Frequently Asked Questions

What is ThermaPureHeat®?

ThermaPureHeat® is a patented, truly revolutionary pest control technology. It utilizes clean, dry, odorless heat instead of chemicals to kill mold, termites, bacteria and improve the indoor air quality of your structure.

Pioneered as an alternative to chemical fumigation, Heat is now recognized by the pest control industry as the only non-chemical termite control method that is as effective as chemical fumigation for treating entire structures. Unlike fumigation, which is applied only to entire “tented” structures, ThermaPureHeat® is highly effective for localized or area treatments, such as infestations confined to a single unit in a multi-unit condo or apartment complex, or even a single wall, a room, or attic.

How does the ThermaPure® process work?

The treatment area is wrapped with thermal tarps and hot air is directed into the structure raising wood-core temperatures as high as 130°F. The temperatures are monitored and recorded using digital thermometers. Temperatures are generally held for 60 minutes, ensuring an effective treatment.

How do you get Heat into the house?

Specially engineered heaters are placed outside home and hot air is directed through flexible mylar ducting to the treatment area.

What does that do to the house?

The technology is very safe. Only heat sensitive items need be removed during treatment (i.e. candles, chocolates, and soft meltable items). In some cases, large items like TV’s are wrapped and protected with thermal blankets.

Does the Structural Pest Control Board accept this process?

Yes. In fact, ThermaPureHeat® is recognized as the ONLY non-toxic termite treatment approved for full structures. It is more effective than freezing, microwave, or electricity.

Do you have any studies that prove the effectiveness?

Yes, several, but perhaps the most comprehensive study was Villa Termite. U.C. Berkeley conducted a 5-year study at the order of the Structural pest Control Board. Its conclusion was Heat and Fumigation were the only two methods offering 90% or more insect mortality rate in the wood. (link to Villa Termite article)

What about all of my food?

With ThermaPureHeat® there is no need to worry about contaminating your kitchen utensils or bagging food.

Will you damage my plants?

Yes. Plants need to be removed from treatment area. Those outside should be trimmed back from walls to allow proper heat flow.

Will you damage my tile roof?

With ThermaPureHeat® there is rarely any need to walk on the rooftop, effectively eliminating roof/tile damage caused when fumigating.

How does the cost compare to fumigation?

If you factor in the hidden costs of overnight move-out and potential roof damage caused when fumigating, the ThermaPureHeat® process will be comparable in pricing. Additionally, with ThermaPureHeat® you get the additional benefits associated with improved indoor air quality that you simply won't get with fumigation.

My attic reaches similar temperatures in the summer, why do I still have termites?

Its true that attics get very hot, but the ThermaPureHeat® process goes beyond the temperature of the air and raises the wood-core temperature to 130°F and sustains it for an hour.

What about my pets?

Pets need to be outside of the treatment area for the day only.

Are there any buildings that can’t be treated with ThermaPureHeat®?

No, but some buildings require additional preparation, such as those with fire sprinklers.

Why don't more pest control operators recommend ThermaPureHeat®?

Until January 2004, we severely limited the number of licensees in each state

Will ThermaPureHeat® cause damage to my house?

No. The temperatures used in a ThermaPureHeat® treatment are not extreme. They are no hotter than a sauna, and are well below safety standards. Any heat-sensitive items are either removed or protected by special thermal blankets, and things that melt easily (ie. Chocolate, make-up, etc.) can be put in the refrigerator or removed.

Do I need to remove anything from my home prior to treatment?

In most cases, you will need to remove certain heat-sensitive items from the treatment area. The document below provides a list of such items usually removed or specially protected during treatment. Always consult your ThermaPureHeat® technician to ensure the best possible results.

Heat Sensitive Items

What if I have an isolated infestation?

ThermaPureHeat® can be used as either a whole structure treatment, or an isolated area treatment. In a report given by the California Department of Consumer Affairs, ThermaPure® was the only treatment recognized as effective for both whole-structure and local treatments.

Is it as effective as chemical fumigation?

In a study done by the University of California-Berkley, researchers found ThermaPureHeat® to be more effective than chemical fumigation when done properly.

Does it have any residual effects?

Neither chemical fumigation nor ThermaPureHeat® have a residual effect. They kill what is in the house, but won't kill anything entering after the treatment.

Why should I use ThermaPureHeat® instead of fumigation?

Consumers prefer ThermaPureHeat® for a number of reasons. There are no chemicals, no move out required, no odor, no roof damage, no bagging of food and medicine and no harm to pets. On top of that, our ThermaPure certified companies have lower call back rates with ThermaPure® than they do with fumigation.