Heat can clear bed bugs in one day. The crew sets up commercial heaters and fans, and sensors track the temperature deep inside mattresses, cushions and along the walls. In most San Pablo homes and apartments, you can use the rooms again that evening.
Why Heat Works
No stage of the bed bug life cycle survives high heat held long enough, and bugs cannot develop resistance to it the way they have to some sprays. Crews aim to keep the coolest spots in each room at about 120°F or more, flipping mattresses and shifting cushions so heat soaks through every layer.
The Day of Treatment
- PrepHeat-sensitive things come out, and heaters, fans and sensors go in.
- Warm upOver a few hours, each room climbs toward the kill temperature.
- HoldThe crew watches the sensors and moves items so nothing stays cool.
- Wrap upOnce rooms cool, the crew checks results and may apply a residual along the edges.
Heat in San Pablo Apartments and Houses
Heat appeals to families who want no pesticide on beds and to owners who need a unit back quickly between tenants. In an apartment, ask how the crew keeps bugs from fleeing into the neighboring unit during heating. Many homes in 94806 date from the 1940s to 1970s, so a careful crew checks the electrical service first or brings its own power.
Remove These First
- Pets, houseplants, medications, spray cans, wax candles, crayons and cosmetics.
- Records, photos and anything that could melt or warp.
- Anything else on the crew's list, such as certain electronics.
- Leave clothes and bedding where they are unless told otherwise.
Questions About Heat Treatment
Will I be back home tonight?
Usually. After the rooms cool and the crew signs off, most people move back in the same evening.
Can I use my wall heater or space heaters instead?
No. The EPA cautions that home heaters cannot heat a room evenly enough to kill bed bugs and can start a fire.
How your call is handled: Bed Bug Control CA is a free referral service. When you call or send the form, you are connected with an independent, licensed pest control company that serves San Pablo. That company inspects, quotes and does the work.