Sep 17 2008
PackTite: A Viable Product For “Untreatables?”
The creator of the PackTite system sent me a unit for my evaluation.
I have finished the preliminary testing of the PackTite unit and am pleased to see that the unit is capable of reaching the thermal death point for bed bugs (120F) and keeping it there.
My results are as follows;
The Packtite unit was set up in a room with an ambient temperature of 84F. The Packtite unit was empty with the exception of the two temperature probes (Probe A and Probe B).
Probe A was wrapped in a cotton towel (with a 1 inch thick towel barrier all around it) and placed at one end of the unit on top of the grating.
Probe B was placed at the other end of the unit on top of the grating.
The test was run and data collected every 15 minutes and recorded. The time at which Probe A and Probe B each reached 120F was also recorded. Once the temperature of both probes reached 120F the test was stopped.
Time Probe A Probe B
4:45pm 79F 79F
5:00pm 89F 107F
5:15pm 100F 116F
5:27pm 107F 120F
5:30pm 108F 120F
5:45pm 113F 121F
6:00pm 116F 123F
6:15pm 118F 123F
6:21pm 120F 123F
The unit does require further testing with different materials and capacities to ensure that it is effective for practical treatment of people’s belongings. I will be conducting these in the coming week and will discuss my results.
The product is available at (http://packtite.com). This is not an endorsement.
5 Responses to “PackTite: A Viable Product For “Untreatables?””
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Hi Sean!
Thanks for the review.
I saw a video on the Packtite website which showed a cord coming through the top of the box, during operation. I was concerned that bed bugs might be able to escape along the cord. I asked David James, who told me the materials used were designed to prevent this.
Any thoughts on that aspect of the design, having seen and used the device?
Hello Nobugs,
Yes, the cord does come out the top of the unit and in my opinion this is a design flaw that can be corrected. David has done field trials and has not had any escapees as of yet, but this is definitely one area that I will be testing as I do believe it to be a concern.
Sean.
Thanks, Sean!
What is the current status of your tests of PackTite?
I have completed my tests but have not had time to discuss them with the manufacturer before publishing them.
In summary, I am happy with the unit.
Sean.