Well well well... the competition for your bed bug killing dollar is sure heating up in Toronto - excuse the punn but we couldn't resist!
As the bed bug problem continues to grow in Toronto more and more upstarts are popping up... Now we're seeing companies that have been using electric and other types of heaters to get rid of mould in the past now advertising that they'll come in and kill your bed bugs.
OK, let's look at this for a moment... ALL of it.
It is true that raising the temperature of a dwelling to the required temperature (thermal kill range) will kill bed bugs but only if it's done quickly enough to 'catch' them before they're driven deep into the walls. Like anything, if it's done right it may work, if not - you're likely in worse shape than before.
Thinking of bed bugs heat treatment in Toronto?
Some things you should be aware of:
Don't be fooled by claims of these new Toronto bed bug heat treatment companies that pesticides will somehow harm you! Pesticides that are approved for use in Canada are completely safe when applied as per the label and appropriate regulations.
Some heat companies claim to 'guarantee' full elimination with one treatment... this cannot be guaranteed - if you see this claim, move on! There is simply no way to guarantee it and any company that makes this claim should be treated with suspicion.
If you are looking for bed bug heat treatment in Toronto you should know that some of these new companies that tout heat as the only answer are simply scaring people into thinking that they are in danger. This type of marketing is simply disingenuous and could be described as down right fear mongering. Their goal is simple, scare people into thinking that a pesticide is dangerous, throw in the word 'green' and watch the money flow in... Unfortunately it will work on many.
For proof simply look at some of the "Heat preparation checklist" items that are required before the 'treatment'... Many household items must be removed before the treatment takes place... Some include certain types of pictures, frames etc., furniture and household plants - some even require that fire sprinkler systems be drained! If household items are brought back into the home without being treated - reinfestation is quite likely. When that becomes the case you may find yourself in a position where you've spent over $1000 just to find out that you've still got the problem and you have little or no recourse but to spend more money again.
Some heat companies claim to 'guarantee' full elimination with one treatment... this cannot be guaranteed - if you see this claim, move on! There is simply no way to guarantee it and any company that makes this claim should be treated with suspicion.
If you are looking for bed bug heat treatment in Toronto you should know that some of these new companies that tout heat as the only answer are simply scaring people into thinking that they are in danger. This type of marketing is simply disingenuous and could be described as down right fear mongering. Their goal is simple, scare people into thinking that a pesticide is dangerous, throw in the word 'green' and watch the money flow in... Unfortunately it will work on many.
For proof simply look at some of the "Heat preparation checklist" items that are required before the 'treatment'... Many household items must be removed before the treatment takes place... Some include certain types of pictures, frames etc., furniture and household plants - some even require that fire sprinkler systems be drained! If household items are brought back into the home without being treated - reinfestation is quite likely. When that becomes the case you may find yourself in a position where you've spent over $1000 just to find out that you've still got the problem and you have little or no recourse but to spend more money again.
Now, there are reputable bed bug heat treatment companies out there that are licensed and trained to apply whole-dwelling heat applications. Look for a company that has an Operator License issued by the Ministry of the Environment of Ontario. If they don't have one you risk having an uninsured company do work in your home - this could void your home insurance!
There is no 'magic bullet' when it comes to bed bug eradication - the IPM approach is shown to be the best method. This simply incorporates a number of techniques such as steam, dusting, caulking, pesticides and, yes, could include whole-dwelling heat too. Remember, there is no 'residual' (long-lasting) effect with heat - if they miss even just one bed bug, you're back to square one (with a lot less money in your wallet to boot).
If you're considering whole-dwelling heat to kill your bed bugs, do your homework and hire someone reputable or risk being burned in the process.
Update:
Since posting this article we've been getting frequent reports from people that have gone with these bed bug heat treatment companies and are finding out that they've been had... Remember, Mom always said "if it sounds too good to be true - it usually is".
There is no 'magic bullet' when it comes to bed bug eradication - the IPM approach is shown to be the best method. This simply incorporates a number of techniques such as steam, dusting, caulking, pesticides and, yes, could include whole-dwelling heat too. Remember, there is no 'residual' (long-lasting) effect with heat - if they miss even just one bed bug, you're back to square one (with a lot less money in your wallet to boot).
If you're considering whole-dwelling heat to kill your bed bugs, do your homework and hire someone reputable or risk being burned in the process.
Update:
Since posting this article we've been getting frequent reports from people that have gone with these bed bug heat treatment companies and are finding out that they've been had... Remember, Mom always said "if it sounds too good to be true - it usually is".
Agree!
ReplyDeleteThe Province of Ontario has made a website to help people with their bed bug problem.
It recommends going with a licensed company that uses pesticides - confirms the accuracy of this post.
http://bedbugsinfo.ca/act
My neighbour had the heat treatment (semi-detatched next to me) and saw a bed bug on some equipment as they brought it into his house!
ReplyDeleteDid it work?
ReplyDeleteNot sure but it cost him a fortune! And if they can't keep their own equipment from being infested how can they expect anyone to believe they'll get them out of your house?!
ReplyDeleteI can see that if it’s done right it could work but what happens if/when you get ‘em again later? Spend another $1500 or more? No thank you!
ReplyDeleteFind a company that gives a good guarantee, I did. (don’t want to mention the name because I don’t want anyone to think I’m promoting a particular company but they were excellent and they got rid of my bed bugs! And no, they didn’t use heat.
I had one neighbour tell me he was sure just putting the mattress outside would kill the bedbugs. Seriously!
ReplyDeleteI wish people would read more and understand pesticides and mattress covers aren't A solution they're THE solution.