INDIANAPOLIS -- A new technique to eradicate bed bugs uses heat to kill the insects, wherever they hide.

In the past, chemicals were often used to try and root out the bugs, but many of those were found to be harmful to humans and were banned. Steam is also used to get at the pests, but isn't always efficient.

An Indianapolis exterminator is now using convectional heat to kill the bugs on contact, 6News' Stacia Matthews reported.

"We are reaching temperatures of 140 to 150 degrees in order to reach a thermal death point for bed bugs, which is 113 degrees," said Elia Levin with Gold Seal Pest Control. "Through aggressive air movement, it will allow that heat to reach those difficult to reach places."

Debra Jones used the service at her parent's home, after she said they bought a used mattress that turned out to be infested.

"The bed bugs bit them every night. It's not good and it's not healthy," she said. "It'll make us feel good that finally, after so many months, they can go back to having a good night's sleep."

Levin said one treatment will eradicate an infestation. She said heat will soon be used to get rid of other household bugs as well.

"This is the most exciting technology that has ever crossed," Levin said. "Heat is the future of pest management."

Bed bugs are not known to transmit disease, but their bites can cause infections and allergic reactions in some people.