What Katy's climate means indoors
Katy has a humid subtropical climate. Air conditioning runs for much of the year, so the inside of a home stays at a steady, comfortable temperature in every season. Bed bugs are indoor pests, and their activity does not follow the outdoor season the way mosquitoes or ants do. A mild winter outside makes no difference to an insect living in a mattress seam.
Bed bugs in Katy homes
Bed bugs are found across the Houston area, including Katy, and the age or price of a home does not protect against them. They travel on luggage, used furniture, bedding and clothing, which is how they reach newer subdivisions as easily as older neighborhoods. In apartments and townhomes, shared walls and utility lines give them more routes between units.
Why heat is used
Bed bugs hide where a spray cannot always reach:
- Mattress seams
- Bed frames
- Baseboards
- Outlet covers
- Furniture joints
Raising a room to a high temperature, roughly 120°F or more, and holding it there lets heat reach those hiding spots. Bed bugs at every life stage are vulnerable to sustained high temperatures. The exact temperature and hold time depend on the home and the provider's equipment.
Preparing for a heat treatment
Heat-sensitive items such as candles, some plastics and pressurized containers are usually removed or set aside before treatment. Pricing depends on the size of the home and the level of infestation, so call for exact pricing.
Where to read more
If you are weighing options in Katy, a local overview of Katy bed bug heat treatment covers the process and how to get matched with a local provider.