –Plug heaters into 2 separate circuits Position of thermometers is important –Place where heat will take longest to get hot –Like cooking a turkey Heat containment/circulation is important –Like a convection oven –Floor & box insulation –Fans to create most turbulence Treat room with residual product

**