Heat is non-toxic, and can kill all bed bug life stages including bed bug eggs. However, heat treatment of any kind (except your home clothes dryer) is still relatively expensive and has no residual (long lasting) activity. The lack of residual activity means that bed bugs can re-infest again the day after treatment.

Can bed bugs return even after treatment? Unfortunately, yes, but that is often the result when treatment is applied incorrectly. Remember, just because you can't see them doesn't mean they aren't in your home. Treating the infested area is a start, but it is often a small part of the overall problem.

Pyrethroids are synthetic chemical insecticides that act like pyrethrins. Both compounds are lethal to bed bugs and can flush bed bugs out of their hiding places and kill them.

It's usually safe to celebrate true success if you haven't seen any bed bugs or experienced any bites for six to eight weeks after treatment.