What the sources say
- Virginia Tech (2024): “Heat treatments do work! However, it is important to note that it is very common have a few bed bug survivors after a heat treatment,” and “your pest management company needs to provide a follow-up inspection within a week.”
- OSU HYG-2105 (2020): infestations “often require more than one treatment,” and the older OSU sheet’s rule: “Repeat insecticide applications if bed bugs are present two weeks after the initial treatment.”
- OSU on timing: egg to adult takes “about 21 days at 86°F to 120 days at 65°F,” and an adult can go 70 days without feeding. A quiet week proves nothing.
Our schedule
Follow-up inspection within seven days of heat, booked before we leave. For chemical programs, the second treatment at two weeks, booked at the first. A third visit if the follow-up finds activity, at no charge within the guarantee.
Your first two weeks
- Encasements on and left on (one year, per the health department).
- Bagged clean laundry stays sealed until the follow-up.
- Interceptor cups under bed legs; check them every few days and photograph anything you find.
- No second-hand upholstered furniture; inspect luggage after travel; the dryer for 30 minutes handles clothes.
Figures cited: Ohio State University Extension ENT-0103 “The Bed Bug Threat”
(2025) and HYG-2105 “Bed Bugs” (2020); Toledo-Lucas County Health Department bed bug handouts
(revised March 2016); Virginia Cooperative Extension ENTO-583NP “Bed Bug Heat Treatments” (2024);
Kells & Goblirsch, Insects 2(3):412–422 (2011). Not medical advice.