Rent-to-own News - RTO inspired inventor turns up heat on bed bugs

Bed bugs' worst nightmare: the Bug Out Thermal Extermination System, a new invention from Premier dealer Mike Frye.

A simple Google search for "bed bug solutions" yields a plethora of results from options involving various combinations of bug sniffing dogs, specially designed mattress covers and heavy duty pesticides

According to National Pest Management Association (which represents 7,000 pest control companies) revenues from bedbug extermination hit $258 million in 2009, up from $98 million in 2006. Industry officials expect 2011 revenues to close in on the one billion mark.

While many larger rent to own companies have devised their own treatment systems for dealing with bed bugs, others are left to sort through what can be a very expensive process on an outbreak-by-outbreak basis.

Mike Frye may have a cost effective solution for long-term management of bed bugs. He calls it the Bug Out Thermal Extermination System.

A 14-year RTO veteran and current manager of Premier Rental Purchase in Altoona, Pennsylvania Mike Frye is married to Sandi Frye, Premier Rental Purchase franchisee and president of the Pennsylvania Association of Rental Dealers.

He is also a lifelong tinkerer. He hobbies out of his garage and has built custom chopper-style motorcycles from the ground up.

Mike and Sandi Frye.

With the understanding that high heat -- at least to 125 degrees fahrenheit for one minute -- is the only non-toxic way to kill both bedbugs and their eggs, he undertook the task of bringing an affordable bed bug solution to the rent to own industry.

His latest  "tinker" -- a 50 pound aluminum and steel device -- may spell relief for RTO companies across the industry, or at least provide a cost effective in-house alternative to dealing with the critters.

"I began researching and found the heated trailers, the kind that super heat and kill off the infested items, run about $30,000," Frye said. "Pesticides were cheaper but require multiple visits and involve toxic chemicals. There are other units out there that do this, but I knew I could get those same results with a much more portable and cost effective system that could be especially useful for RTO dealers."

The $2,999 unit, just bigger than a split box spring is installed in the back of a 12-foot big delivery truck -- some dealers may prefer a permanent insulated box -- and operates from a 220 volt 50 amp circuit so a 50 amp range type outlet installed by the back door of the store is helpful. The cables are then connected and a thermostat is inserted into the edge of a mattress to measure internal temperature.

A 25-foot cable connects the heating unit to the temperature control box which tells the unit to run full power until the core of the mattress reaches 135 degrees. It then runs for 60 minutes cycling between 125 and 135 before it turns itself off.

"What's great about it, besides the cost is it has no moving parts and it's safer than kerosene or propane powered heaters," Frye said.  "Keep in mind that even when the truck temperature reaches 125 or 135, it takes about an hour for the heat to penetrate the mattress or upholstery. This is referred to as heat soak."

Frye recently tested the device on a zero-degree wind chill night and was able to heat the back of a truck to 155.

Microfiber has been tested within eight inches of the heating unit and emerged unscathed.

Each system is custom built when ordered and the price is $2,999 and includes free shipping. Though a detailed instruction manuel is included, Frye recommends anyone interested come to Altoona for a live demo.

Dan Fisher, vice president of Majik Rent-to-Own, recently ordered one of Frye's Bug Out systems after a live demo.

Fisher, who oversees six stores in Pennsylvania said the investment was easily justifiable.

"We have had situations where our product goes out and may come back with bed bugs," Fisher said. "In some cases it may be a $1,000 write off if they get into a sectional because we have to throw it out. A few of those and it's already paid for itself. I also like that it's got the internal thermometer so you can see how hot its getting where it counts. We've written off well in excess of the cost in a year and we are very excited to take delivery of the product."

For a detailed discussion of bed bugs, control and extermination strategies, go here.

For more information on the Bug Out Thermal Extermination System, contact Mike Frye Sr., Frye Fabrication, LLC at fryefabrication@gmail.com or by cell at 814/381-6355