When looking for a non-chemical or green approach to bed bug extermination the choice is generally between thermal remediation and Cryonite a freezing technology using CO2. There are major differences between the two and homeowners, motel and hotel operators, as well as the general public should be aware of the benefits and limitations of each program.
We will discuss heat treatment first. Heat treatment or thermal remediation uses the generation of heat at temperatures between 130 and 140 to eliminate all stages of bed bugs from egg to nymph to adult. This is generally accomplished with the use of specially designed heaters running on either electrical or propane. One of the major benefits of heat treatment for the extermination of bed bugs is that it kills all stages of bedbug and will penetrate all the way through couches, chairs and even into walls. This is accomplished by the length of time that the "cook" as the process is called, is maintained. Think of it as cooking a turkey in an oven. No matter how big the turkey is if you cook it long enough it will get cooked all the way through. The same principles apply whether it is a home, office, apartment or building.
There has to be some precautions taken with use of heat. Some items are heat sensitive. This would include things like oil paintings, aerosol cans, alcoholic beverages, ammunition, candles, etc. A complete list can be found at our website www.a3superior.com In addition this is not the type of job that can be assigned for performed by inexperienced or untrained people. There have been reports of fires and other structural damage when the job is not done professionally and according to protocol. This is generally in conjunction with the use of propane heaters by homeowners. Propane heaters can provide very hot temperatures and if not used by professionals they can create a serious fire hazard. Experienced companies have been trained in the proper usage so issues are few and far between-don't believe the scare tactics used by the Cryonite applicators.
The use of Cryonite involves the application of topical CO2 to cracks and crevices and as many surfaces as possible. The rapid change in temperature immediately kills any bed bugs it contacts. It has the benefit of being allowed for use on almost all surfaces. It to will kill eggs, nymphs and adults without the use of pesticides. The major drawback of Cryonite is its inability to penetrate deeply into items. If you study the biology of the bed bug you will note that spends the majority of time in cracks and crevices. There's been reports of bed bugs found underneath the heads of screws holding furniture together. A favorite spot for bed bugs to harbor is within the stuffing of a box spring. If you have ever opened up a box spring you would note that it is full of stuffing, wood and literally millions of areas to hide. In fact you take a single sheet of paper and cover bedbugs with it you can spray Cryonite on that paper for several minutes and all the bed bugs below will still be alive and well. This is due to the fact that Cryonite must actually impinge on the insects exoskeleton to kill it. This is the Achilles' heel of the Cryonite treatment. Even if you pack them away during the preparation part of the program they will remain alive and well and protected and ready to feed again once those bags are opened.
Both processes have no residual effect. Which means that if you bring bedbugs out with you and return home re-infestation is highly likely. In many cases unless there is an illness or pregnancy treatment with some type of residual pesticide is recommended. That is unless there is a definitive infestation source that has been eliminated and you are sure there are no other sources. Even this is risky so it is important to get a warranty at the least so if there is an issue it can be resolved without having to pay additional dollars out of pocket. Also a company that provides a warranty is demonstrating their commitment and confidence in their extermination program.
We will discuss heat treatment first. Heat treatment or thermal remediation uses the generation of heat at temperatures between 130 and 140 to eliminate all stages of bed bugs from egg to nymph to adult. This is generally accomplished with the use of specially designed heaters running on either electrical or propane. One of the major benefits of heat treatment for the extermination of bed bugs is that it kills all stages of bedbug and will penetrate all the way through couches, chairs and even into walls. This is accomplished by the length of time that the "cook" as the process is called, is maintained. Think of it as cooking a turkey in an oven. No matter how big the turkey is if you cook it long enough it will get cooked all the way through. The same principles apply whether it is a home, office, apartment or building.
There has to be some precautions taken with use of heat. Some items are heat sensitive. This would include things like oil paintings, aerosol cans, alcoholic beverages, ammunition, candles, etc. A complete list can be found at our website www.a3superior.com In addition this is not the type of job that can be assigned for performed by inexperienced or untrained people. There have been reports of fires and other structural damage when the job is not done professionally and according to protocol. This is generally in conjunction with the use of propane heaters by homeowners. Propane heaters can provide very hot temperatures and if not used by professionals they can create a serious fire hazard. Experienced companies have been trained in the proper usage so issues are few and far between-don't believe the scare tactics used by the Cryonite applicators.
The use of Cryonite involves the application of topical CO2 to cracks and crevices and as many surfaces as possible. The rapid change in temperature immediately kills any bed bugs it contacts. It has the benefit of being allowed for use on almost all surfaces. It to will kill eggs, nymphs and adults without the use of pesticides. The major drawback of Cryonite is its inability to penetrate deeply into items. If you study the biology of the bed bug you will note that spends the majority of time in cracks and crevices. There's been reports of bed bugs found underneath the heads of screws holding furniture together. A favorite spot for bed bugs to harbor is within the stuffing of a box spring. If you have ever opened up a box spring you would note that it is full of stuffing, wood and literally millions of areas to hide. In fact you take a single sheet of paper and cover bedbugs with it you can spray Cryonite on that paper for several minutes and all the bed bugs below will still be alive and well. This is due to the fact that Cryonite must actually impinge on the insects exoskeleton to kill it. This is the Achilles' heel of the Cryonite treatment. Even if you pack them away during the preparation part of the program they will remain alive and well and protected and ready to feed again once those bags are opened.
Both processes have no residual effect. Which means that if you bring bedbugs out with you and return home re-infestation is highly likely. In many cases unless there is an illness or pregnancy treatment with some type of residual pesticide is recommended. That is unless there is a definitive infestation source that has been eliminated and you are sure there are no other sources. Even this is risky so it is important to get a warranty at the least so if there is an issue it can be resolved without having to pay additional dollars out of pocket. Also a company that provides a warranty is demonstrating their commitment and confidence in their extermination program.
About the Author:
Jeff Klein; one of the most experienced thermal remediators in the Country and owner of A3 Superior Pest Control explains the difference between the two major green treatments for bed bugs;Cryonite and Heat . You can learn more about the benefits of heat atThe advantages of heat treatment over cryonite. Check here for free reprint license: Cryonite Versus Thermal Remediation.
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