Economical heat treatment for control of bed bugs in hotel and dorm rooms

Bed bug control in hotel and dormitory rooms represent an ideal situation for use of heat treatment. A limited heat treatment of room contents was tested in apartment and dorm rooms. Styrofoam boards were used to create an insulated box surrounding the room furniture and other contents. Oil-filled heaters were used to elevate temperature inside the insulated box, whereas circulating fans were used to distribute the heated air around the box. Temperature probes were used to monitor temperature at different locations within the treated furniture. Lethal temperatures for bed bugs (45°C) were reached within 2-6 hours. During the heat treatment, residual pesticide treatment can be applied to the perimeter of the room.