Guides
What Happens on Bed Bug Heat Treatment Day: A Clear Step-by-Step
If you've booked a bed bug heat treatment in London, it helps to know what the day actually looks like. This guide walks through it from arrival to the moment you're back in your home, so there are no surprises.
Every property is different, and timings depend on the size of the space, how many rooms are treated, and how well the rooms are prepared. We confirm an expected time window with your quote.
Haven't prepared yet? Start with our prep checklist for bed bug heat treatment. Still deciding whether heat is right for you? Read heat treatment vs spray for London homes.
Before we arrive
By treatment day, the rooms should be prepared as set out in your written prep list. That usually means beds stripped, laundry washed and bagged, floors decluttered, furniture pulled away from walls, and heat-sensitive items such as aerosols, medicines, candles and plants removed.
On the morning itself:
- Make sure we can get into every room being treated
- Have somewhere to go for the day for everyone in the household, including pets
- Keep your phone on so we can reach you
- Tell us about anything new, such as an item you're unsure about or a room you've found more signs in
Step 1: Arrival and walk-through
When the technicians arrive, we walk through the property with you. We check:
- Which rooms and areas are being treated
- That preparation is done, and whether anything needs moving or setting aside
- Where bed bugs or signs of them have been found
- Any items or areas that need extra care
This is the best time to ask questions. If the prep isn't complete, we'll tell you straight away what needs doing and whether it affects the treatment.
Step 2: Setting up the equipment
We bring specialist heating equipment and ducting into the property, along with fans to move air and spread heat evenly.
We also place temperature sensors in the treated rooms, including in the places that heat up most slowly, such as inside mattresses, sofas, furniture joints and along skirting. These are the "cold spots" where bed bugs are most likely to survive if heat doesn't reach them.
Once everything is in place and you've left, we start the heat.
Step 3: Heating the rooms
The temperature in the treated rooms is raised gradually to a level that is lethal to bed bugs and their eggs. Then it is held there.
UK industry guidance points to temperatures of about 50°C held for around two hours, or about 52°C for around one hour, measured where the insects are and not just in the room air. That is why monitoring matters.
While the heat runs, the technicians:
- Watch the sensor readings throughout
- Move fans and adjust airflow to push heat into cooler areas
- Turn and reposition items such as mattresses and cushions where needed
- Keep checking until the cold spots have reached and held lethal temperatures
The rooms get very hot during this stage, which is one reason nobody but the technicians can be inside.
Step 4: Cool-down
Once monitoring shows the treatment has done its job, the heaters are switched off and the rooms are allowed to cool. Windows may be opened and fans used to bring the temperature back down safely.
We take down the equipment and do a final check of the treated rooms.
Step 5: Handover and getting back in
When the rooms have cooled and it's safe, we tell you that you can return. Before we leave, we:
- Talk you through what was treated
- Explain any aftercare advice for your property
- Let you know what to look out for over the following weeks
- Confirm how to contact us if something doesn't look right
Whole-property heat treatments come with a 6-month written free re-treatment guarantee; the terms are set out in writing with your quote.
How long does it take?
Most homes are planned as a single visit, often taking most of the day. A one-bedroom flat will usually be quicker than a large house or several rooms, and heavy clutter or bulky furniture can add time because heat takes longer to reach everywhere. We'll give you an expected window when you book.
FAQ
Can I stay in the property during the treatment?
No. People and pets leave during the heat window and come back once rooms have cooled and we give the all-clear.
Will my home smell afterwards?
Heat treatment doesn't use an insecticide spray, so there's no chemical residue left by the heat itself. Rooms may feel warm and dry for a while after.
Will I see dead bed bugs?
You may, especially around beds and furniture. It's normal, and we'll tell you how to clean up safely.
What if I still see bugs afterwards?
Tell us. Bugs can sometimes be found in an untreated area or brought back in. Call 020 3951 6155 with your quote details and we'll advise on next steps.
Do I need to do anything after?
Keep clean laundry bagged until you're back in, follow any aftercare we give you, and avoid bringing in second-hand furniture or items that haven't been checked.
Ready to book, or have a question about the day?
London Bed Bug Heat Treatments is a heat-only service for London homes, short-lets and commercial properties. If you'd like to talk through what treatment day would look like for your property:
- Phone: 020 3951 6155
- Email: info@londonbedbugheattreatments.co.uk
- Or use Get a quote on this site
We'll give you a straight answer on timings, prep and what to expect.
More guides: How to prepare for bed bug heat treatment (checklist) · Bed bug heat treatment vs spray
This guide is general information. Your quote and written instructions for your booking take priority.