ZappBug ZappBug Heater User manual
ZappBug®Heater
User Manual
V3.04.22
KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN
Manufactured For:
ZAPPBUG
1700 WESTLAKE AVE N STE 200
SEATTLE WA 98109
EPA Est. No. 101830-CHN-1
MADE IN CHINA
Net Weight: 11 lbs (5 kg)
©2014-2022 ZappBug. All rights reserved. Product specications subject to change.
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3
Table of Contents
Important Safety Information....................................................4
IMPORTANT Physical or Chemical Hazards.............................5
Hints & Tips...................................................................................7
Components Included..............................................................8
Directions for Use........................................................................9
1. Unfold the ZappBug Heater............................................................9
2. Connect the ZappBug Thermal Unit ..............................................9
3.SupportConguration......................................................................10
4. Wireless Thermometer Set Up..........................................................11
5. Turn on ZappBug Thermal Unit..........................................................14
6. Insert Items for Heat Treatment........................................................15
7. Run Time.............................................................................................15
8. Remove Items After Heat Treatment..............................................16
9. Folding and Storing the ZappBug Heater.......................................16
Heat Treatment Chart................................................................17
Troubleshooting...........................................................................18
Warranty Information.................................................................20
©2014-2022 ZappBug. All rights reserved. Product specications subject to change.
Important Safety Information
You must comply with all safety information and operating
instructions when using this product. Please read all Safety and
Hazard Information outlined in this manual.
Failure to comply could result in personal injury, damage to
property,orrehazards.
5
PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL HAZARDS
Power outlets with poor electrical connections can become dangerously
overheatedandmayresultinsevereinjury,damagetoproperty,orre.
High-power appliances require more electric current than most household items.
Old or high-use outlets can have poor or loose connections. The high current
required by this product, combined with a poor electrical connection can cause
outlets to overheat and melt. It is important to make sure that any outlets used
with this product have strong electrical contact.
Follow the steps below for safe use of ANY high-power appliances:
1. Inspect outlet connection and contact strength.
Insert a standard, two-prong plug (without ground connection) into
the outlet. Ensure that both prong connections offer strong and equal
resistance when inserted. If the two-prong plug does not offer strong
resistance or one prong feels easier to insert than the other, this outlet
could be unsafe for high-power appliances. Have an electrician
inspect and/or replace the outlet before use.
2. Ensure that the outlet is no older than 15 years.
3. If you are unsure about an outlet, have an electrician inspect and/or
replace the outlet.
4. Inspect outlets and plugs after each use.
Read This IMPORTANT!
SAFETY AND HAZARD
INORMATION Before
Proceeding
IMPORTANT SAFETY AND HAZARD INORMATION
©2014-2022 ZappBug. All rights reserved. Product specications subject to change.
IMPORTANT: Extension Cords
Some extension cords are not adequate to carry the load of current drawn by
this ZappBug thermal unit without becoming dangerously overheated. If an
extension cord must be used, do not use a cord rated less than 1500 watts or 15
amps, and of a minimum size of 16 gauge. Only use an extension cord with the
UL seal. Use of an inadequate extension cord may result in overheating of the
extensioncordorre.
IMPORTANT: Old Electrical Wiring and Outlets
Each ZappBug thermal unit will draw 12-15 amps of current (1500 Watts) and
must be run on circuits rated 15 amps and above only. Some old electrical
wiring and outlets may not be capable of sustaining these loads. If you are
unsure of the electrical wiring or outlets in your location, contact an electrician
before operating ZappBug or any other high-current products. Old or faulty
electricalwiringcouldleadtodamage,injury,orre.Ifanelectricalcord
appears deformed or feels hot to the touch, unplug it immediately and contact
ZappBug customer service.
Additional Safety Information
• Failure to comply with the safety information presented by this manual may
result in severe injury and/or damage to property.
• Incorrect assembly or improper use may result in hazardous conditions.
Only assemble the ZappBug Heater according to instructions in this manual.
• Do not block air intake or exhaust vents on heater. Obstructions of the
intake or exhaust vents can cause the ZappBug thermal unit to overheat
and pose a re hazard. Always maintain 6 or more inches of clearance
around the ZappBug thermal unit during operation.
• Do not use outside or in a wet environment. This product is designed for
indoor use only.
• Do not reach into or insert objects into the ventilation fan while the Zap-
pBug thermal unit is running. This may result in personal injury or damage to
the ZappBug thermal unit.
• DonotplaceammableobjectsoraerosolsinsidetheZappBugHeater.
• Some items may be damaged during heat treatment. Use care when
heat treating fragile items made of materials such as antique leather
and wood.
• Consult the manufacturer of items in question, such as electronics, for a
maximum safe temperature before placing them in the ZappBug Heater.
Always monitor the temperature to ensure that it does not exceed the
recommended level.
7
Hints & Tips
BED BUGS
• Researchers have found that bed bugs at all life stages die quickly at
temperatures at or above 120°F.
• Bedbugeggsarenearlytranslucentandincrediblydifculttodetect.
• A best practice is to heat treat all items that may have been in the vicinity
of bed bugs even if no bed bugs are found.
• Bed bugs can survive for up to 18 months without feeding. It is critical that
all potentially infested items are heat treated or, alternatively, sealed and
stored for 18 months.
• Bedbugscanattentheirbodiesandslip into tiny cracks.
• Bed bugs are unable to climb smooth, nonporous surfaces like the lining of
the ZappBug Heater.
THE ZAPPBUG HEATER
• Always use provided support blocks and/or net to ensure maximum air
circulation around your belongings. If your belongings are densely packed
togetheritwilltakesignicantlymoretimeforthemtoreachbedbug
killing temperatures.
• Make sure to turn the ZappBug thermal unit on before placing potentially
infested items inside the ZappBug Heater.
• Only use indoors with an ambient room temperature at or above 70°F. The
ZappBug thermal unit works by adding heat to the air from the room in
which it is located. If the ambient temperature is below 70°F, the ZappBug
Heater may not reach bed bug killing temperatures.
• Always monitor the temperature inside the ZappBug Heater with the
thermometer and thermometer probe provided.
• DonotplacetheZappBugHeaterdirectlyoncoldoorssuchas
concrete. Always place the ZappBug Heater on surfaces at or above 70°F.
©2014-2022ZappBug.Allrightsreserved.Productspecicationssubjecttochange.
Support Block Support Net
ZappBug Thermal Unit
with Integrated Timer
Folded ZappBug Heater
Shell and Carry Bag
Wireless Thermometer
and probe
X2 X1
X1 X1
X1
Components Included
The following components are required for proper use of this product. If you did
not receive all of the components listed below, contact ZappBug immediately
Note: Some components may appear different from the representations below.
9
Use & Operation
1. Unfold the ZappBug Heater
2. Connect the ZappBug Thermal Unit
Note: It is normal for one side of the ZappBug Heater to appear
warped. This allows the ZappBug Heater to easily fold and does
not affect functionality. If warping appears excessive, shake the
ZappBug Heater to ensure that each side panel is fully extended.
Locate Ventilation Tube Place Base of ZappBug
Thermal Unit in Tube
Stretch Tube Around
ZappBug Thermal Unit
(Observe “Do Not Cover” markings)
Note: It is normal for small gaps to appear between the textured side of the
ZappBug thermal unit and the ventilation tube. Bed bugs will not escape
through these gaps if the ZappBug thermal unit is on. Bed bugs experience
thermal shock and are not capable of moving toward the ZappBug thermal
unit. Always ensure that the ZappBug thermal unit is on when placing potentially
infested items inside the ZappBug Heater.
Safety Note: Always maintain a minimum clearance of 6 inches around the
ZappBug thermal unit when operating.
©2014-2022 ZappBug. All rights reserved. Product specications subject to change.
Use & Operation (continued)
3. Support Conguration
The ZappBug Heater has a unique and modular support system which is designed to
accommodate a wide range of items. Support blocks allow for ventilation around
rigid, heavy items such as luggage and small furniture. A combination of support
blocks and the support net allow for ventilation around loose items such as books and
clothing.Followtheappropriatesupportcongurationforyouritemsasshownbelow.
Itiscriticalthatairisallowedtoowfreelyaroundtheitemsyouareheattreating.
Ifaircannotowfreelyintheunititwilltakelongertoreach120°F. If items are
placed too close to the ZappBug thermal units, or if airow inside is obstructed
and the ZappBug thermal unit will beep. Whenever possible, do not allow items to
touchthesides,top,orbottomoftheZappBugHeatertoensureadequateairow.
Attach support net to loops located
inside the ZappBug Heater
Place support blocks under the
support net
Note: Densely packed items will take longer to treat. Better air circulation will
heat your items faster and ensure bed bug killing temperatures. Always use the
included thermometer and thermometer probe.
11
Use & Operation (continued)
4. Wireless Thermometer Set Up
The ZappBug Heater comes with a thermometer base station and a remote probe.
Thermometer Base Station
Thermometer Probe
Note: Set up the thermometer
basestationrst
©2014-2022ZappBug.Allrightsreserved.Productspecicationssubjecttochange.
Use & Operation (continued)
Thermometer Base Station Set Up
3
1
2
1. Time
2. Ambient Room Temperature
3. Reception Icon
4. Probe Sensor Temperature
1. Battery Compartment
2. Stand Mount
2
1
Figure 2
Figure 2
Figure 1
Figure 1
1. Remove the battery door on the back of the base station as, shown in
Figure 1 below.
2. Insert one AA battery. The LCD segments will light up for a few seconds to
verify that all segments are operating properly.
3. The thermometer base station will instantly display the ambient temperature.
The probe temperatures will update on the display within a few minutes after
you place batteries in the thermometer probe. See Thermometer Probe Set
Up on page 13.
4
IMPORTANT: Insert batteries and set
up thermometer base station rst
13
Remove the battery door on the back of the thermometer probe by sliding the
door down and insert one AA battery.
1. After inserting the battery, the remote sensor LED indicator will light for 4
seconds,andthenashonceperminute,thereafter.Eachtimeitashes,the
sensor is transmitting data.
2. Close the battery door.
on the thermometer base station. See Figure 2.
3. Place the wireless thermometer probe in the deepest, most insulated part
of the item being treated. Allow the ZappBug Heater to run for 60 minutes or
longer after the temperatures reaches 120°F.
4. If you are not present while the unit is running, we advise setting the timer to
8 hours, however this is generally more time than required for the ZappBug
Heater to reach 120°F and maintain it for one hour.
5. If the base station does not update, view troubleshooting tips on page 18.
Whileinsearchmode,thereceptioniconwillash
Thermometer Probe Set Up
1
2
3
1. Wireless Transmitter LED
2. AA Battery
3. Battery Door
Thermometer Probe
Use & Operation (continued)
©2014-2022ZappBug.Allrightsreserved.Productspecicationssubjecttochange.
Use & Operation (continued)
5. Turn on ZappBug Thermal Unit
1. Plug the ZappBug thermal unit into power outlet
2. Place power switch in ON position.
3. Press the TIMER button to select desired run time.
We recommend using the 8-hour setting for large loads and the 4-hour setting for
small to medium loads. Always use the included thermometer and thermometer
probetoconrmthatthetemperaturereacheslethallevels.SeeHeatTreatment
Chart on page 17 for more information.
Overheat Light
If the ZappBug thermal unit overheats, the
overheat light will turn on and the ZappBug
thermal unit will begin to beep.
If the overheat light is on, turn the ZappBug
thermal unit off by switching the power
switch to the OFF position. Remove the
ZappBug thermal unit from the ventilation
tube and allow it to cool for 20 minutes.
The ZappBug thermal unit overheats when
hot air is being blocked from exiting the
ZappBug thermal unit. Before restarting
the treatment, be sure that all ZappBug
enclosure contents are at least 6 inches
away from the ZappBug thermal unit to
ensure proper air circulation.
If the problem persists, contact ZappBug customer service.
Safety Note: Each ZappBug thermal unit draws 1500 watts of electrical power.
Do not use extension cords rated below 1500 watts.
15
6. Insert Items for Heat Treatment
7. Run Time
Place items inside the ZappBug Heater on top of support blocks and/or support
net. To ensure adequate airow, items should not touch the walls or ceiling of
the chamber. Place the wireless thermometer probe in the deepest location in
the items being treated to ensure all the materials will be exposed to the 120°F
necessary to kill bed bugs. After that, zip the top cover closed.
Hint: Always open luggage and arrange items loosely to ensure proper air
circulation. If items are densely packed, they take longer to heat.
Bed bugs die at temperatures of 120°F or above in less than two minutes. The
higher the temperature, the less time it takes to kill them. The standard practice
for heat treating is to measure the temperature at one, representative location.
When the temperature at this location reaches 120°F and is held at 120°F (or
above) for one or more hours, the heat treatment is complete.
Once the remote sensor reaches a temperature of
120°F or above, run the ZappBug thermal unit for
60 minutes.
Use & Operation (continued)
Safety Note: The ZappBug thermal unit draw 1500 watts of electrical power. Do
not use extension cords rated below 1500 watts.
Safety Tip Over Switch
If the ZappBug thermal unit and timer are plugged
into an outlet, and the timer is ON, the ZappBug
thermal unit should automatically begin to run.
If the ZappBug thermal unit is plugged in but not
operating, check the safety tip-over switch located
on the bottom of the ZappBug thermal unit. The
safety tip-over switch is a small black button that
must be pressed in to run the ZappBug thermal unit.
This switch is a safety feature to stop the ZappBug
thermal unit from running if it is tipped over.
Safety Tip Over Switch
©2014-2022 ZappBug. All rights reserved. Product specications subject to change.
9. Folding and Storing the ZappBug Heater
Store the folded ZappBug Heater, thermometer and thermometer probe, support
blocks and net inside the carry bag. Store in a dry place.
1. Disconnect ZappBug Thermal Unit
2.ZipthetopapoftheZappBugHeaterclosed
3. Fold ZappBug Heater by pushing one of the four long edges across to the
long edge diagonally opposite.
Zip Closed
Fold Diagonally
End View
Fold Diagonally
8. Remove Items After Heat Treatment
Hint: If your home is infested with bed bugs, place all items into sealed plastic
bags or containers immediately after heat treatment to prevent re-exposure.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INORMATION: Items may be hot after heat treatment. Wait
for items to cool before handling. Items such as metal zippers can remain hot
after heat treatment and cause burns.
Use & Operation (continued)
17
Heat Treatment Chart
Typical Heat Treatment
(Actual Treatment Times Will Vary)
010 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 120 130 140 150 160 170
600F
700F
800F
900F
1000F
1100F
1200F
1300F
1400F
1500F
LETHAL IN 1 MINUTE - 1200F
BED BUGS DEAD
TIME IN MINUTES
TEMPERATURE
INSIDE ZAPPBUG
LETHAL IN 1 HOUR - 1130F
Sources
Offi ce of the Under Secretary of Defense 2019. Bed Bugs – Importance, Biology, and Control
Strategies. The Armed Forces Pest Management Board US Army Garrison— Silver Spring, MD.
Available from: https://www.acq.osd.mil/eie/afpmb/docs/techguides/tg44.pdf
Miller, D. M. 2016. Non-Chemical Bed Bug Management. Virginia Department of Agriculture
and Consumer Services. Richmond, Va. Available from: http://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/pesti-
cides/pdffi les/bb-heat1.pdf
©2014-2022 ZappBug. All rights reserved. Product specications subject to change.
Troubleshooting
Thermometer Reset
If you’re having issues getting a temperature reading, you may need to reset
the thermometer and probe. To do that, remove the batteries from the sensor
and the display screen at the same time. Put the batteries back in the display
screen rst, followed by the probe.
Keep in mind that the display screen may lose signal if it is too far away from
the thermometer probe, or if the unit heats above 140°F. If this happens, simply
follow the reset instructions above.
Safety Tip Over Switch
If you plug in and turn on the ZappBug thermal unit and it still does not turn
on, please check the safety tip over switch which is a little black button on
the bottom of the red square ZappBug thermal unit. This button needs to be
pressed in for the ZappBug thermal unit to turn on and is designed so that if the
ZappBug thermal unit is knocked over, possibly blocking the vents, it turns off
for safety. When the ZappBug thermal unit is plugged into a wall outlet and is
atonthegroundthebuttonshouldnaturallybepressedinandtheZappBug
thermal unit should turn on.
Getting Up to Temperature
It can take a while for the unit to fully heat up, sometimes 2-3 hours or more
depending on ambient temperature or the size of the treatment load.
The most common reasons why the unit struggles to get up to 120°F are
ambient conditions and item arrangement. The ZappBug Heater works best in
rooms that are 70°F or above.
WheneverpossibledonotplacetheZappBugHeateronconcreteooring.
If you must, place insulation such as cardboard or area rugs between the
ZappBugHeaterandtheoorinordertolimitheatloss.
Alwaysarrangeitemsasspreadoutaspossibletoallowairtooweasily
throughout the ZappBug Heater.
Thermometer Probe Channel
If you aren’t able to receive a signal from the thermometer probe you may
need to set the probe channel. To do that, take the back off of the thermometer
probe and change the channel by sliding the button to position 1. The probe
needs to be on the correct channel in order to monitor treatment correctly.
19
Questions?
Please contact ZappBug directly before place of purchase
ZappBug’s staff are here to help! If you have any questions about
ZappBug or are experiencing any issues, please don’t hesitate to contact
Customer Service by phone or e-mail. Our representatives are ready to assist
Monday-Friday, 9a.m. to 5p.m. PST.
(206) 430-5514
Notes:
©2014-2022 ZappBug. All rights reserved. Product specications subject to change.
Warranty Information
One Year Limited Warranty for the ZappBug®Heater
What Does This Warranty Cover?
This warranty covers any defects or malfunctions in the ZappBug Heater. This includes ZappBug Heater items such
as: one ZappBug thermal unit, one Zappbug Heater shell, one carry bag, one support net, two support blocks,
and one wireless thermometer and probe set. Coverage terminates if you sell or otherwise transfer the ZappBug
Heater.
What Does This Warranty Not Cover?
This warranty does not cover the following:
1. Any defect or malfunction of the ZappBug Heater caused by abuse, misuse, neglect, carelessness, or accident.
2.AnydefectormalfunctioncausedbyalterationormodicationoftheZappBugHeater.
3. Any defect or malfunction of the ZappBug Heater which would not have occurred if instructions in the
owner’s manual had been followed.
4. The cost of repairing or replacing any electronics that are placed in the ZappBug Heater. (In our experience,
the ZappBug Heater operates at temperature ranges that are safe for most electronics, but we do not cover
any damage to electronics that might occur while using the ZappBug Heater).
5. The cost of repairing or replacing any property which is damaged when the ZappBug Heater does not
work properly.
6. The cost of repairing or replacing any property which is damaged due to not following the instructions in the
owner’s manual.
What is the Period of Coverage?
Coverage under this warranty is for 365 days from the original date of purchase. Coverage terminates if you sell
or otherwise transfer the ZappBug Heater.
What Will We Do to Correct Problems?
If there is a problem, ZappBug will replace or repair (at ZappBug’s discretion) the ZappBug Heater, free of
charge. You are responsible for shipping charges to send the ZappBug Heater to us for repair or replacement.
We are responsible for shipping charges to return the repaired or replaced ZappBug Heater to you.
How Do You Get Service if There is a Problem?
E-mail us at [email protected] or call us at (206)430-5514. Tell us the problem and when and where you
purchased the ZappBug Heater. We will e-mail you back with instructions on how to send us the ZappBug
Heater for repair or replacement.
How State Law Applies
Thiswarrantygivesyouspeciclegalrights,andyoumayalsohaveotherrightswhichvaryfromstatetostate.
ZappBug® warranty obligations are limited to the terms set forth below:
ZappBug warrants this product against defects in materials and workmanship for
a period of 365 days from the date of original retail purchase. This warranty is
good only to the original purchaser.
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