Evaluation and comparison of whole-home heat systems when utilized for bed bug (Cimex lectularius L.) elimination in low-income housing units

Bed bug heat treatment efficacy was evaluated in low-income housing facilities using three different heat systems: the Temp Air electrical system, the Heat Assault glycol system, and the Green Tech propane system. Five heat treatments were conducted using each heat system in bed bug infested low-income housing units. Twelve heat sensors were placed in hard to heat locations, and groups of sentinel bed bugs (eggs, nymphs and adults) were placed in known bed bug harborage locations throughout the home. The cubic footage and clutter ratios in each housing unit were calculated. Specific treatment factors were evaluated to determine their contribution to heat treatment success. These factors included: the heat system used, the technician labor (entries into the unit), temperature sensors achieving bed bug lethal temperature, and heat treatment duration. Overall, the mean sentinel bed bug mortality for all systems ranged between 85.2% and 98.7% with no system achieving 100% mortality across all replicates. The logistic regression analysis revealed that the number of technician entries was the most impactful factor contributing to heat treatment success, including sensors reaching bed bug lethal temperature and sentinel bed bug mortality.