Bedbugs have plagued homes, hotels, and a range of other industries for years. New infestations have been reported in several European countries in the past few weeks causing national panic and psychosis. Despite their tiny size, bedbugs can cause significant distress and discomfort, damaging reputations and customer experiences. With travelers moving from one place to another, the small insects easily hitch a ride, making hotels particularly susceptible. But there are safe eradication solutions that are both effective and environmentally friendly: mechanical freezing or heating.

What are Bedbugs?
Bedbugs (Cimex lectularius) are small, reddish-brown insects that feed on the blood of humans and animals. They are nocturnal and like to come out during the night. Their bites can lead to itchy and painful welts, allergic reactions, and psychological distress. Due to their flat bodies, they can easily hide in mattresses, furniture, and luggage, making them particularly troublesome for hotels and travelers.

The problem
1. Spread: Bedbugs reproduce quickly, and even a minor infestation can rapidly become a significant issue. They are adept hitchhikers, transferring from one location to another with ease.
2. Reputation: In the hospitality industry, even a single report of bedbugs can damage a hotel's reputation, resulting in loss of customers and revenue.
3. Treatment Challenges: Traditional methods like pesticides may not always be effective, especially given that bedbugs have developed resistance to several chemical treatments. Moreover, chemical methods can be harmful to the environment and may pose health risks.

Low-Temperature Cold Stores and Heating units as a Solution
Cooling or heating to treat bedbugs is not a new concept, but using low-temperature cold stores or high temperature units offer good industrial-scale solutions.

1. How it works: Bedbugs, at all stages of their life cycle, are susceptible to extreme cold or high temperatures. By exposing infested items to temperatures below -20°C (-4°F) for a prolonged period (typically 4 days or more) or over 60° C (140°F) for several hours, bedbugs can be effectively killed.
2. Benefits:
- Eco-Friendly: These methods don't rely on chemicals, making it environmentally friendly and reducing health risks associated with pesticides.
- Comprehensive: Cold and heat treatments are effective against all stages of the bedbug life cycle, from eggs to adults.
- Non-Destructive: Unlike chemical treatments, which can damage certain items, cold and heat treatments are typically non-destructive.
3. Implementation in Hotels and Other Industries:
- Hotels can rent low-temperature cold stores to treat infested furniture, bedding, and other items.
- Hotels can also choose to hire heating units to set up directly in the infested rooms. Heating is a complementary solution to treat the room furnishings that cannot be moved such as cupboards, carpeting, or wallpaper. The heating unit option will be selected depending on the areas needing treatment. Portable units are fitted for small rooms while heat pumps with air handling units are more complex but more efficient solutions for larger areas.

Challenges and Considerations
- Costs: Setting up cold stores or thermal units can be offered as temporary solutions that require a rental cost. However, it could prove more cost-effective than repeated chemical treatments and potential revenue loss from unsatisfied customers.
- Time: While chemical treatments can be quicker, cooling or heating solutions require from a few hours to a few days to ensure all bedbugs are eradicated.

Conclusion
As the hospitality industry and others grapple with the persistent challenge of bedbugs, it's crucial to consider innovative, effective, and sustainable solutions. Low-temperature cold stores and thermal units present options that address the issue comprehensively, protecting both customers and the environment. With the right approach, freezing and thermal solutions can bring relief to industries worldwide.

Contact your Trane Rental sales engineer today to discuss your best option

Learn more about Trane rental solutions against bedbugs