How to Get Rid of Bed Bugs: Heat, Chemical and Preparation

Bed bugs are one of the harder household pests to remove. They hide in cracks, they survive for long periods without feeding and eggs are tough to reach. That is why quick fixes tend to fail.

Professionals generally use one of two main approaches, heat or chemical treatment, or a combination. Which suits a home depends on the property, the level of infestation and who lives there.

Why home remedies and sprays disappoint

Shop-bought sprays and powders are tempting, but bed bugs hide in places a spray cannot reach, such as inside bed frames, behind sockets and under loose wallpaper. Some populations have also become tolerant of products commonly sold to householders.

A spray may kill the bugs it touches while pushing the rest into other rooms. People often end up with a spread-out infestation that is harder to treat than the original one. Never use foggers or bombs in a bedroom, and do not use anything for which you do not have clear label instructions.

Heat treatment explained

Heat treatment raises the temperature of a room or items to a level that kills bed bugs at all life stages, including eggs, and holds it long enough to reach hidden places. It is useful where chemicals are a concern, such as for those who prefer to limit them, or for bedrooms with lots of soft furnishings.

Heat does have limits. It must reach every part of the room, so clutter, thick furniture and wall cavities matter, and an inspection will show whether it is suitable. It can also have effects on delicate items, so these are checked in advance.

Chemical treatment explained

Chemical treatment uses professional-grade insecticides applied to the places where bed bugs hide and travel, such as bed frames, skirting, furniture joints and cracks. Products used by professionals are applied carefully and in a controlled way, with advice on keeping children, pets and food away until surfaces are safe.

Chemical work often needs a follow-up visit, because some eggs may hatch after the first application. Many treatments combine methods, such as chemical treatment of the structure with heat or steam on items that suit it.

• Heat: whole-room effect, useful for contents, needs good preparation
• Chemical: targets hiding places, may need repeat visits
• Combined: used where one method alone may not reach everywhere

Preparation that genuinely helps

Good preparation improves results more than most people expect. The aim is to give the technician clear access and avoid moving bugs around the house.

Wash bedding, curtains and clothing at the highest temperature the labels allow, then dry on a hot setting, which does much of the killing. Seal clean items in bags, and keep them sealed until the work is complete.

• Clear floors and the area around beds so surfaces can be reached
• Bag clothes and linen in the room before carrying them elsewhere
• Empty drawers and bedside units, and strip the bed
• Do not move furniture from the room to other parts of the home
• Tell the technician about children, pets and anyone with health concerns

After the treatment

You may still see a few bugs for a short time afterwards as the last ones die or emerge, which is normal. Keep the bed away from walls, keep the room tidy and avoid bringing in second-hand furniture while the work is under way.

Success depends on the inspection findings and following the instructions. Essex Pest Solutions can assess your property and explain which approach suits it, including whether a follow-up visit is likely. Cost depends on the size of the property, how many rooms are affected and the method chosen.

Frequently asked questions