In the fall of 2023, Ohio experienced a massive bed bug infestation. And it is getting worse, especially for shared-living properties. Compared to other forms of treating bed bug infestations, heat treatment offers a chemical-free and effective way to eliminate bugs. More importantly, it is a safer method of treatment for people and pets with asthma or other respiratory problems. EDEN could spend $25,000 to hire vendors to do 10 units, or it could purchase the equipment for $22,846 to do 100s.
EDEN owns and manages more than 1000 housing units. Bed bugs have impacted northeast Ohio greatly. EDEN has been diligent in hiring exterminators to eliminate the infestations in its properties and has spent thousands of dollars. However, the chemicals do not kill the eggs, and they become immune to the chemicals once they hatch. In addition, some tenants are understandably wary of the secondary effects of the chemicals on themselves and pets. We need a cost-effective treatment option.
Heat treatment creates temperatures that are extremely high in the affected area, thereby eradicating the infestation Raising the temperature to 120 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit for at least 90 minutes will kill them. It also gets rid of eggs, nymphs, and mature bed bugs. Compared to other forms of treating bed bug infestations, heat treatment offers a chemical-free and effective way to eliminate bugs. It is also safer or people and pets with asthma or other respiratory problems.
Vendors do offer heat treatments in northeast Ohio; however, their estimate of $2,500 per unit makes their hire not feasible. It will be most cost-effective for EDEN to purchase its own heating systems and to train its maintenance technicians in its use. This will allow for an immediate response whenever a tenant reports a bed bug infestation. EDEN could spend $25,000 to hire vendors to do ten units, or it could purchase the equipment for $22,846 and do hundreds of units.
This project has provided additional documentation in a PDF file (projdoc.pdf).
