You might be asking yourself, does steam kill bed bugs? Well, to cut straight to the chase: Yes, it does. Many of us enjoy a relaxing stint in a sauna, but for bed bugs, steam is more of a nightmare than a spa day. In this article, we’ll guide you through the ins and outs of using steam to kill bed bugs.
What Temperature Kills Bed Bugs?
Bed bugs thrive in environments that mirror the human body’s warmth, with their ideal ambient temperature hovering between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. So, when exposed to temperatures significantly above their comfort zone, bed bugs will die of the heat.
Here are the specific temperatures that are lethal to bed bugs, according to Virginia Tech:
- 113 F: Bed bugs will meet their demise at this temperature but require prolonged exposure of at least 90 minutes.
- 118 F: At this slightly higher temperature, bed bugs can be exterminated more quickly. A consistent exposure of 20 minutes is required. For bed bug eggs, that exposure increases to 90 minutes.
In sum, the higher the temperature, the less time is needed to kill the bed bugs and their eggs. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends using steamers that reach temperatures of at least 130 F.
Does Steam Cleaning Kill Bed Bugs and Their Eggs?
Steam cleaning kills bed bugs by generating a heat above their tolerance that penetrates crevices, fabrics, and hidden corners. For bed bugs, steam cleaning is like being caught in an unbearable, scorching sauna from which there is no escape.
Steam cleaners typically operate at temperatures ranging from 200 F to 300 F, which is significantly higher than the thermal death point of bed bugs and their eggs. This means that steamers kill bed bugs and bed bug eggs without mercy.
How Long Does It Take to Kill Bed Bugs With Steam?
Commercial steamers can kill bed bugs instantly. The scorching temperatures produced by steamers mean that bed bugs have no chance of survival and will die either upon contact or within minutes, depending on the temperature. The same goes for nymphs and bed bug eggs.
How to Use Steam to Kill Bed Bugs
Eliminating bed bugs with steam requires more than just waving a steamer around. Precision, patience, and the right equipment are key. Follow the steps below:
1. Choose the Right Steamer
Your steamer should be capable of reaching temperatures between 200 F and 300 F, which is when water turns to steam. Not all steamers, especially those designed for clothing and carpets, can achieve these temperatures. Verify the specifications and choose the best steamers for bed bugs.
2. Install the Correct Attachment
Attach a triangular nozzle to the hose of your steamer. Cover this nozzle with a microfiber cloth. This setup helps distribute the steam evenly, reach every nook and crevice, and prevents bed bugs from being blown away or scattered, which can spread the infestation.
3. Adjust the Pressure
Ensure the steam pressure is set to low or medium. High pressure can push bed bugs away from the heat source, making the treatment less effective. A gentle steam flow ensures that the heat penetrates bed bug hiding spots without scattering them.
4. Start Steaming
Begin at the top of the area you’re treating and work your way down. This method ensures any bed bugs trying to escape the heat will move into areas you have yet to treat, rather than away from the treated area.
5. Move Slowly
Move the streamer slowly over the surfaces you’re treating. Aim for a speed of about 12 inches every 30 seconds, or about 2.5 seconds per inch. This pace ensures that all areas receive sufficient heat exposure to kill bed bugs and their eggs.
6. Allow Surfaces to Dry
After steaming, surfaces will likely be damp. Let them dry thoroughly by opening windows and running fans to circulate air. This will prevent mold and mildew growth.
7. Repeat the Process
For the best results, repeat the steaming process 2 to 3 times, either a few hours later or the following day. This repetition helps catch any bed bugs or eggs that might have survived the initial treatment. (It’s also easy to miss spots the first time around.)
8. Be Vigilant
After completing your steam treatments, keep an eye out for any signs of remaining bed bugs. Interceptor traps are an excellent option for monitoring these nasty critters. Early detection can prevent another infestation from happening.
You can use glue traps or dry ice traps that exploit bed bugs’ attraction to carbon dioxide, and use talc powder or cornstarch to trap them in a container that they can’t escape to see if the infestation has returned. You can create your own by following the instructions from the New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station.
Keep in mind that these traps are not effective in eliminating an entire infestation, but they are a great way to check for bed bugs.
Here is a quick demonstration showing how easy it is to steam a mattress to eliminate bed bugs:
Pros and Cons of Using Steam
Steam treatments for bed bugs come with their own set of advantages and disadvantages. Let’s take a look at them:
Pros:
- Non-toxic: Steam cleaning relies solely on high temperatures to kill bed bugs. This makes it a safe option for homes with children and pets.
- Environmentally friendly: Unlike chemical pesticides, steam does not introduce harmful substances into your home or the environment.
- Effective: Steam can penetrate into cracks, crevices, and fabric folds, reaching bed bugs in places that pesticides might not.
- Kills eggs: One of the biggest challenges in controlling bed bug infestations is destroying their eggs. Steam kills bed bugs at all life stages, offering a solution that many pesticides cannot.
Cons:
- No residual effect: Unlike chemical treatments that can offer ongoing protection and repellent properties, steam treatment has no residual effect. Once the steam and the heat have dissipated, there is no lingering barrier.
- Labor-intensive: Properly steaming an area to kill bed bugs requires time and effort. The process is tiring, often requiring multiple treatments to ensure complete eradication.
- Potential for escape: If not applied correctly, steam can cause bed bugs to scatter to new hiding spots, potentially spreading the infestation.
- Special equipment required: To effectively kill bed bugs, you need a steamer capable of reaching the high temperatures necessary to kill them, which can be expensive.
- Might not be enough: Often, steaming alone may not be enough to end an infestation entirely. You might need to combine it with other methods, such as professional heat treatments or insecticides, to get rid of bed bugs.
Where to Use Steam to Kill Bed Bugs
Effectively combating a bed bug infestation means targeting these pests where they live and hide. Steaming, with its ability to penetrate various materials with lethal heat, can treat a wide range of household items, such as:
- Mattresses
- Cushions
- Chairs
- Nightstands
- Bed frames
- Baseboards
- Headboards
- Carpets and rugs
- Box springs
- And more
Other Ways to Kill Bed Bugs
While steaming is a powerful natural home remedy to eliminate bed bugs, it’s not the only tactic at your disposal.
Here’s a look at some alternative methods to get rid of bed bugs:
- Professional heat treatments: This method involves heating the entire home or room to temperatures lethal to bed bugs. Specialists use electric or propane-generated heaters, along with fans, to circulate the hot air throughout the house. These heat treatments require professional equipment and expertise.
- Clothes dryer at high heat: For items like bedding, clothing, and other fabric items, a regular household clothes dryer can be effective at killing bed bugs when used at high heat for at least 30 minutes.
- Place objects in the freezer: Bed bugs are also susceptible to extreme cold. Items that can’t be heated can be placed in a freezer set to 0 F for at least three days.
- Use essential oils: Research has shown that certain substances in essential oils, like carvacrol, thymol, citronellic acid, and eugenol may show promise against bed bugs. However, essential oils, such as tea tree oil, should not be used as a sole method.
- Call a professional: When the infestation is beyond the scope of DIY, calling in a pest control pro is the best course of action. They will assess the extent of the infestation and determine the most effective treatment method.
FAQ About Steaming
Can a Clothes Steamer Kill Bed Bugs?
Yes, a clothes steamer can kill bed bugs, provided it is capable of producing and consistently maintaining a temperature of at least 130 F, as this means these pests will be dead upon contact.
Additionally, the capacity of the steamer is important. Opt for a steamer with at least 1-gallon capacity, and make sure you equip it with a triangular nozzle. Some clothes steamers will require multiple sessions to kill all bed bugs.
Does Steam Kill Bed Bugs on Clothing?
Yes, hot steam will kill bed bugs on clothing. A steamer can penetrate soft surfaces like mattresses, upholstered furniture, car upholstery (check out our guide on How to Get Rid of Bed Bugs in Your Car), carpets, rugs, and various other fabrics, including clothing.
However, it’s important to note that using a clothes dryer might be a quicker and more convenient option for treating clothing specifically. Place the clothing in a dryer on a high heat setting for at least 30 minutes, and make sure the machine is not too full.
Can a Hair Dryer Kill Bed Bugs?
Unfortunately, a hair or blow dryer is not the best method for killing bed bugs. While the concept of using heat to eliminate these pests is sound, hair dryers fall short for not typically reaching temperatures as high as steamers. So, to actually kill the bed bugs, you would need to hold a hair dryer close to the same area for 30 to 90 minutes, which is not practical.
Moreover, the airflow from a hair dryer could potentially scatter the bed bugs, making the infestation worse, or push them into deeper hiding spots, making them more difficult to eliminate.
When to Call a Pro
Although steam cleaning is a great method to get rid of bed bugs in your home, it may not always achieve complete eradication on its own.
If you find that steam cleaning has not resolved your bed bug problem, do not lose hope. Connect with the best pest control experts in your area, so you don’t have to deal with this infestation alone.
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