Heat can clear bed bugs in one day. Our technicians bring in professional heaters and fans, place wireless sensors inside mattresses, cushions and along baseboards, and track every reading until each room reaches a temperature bed bugs cannot survive. Most Santa Barbara households sleep at home again that night.
Why Heat Kills Every Life Stage
Bed bugs have no way to resist heat. Adults, nymphs and eggs all die when held at a high enough temperature for long enough. We hold the coolest point in each room at about 120°F or more for a set period and turn mattresses and shift cushions so no cool pocket is left.
On Treatment Day
- PrepareYou take out heat-sensitive items while we place heaters, fans and sensors.
- Heat upRoom temperatures rise steadily over several hours.
- HoldReadings are tracked, and cushions and mattresses get turned so no corner stays cool.
- Cool offThe heaters shut down, rooms cool and we walk you through the sensor log.
Heat in Santa Barbara Homes and Rentals
Santa Barbara's mild weather has nothing to do with it. The heat comes from our equipment, so the treatment works the same in a foggy June as in a warm September. Heat is popular with vacation rental hosts and owners of guest suites because the room is ready again the next day with nothing left on the linens. In Spanish-style homes with thick plaster walls and tile floors, we place extra sensors near exterior walls and floors, which warm the slowest.
Take These Out First
- Pets, houseplants, medicine, candles, lipstick and any spray cans.
- Laptops, records, musical instruments and anything we flag as heat sensitive.
- Clothing and bedding can stay put unless our technician says otherwise.
- Open drawers and closets so warm air can move through them.
Questions About Heat Treatment
Will heat damage the tile, plaster or wood floors in my older house?
Floors, tile and plaster handle a controlled heat treatment well. We ask you to remove things that can warp or melt, such as candles, vinyl records and some electronics, and we watch the temperatures throughout the day.
Can we stay home while the rooms are heated?
No. People and pets leave for the day, and anything that could soften in high heat goes with you. Most households are back the same evening once the rooms cool down.
How it works: Bed Bug Control CA runs its own bed bug inspections and treatments. We schedule a licensed technician to check your Santa Barbara home. Nothing is treated until you approve the price in writing.