It is the most compact, convenient, and foolproof unit available today.
When it comes to heaters, most don’t heat up perfectly. Many have “cold spots” that bed bugs hide in during treatment. Longer heating cycles are required for those heaters.
The Ranger is the only heater we’ve found that can advertise cold spot-free construction. This sets it apart from the competition.
For reviews of all the best bed bug heaters available now, see our page that reviews them all.
Key Features
- Volume: 4 cubic feet of usable space
- Dimensions: Length: 18 inches, Width: 13 inches, Height: 27 inches, 6.7 pounds unloaded
- Materials: Welded PVC interior keeps bugs in. A heavy zipper keeps unit insulated. White interior for good visibility. 420D nylon insulates and has great durability
- Heating Method: Heat conductors integrated on all 6 sides for complete even-heating
- Maximum Temperature: 120˚F -160˚F
- Temperature Probe: Sometimes included
- Setup: Place support base load, plug in, run – 3 minutes easily
- Time per Load: 2, 6 or 8 hours
- Automatic Shutoff: Yes
- Compact: Folds into the size of a briefcase for storage
- Controls: Simple one-button time setting
The Ranger is made entirely of welded, sealed, and completely insulated nylon fabric. As long as you follow instructions and keep the unit upright, bed bugs won’t be making it out.
Unlike most heaters, the ranger is completely silent! Most have noisy fans that blow heated air constantly. This is a great feature when you consider that heaters must be run for up to 8 hours at a time.
The one-minute setup could not be easier. Its integrated heating elements are far more convenient than external heating fans.
You’ll have a generous amount of leeway to even fit a wheeled suitcase. This heater is a traveler’s best friend.
How Does it Perform?
The Ranger can treat an empty suitcase in as little as 2 hours thanks to its 360˚ heating system.
Most brands of heater recommend using full 6-8 hour cycles when treating anything. This is for safety reasons to combat cold spots.
The only time you’ll need to use a full cycle with your Ranger is when treating a full suitcase.
To kill bed bugs with heat, they must be exposed to temperatures above 115˚F for at least an hour. Exposing them for over an hour ensures complete eradication of bugs at all life stages.
It is always a good idea to use a temperature probe or monitor. A probe will help you be 100% sure that heat has fully saturated your luggage. Placing one in the densest part of your suitcase takes away any question that the heat has done its job.
Independent lab tests have verified that the Ranger reaches temperatures of at least 120˚F. Follow the manual’s instructions for best results.
ThermalStrike Ranger Review
| Available at | Best offers today |
 | CHECK PRICE |
| Price | |
| Rating | 100 |
The ThermalStrike Ranger is a heater that simply works. For travelers looking to prevent bed bugs, there’s no better heater.
For those looking for a heater to help with an active infestation, a different heater will be better. The next section will cover alternatives.
The Ranger is not big enough to treat much more than a carryon suitcase. Its convenience comes from how specialized it is.
- Most affordable heater
- No cold spots
- No assembly required
- Simple one-button operation
- Fast treatment cycle
- 360˚ heating
Even if you do have larger pieces of luggage to treat, things like duffel bags can be dealt with in two batches.
Who Should Buy it?
There’s no better heater for the job of preventatively heat-treating luggage.
The Ranger is perfect for anyone who frequently comes into contact with bed bug hotspots.
Travelers and pest control professionals will get great mileage out of their Rangers.
Get home, toss your luggage in the Thermalstrike, your clothes in the dryer, and take a shower. There’s no easier way to prevent bed bugs from getting your home.
Travelers will love that they never have to worry about bringing bed bugs back at home.
Pest control operators are fans of the Ranger for quick treatment of their kits and clothes after a day on the job.
The Ranger allows you to deal with being exposed to bed bug hotspots without a worry. Offices, family, or friends that have bed bugs no longer have to be off-limits.
It will pay for itself in no time.
What Can it Be Used On?
Dealing with an active infestation? You can use the Ranger like any other bed bug heater.
It’s a great alternative to the dryer for larger items or for items that call for something a little gentler like:
- Thrifted and used goods
- Library books
- Shoes
- Clothes
- Luggage
- Documents
- CDs
- Bedding
- Curtains
- Pillows
- Boxes of miscellaneous goods
- Briefcases
- Purses
It is useful to know that you can throw garbage bags and Ziploc bags full of things in the Ranger. The bag will not melt and works as a convenient container!
Be sure to keep bags open so that heat can circulate effectively.
Certain electronics can also be treated by heaters. Be sure to read your manufacturer’s manual before exposing electronics to heat. Many electronics can be damaged at the upper limits of 160˚F.
ThermalStrike Alternatives
Compared to the ThermalStrike Ranger,
- The ZappBug Heater has 3 times more space
- The PackTite SC has 3 times more space
- The ZappBug Oven 2 has 6 times more space
- The PackTite Closet has 6 times more space
For the same price, you can consider the larger ZappBug Heater. The ZappBug offers twice the usable space for nearly the same price.
Looking for more in-depth reviews? Read through the Bed Bug Heater Page and have all your questions answered.
Click any product name or picture to go to the corresponding review:
 |  |  |  |  | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ThermalStrike Ranger | ZappBug Heater | ZappBug Oven 2 | PackTite Closet | ZappBug Room | |
| Volume | 3.6 cubic feet | 13.6 cubic feet | 25.3 cubic feet | 25 cubic feet | 286 cubic feet |
| Heating Method | 6-sided Conductive | 1 Convective Air Heater | 2 Convective Air Heaters | 1 Convective Air Heater | 4 Convective Air Heaters |
| Cold Spots | None | Yes | Yes | None | Yes |
| Setup Time | Under 5 min | About 5 min | Under 10 min | Under 15 min | Under 20 min |
| Rating | 96 / 100 | 90 / 100 | 92 / 100 | 60 / 100 | 96 / 100 |
| Full Review | View | View | View | View | View |
When buying bed bug heaters, you pay more for more space and more heaters. You can read more about the different options at the heaters review page.
Thanks for Reading!
We’re big fans of the Ranger here. I personally use it after having dealt with bed bugs twice.
Gone are the days of scrambling to the dryer, keeping luggage in trash bags, and leaving my bag out in the yard for weeks. I was more than happy to pay the entry fee for a life free of worry.
It’s proven itself to be a great buy.
If you’ll be using the Ranger while battling an infestation, you should be using it as a part of your plan.
Following a plan is the only way to guarantee yourself results. Take the time to put one together so you can get rid of bed bugs the first time.
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