1. Eonomical Heat Treatment for Bedbugs Philip G. Koehler, Roberto Pereira, and Margie Pfiester Urban Entomology Building 352-392-2484 pgk@ufl.edu

4. Thermal Death Point for Bed Bugs 111-113 degrees Fahrenheit 44-45 degrees Celsius

5. Killing Bed Bugs Bed bugs at least 113 F

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

8. Commercial Heat Treatment

9. Bed Bug Whole Room Heat Treatment

10. Effect of High Temperatures on Bed Bugs Expose bed bugs to high temperatures in a water bath –2 bugs per tube –Temperatures of 103- 120F –Exposures of 0.5-240 min Record bed bug mortality –1 min later –24 h later

11. 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

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

13. 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

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

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

16. First attempt at heat treatment Polyethylene Too much heat loss with Polyethylene sheeting 105.6 F 106.3 F Started: 9 AM Ended: 4 PM 69.882.2100.2106.7 F FF

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

18. Second attempt at heat treatment Blankets 111.2 F 108.7 F Started: 9:30 AM Ended: 3:07 PM 69.882.2100.2106.7 F FF 75.484.9125.2131

19. Second attempt at heat treatment Blankets

20. Third Attempt at Heat Treatment Styrofoam Heat Chamber Carpeted floor

21. Third Attempt at Heat Treatment Styrofoam Heat Chamber Under mattress 113.4 F 141 F Started: 9:00 AM Ended: 11:20 PM Under pillow 69.882.2100.2106.7 F FF 73.280.1112141.4

23. Fourth Attempt at Heat Treatment Styrofoam Heat Chamber Tile floor Fans/Heaters poorly placed F FF 69.882.2100.2106.7 79.8100.5131.7

24. Summary of Field Tests Space heaters can heat up to 140-150 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

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

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

27. Temperature Monitoring ThermometersData Loggers

28. Equipment 2 Space heaters –$99.90

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

30. Equipment 2 Box fans –$27.34

31. Equipment 1 Oscillating fan –$29.95

32. Equipment 2 Thermometers –$17.94

33. Equipment Costs $312.89 2 Space heaters 6 Polystyrene sheets 2 Box fans 1 Oscillating fan 2 Thermometers 2 Extension cords; power strip Duct or packing tape

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

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

36. Residual Insecticide Application to Room Perimeter

37. 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

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