Does Heat Treatment Kill Cockroaches?
If you ask what kind of pests are hardest to get rid of, cockroaches ranks at top of the lists. So, among the methods that work well to eliminate them, heat treatment is one. But how does this actually work and can it ever be able to completely rid your house of roaches? We dived deep into the process of heat treatment and how it could be used to fight a cockroach infestation effectively.
What is Heat Treatment?
The high heat treatment kills cockroaches and all the pests. Raising the temperature at the extreme level is one of the main step in this method. This high temperate means the heat level at the stage where almost any kind of pests can’t survive. Since one of the cold blooded insects are cockroaches, this method actually works. So, with the higher heat coming in, you just put them out of their sequence of producing till they die.
Heat treatments are considered by many as safe and environmentally friendly compared to chemical methods, which explains its popularity both among homeowners.
One important aspect you must remember in the process is that heat treatments are normally done by pest control professionals equipped with the right equipment in ensuring that the area will attain and maintain the appropriate temperature for a long enough period to kill all cockroach life stages from adults to eggs.
How Heat Treatment Works?
The treatment is quite easy: cockroaches simply cannot survive in extreme temperatures. The infested location is to be heated with heaters in such a way that the temperature range varies between 120°F and 140°F (49°C to 60°C), which is certainly enough to kill all the pests that can be there.
Heated items or rooms are kept this way for some hours to be reached and destroyed inside all concealing areas of roaches.
Strategic placement of space heaters during the treatment process allows even distribution of heat throughout the space. Temperature levels are monitored constantly to ensure it hits the appropriate level.
Roaches do not have a chance to escape such high-intensity heat, and their bodies go into shock leading to death. In contrast, chemical sprays cannot penetrate any crevice or hidden spot that roaches prefer to hide in.
It is important to keep the high temperature for long enough to kill both live cockroaches and eggs in all of the hiding places. The procedure usually takes a few hours; however, treatment time may depend on infestation size and intensity of infestation.
The longer the heat treatment is carried out, the better it will be at eliminating the infestation.
4 Ways to Kill Cockroaches with Heat Treatment
1. Space Heaters
Portable heaters use the approach of elevating the temperature in small enclosed rooms such as bedrooms, kitchens, and basements. The portable heaters can be applied in the space where roaches exists to eliminate them without using chemicals.
Such method can be used in collaboration with other methods including sealing cracks and cleaning up food sources.
In any house or office setting, a pest control company employs space heaters that have been industrialized so that the room might be heated at a uniform and high degree.
Pre-treatment requires that all heat-sensitive items are cleared from the area before anything is done.
2. Dryer for Clothes
Cockroaches can hide in the clothes and fabrics. Moving these through a clothes dryer on high heat for several cycles will kill any eggs or roaches that are hiding in your belongings.
Some people hardly notice the garments and fabrics, while being good incubators for cockroach eggs, especially in closets or the basement. Dryer heat kills the roaches themselves while helping to evaporate odors from infested materials.
3. Direct Sunlight
Sometimes, by simply putting your infected items in the sun, you can kill cockroaches effectively. During a hot day, especially in the summertime, one could place furniture, electronics, small appliances in an open space for some hours to expose the cockroach’s deadly heat. It is a simple process which does not even need specific equipment.
In summer months, in areas where temperatures will rise and soar, direct sun is a simple, cheap method of killing roaches in larger items that may not have been able to fit inside a dryer or the hot car.
Can Heat Treatment Kill All Types of Pests?
While the heat treatment is very effective against cockroaches, other pests could also be targeted as well. This method is usually applied to insects like bed bugs, fleas, and termites. But, not every pest could survive at the same temperature thresholds.
The bigger rodents or insects of various sizes may survive higher temperatures due to their size and different system of biology.
Although, there are many treatments, but application of heat treatment is the most common way to kill insects and other small pets. This is pretty much efficient on cold-blooded animals like cockroaches, bed bugs, and fleas whose body temperature will be regulated by their environment.
This may not work better in large pests like rats and mice since some temperatures can be withstood by them.
Conclusion
In a nutshell, heat treatment is chemical-free effective way of removing cockroaches and more. It works by setting up the temperature in an infested space to a level that the pests cannot survive.
Whether you make use of a heater in space, leave cockroach-infested items in a hot car, or run your clothes in a dryer, heat treatments can do a great job at eradicating cockroaches in your home if done with safety precautions, so that you do not harm your property or yourself.
FAQs
Can heat treatment kill cockroach eggs?
Yes, heat treatment can kill both adult cockroaches and their eggs. The high temperatures used during the treatment penetrate deep into cracks and fabrics, reaching hidden areas where eggs might be laid.
How long does heat treatment take to kill cockroaches?
Depending on the size of the infested area, a heat treatment session can last anywhere from a few hours to an entire day. It’s essential to maintain the necessary temperatures for the right amount of time to ensure all pests are exterminated.
Can I use my home heater to perform a heat treatment?
While you can try using a space heater or home heater, it’s best to consult professionals who specialize in heat treatments. They have the necessary equipment to distribute the heat evenly and ensure that the correct temperatures are maintained.
Are there any safety risks associated with heat treatment?
Yes, improper use of heaters during heat treatment can cause sun damage to items or even fires if safety measures aren’t followed. Always consult with professionals and adhere to safety guidelines when attempting this method.
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