Bed Bug Heat Treatment – Frequently Asked Questions (Heat Kill UK)
General Bed Bug Questions
What are bed bugs and how do I know if I have them?
Bed bugs are small, reddish-brown insects that feed on human blood, usually at night. Common signs include itchy bites, blood spots on sheets, dark faecal marks on mattresses, and seeing live bugs in seams or cracks.
Are bed bugs dangerous?
Bed bugs are not known to spread diseases, but they can cause allergic reactions, skin irritation, poor sleep, and significant stress.
How do bed bugs get into my home?
They are usually brought in via luggage, second-hand furniture, clothing, or after staying in hotels, hostels, or public transport.
Heat Treatment Questions
What is bed bug heat treatment?
Heat treatment is a professional process where we raise the temperature of your property to a level that kills bed bugs at all life stages — including eggs — without relying on chemicals.
Does heat treatment really work?
Yes. When carried out correctly, heat treatment is one of the most effective ways to eliminate bed bugs in a single visit.
What temperature kills bed bugs?
Bed bugs and their eggs die when exposed to sustained temperatures above 50°C. Our equipment raises room temperatures well beyond this threshold to ensure full eradication.
How long does the treatment take?
Most treatments take between 6 to 10 hours, depending on the size of the property and severity of the infestation.
Is heat treatment safe?
Yes — when performed professionally. We use specialist equipment and continuously monitor temperatures to ensure safe and effective treatment.
Will heat damage my belongings?
Most household items are safe. However, we will advise you to remove heat-sensitive items such as:
- Aerosols
- Candles
- Electronics (in some cases)
- Vinyl records
- Certain plastics
SEE LIST AT BOTTOM OF PAGE
Do I need to leave the property during treatment?
Yes. For safety reasons, all people and pets must vacate the property during the treatment process.
Pricing & Booking
How much does bed bug heat treatment cost?
Costs vary depending on property size, infestation level, and access. We provide clear, upfront pricing after assessment — no hidden fees.
Why is heat treatment more expensive than chemical treatment?
Heat treatment:
- Kills all life stages in one visit
- Requires specialist equipment
- Uses high energy and skilled technicians
- Reduces the need for repeat visits
In many cases, it works out cheaper long-term.
Do you require a deposit?
Yes — a 25% deposit is required to secure your booking, with the remaining balance payable on arrival before treatment begins.
Do you offer guarantees?
We stand by the effectiveness of our treatment, provided preparation instructions are followed correctly. Details of our guarantee are explained before booking.
Preparation & Aftercare
How do I prepare for heat treatment?
Preparation is critical. You may be required to:
- Declutter rooms
- Wash and bag clothing
- Move furniture away from walls
- Remove heat-sensitive items
We provide a full preparation checklist before your appointment.
What happens after the treatment?
After treatment:
- The property will cool down
- You can return the same day
- You may see dead bugs
- Some activity may appear briefly as hidden bugs emerge
Do I need follow-up treatments?
In most cases we like to do 1 heat treatment, with a follow up after 2-3 weeks, for inspection, powder treatment and insecticide.
Can bed bugs come back after treatment?
Yes — but only if reintroduced (e.g., travel, visitors, or infested items). The treatment itself eliminates the existing infestation.
Property-Specific Questions
Can you treat flats and apartments?
Yes. We regularly treat flats, HMOs, and shared buildings. In some cases, adjoining units may need inspection.
Do you treat hotels and rental properties?
Absolutely. We work with landlords, letting agents, and hospitality businesses.
Will my neighbours be affected?
Heat treatment is contained within your property. However, in flats, we may advise checking neighbouring units.
Common Concerns & Objections
Why shouldn’t I try to treat bed bugs myself?
DIY methods often:
- Miss hidden bugs and eggs
- Spread the infestation further
- Cost more over time
Professional heat treatment is faster and far more reliable.
Can I stay in the room while it’s being treated?
No. The temperatures used are not safe for people or pets.
Will I need to throw away my mattress or furniture?
In most cases, no. Heat treatment is designed to save your belongings.
Do bed bugs live in carpets and walls?
Yes — they can hide in:
- Bed frames
- Skirting boards
- Electrical sockets
- Sofas and carpets
That’s why whole-room heat treatment is so effective.
Focused Questions
How quickly can you come out?
We aim to offer fast response times, often within 24–48 hours depending on availability.
What areas do you cover?
We cover London and surrounding areas. We also cover Surrey, Kent, East Sussex, West Sussex, Hampshire, Dorset, Wiltshire, Somerset, Devon, Cornwall, Berkshire, Oxfordshire.
How do I book a treatment?
You can book by calling us directly or filling out our contact form on the website for a quick response.
I think I have bed bugs — what should I do right now?
- Avoid moving items between rooms
- Do not throw away furniture
- Reduce clutter
- Contact a professional immediately
Bed Bug Heat Treatment – Required Removal List
To ensure a safe and effective heat treatment, the following items MUST be removed from the property before our arrival.
Heat treatment raises temperatures to levels that can damage certain materials and create safety risks. Failure to remove these items may result in damage, delays, or cancellation of the treatment.
Heat-Sensitive & Meltable Items
These items may melt, warp, or become damaged under high temperatures:
- Candles and wax products
- Crayons
- Vinyl records
- CDs, DVDs, Blu-rays
- Plastic storage boxes (especially thin plastics)
- Soft plastics (bags, packaging, containers)
- Cosmetics and makeup (lipstick, creams, etc.)
- Toiletries (lotions, gels, deodorants)
- Chocolate and heat-sensitive foods
- Artificial plants or decorations
- Glue-based items (adhesives may weaken)
- Plastic window blinds
- Plastic curtain rails
- Shoes. They can fall apart as most shoes contain glue.
Flammable & Pressurised Items (STRICTLY PROHIBITED)
These items present a serious safety risk and MUST be removed:
- Aerosol cans (deodorant, hairspray, air fresheners)
- Gas canisters (butane, propane, camping gas)
- Fire extinguishers
- Lighters and matches
- Paint tins, solvents, and thinners
- Flammable cleaning chemicals
- Fuel containers of any kind
Medications & Health-Related Items
Heat can reduce effectiveness or damage these items:
- Prescription medications
- Over-the-counter medicines
- Vitamins and supplements
- Insulin and temperature-sensitive medication
- Medical devices or supplies
Electronics & Valuable Equipment
Some electronics may tolerate heat, but removal is strongly recommended unless agreed otherwise:
- Laptops and desktop computers
- Televisions
- Gaming consoles
- Routers and internet equipment
- External hard drives and backup devices
- Cameras and photography equipment
Any electronics left on-site remain the customer’s responsibility unless agreed in writing.
Items Prone to Warping or Damage
- Musical instruments (especially wooden)
- Artwork and paintings
- Antique or delicate furniture
- Photographs and albums
- Collectibles and sentimental items
- Laminated or glued materials
- Laminated furniture
Pets, Plants & Living Items
No living items can remain in the property:
- All pets (dogs, cats, birds, reptiles, etc.)
- Fish tanks and aquariums
- House plants
Food & Consumables
- Chocolate and sweets
- Fresh food (fruit, vegetables, dairy)
- Open food containers
- Heat-sensitive packaged foods
(Sealed tins and dry goods are usually safe but removing them is recommended.)
Personal & Miscellaneous Items
- Perfumes and aftershaves
- Nail varnish
- Hair products (wax, gel, sprays)
- Alcohol-based liquids
Important Customer Responsibilities
- If in doubt — remove the item.
- We are not responsible for damage to items left in the property against this guidance.
- All items listed above must be removed prior to our arrival.
Failure to comply may result in:
- Delays to treatment
- Additional charges
- Cancellation of the appointment
Items That Can Usually Remain
- Clothing (prepared as instructed)
- Bedding (as advised)
- Most furniture
- Mattresses and sofas
Final Note
We will provide full preparation guidance before your appointment to ensure everything runs smoothly. If a heat sensitive item cannot be removed then protect it.
If you are unsure about any item, please contact us in advance.
