Georgia Pest Control Practice Test 2026 – All-in-One Guide to Exam Success!

Heat treatment is a commonly used method for controlling bed bugs due to its effectiveness at eliminating these pests in all life stages, including eggs, nymphs, and adults. This method involves raising the temperature of the infested area to a level that is lethal to bed bugs, typically between 120°F to 140°F.

Heat is beneficial because it penetrates into materials and crevices where bed bugs may hide, ensuring thorough treatment of infested items such as mattresses, furniture, and carpet. Unlike some chemical treatments that may require multiple applications or may not reach the insects hidden in all the nooks and crannies, heat treatment achieves rapid eradication in a single application, provided that it is conducted correctly.

In comparison, freezing treatment does not consistently kill bed bugs unless the temperature is extremely low and sustained for a specific period. Chemical spraying can be effective but often requires repeated applications and careful handling to minimize human and environmental impact. Trapping can help monitor bed bug presence but is not an effective control method on its own, as it does not eliminate the infestation.