In case you were unaware, steam can be use to effectively get rid of bed bugs naturally. In fact, you will find that professional pest control companies will often use steamers as part of an IPM (Integrated Pest Management) approach to treat and kill bed bugs.
There are a number of steamers out there which will allow you to kill bed bugs. If you wish to lessen the risk of causing mildew or mold, and do not want to leave a great deal of moisture behind, you should use a professional bed bug steamer with low vapor capability. These are the types of steam cleaners used when killing bed bugs.
How To Kill Bed Bugs With Steam
Bed bugs are vulnerable to heat and will die within seconds upon contact with extreme heat above 120°F
However when using a steamer to kill bed bugs, you will need to use a steamer that reaches temperatures of 200°F (or 90°C) since steam vaporize quickly into the air. At this temperature you can be sure to kill both bed bugs and their eggs that are hidden deep in cracks or hard to reach spots.
Note: Using steamers at this temperature is dangerous and you can easily burn yourself with the slightest contact. Therefore be careful when using a bed bug steamer.
When using the steamer to get rid of bed bugs you should target windowsills, baseboards, floors, the molding around your ceiling and walls, and do not forget your furnitures. Do not try to steam too quickly, instead move and methodically, ensuring the heat is hitting the right places. You should also point the nozzle as close to the spot where you are treating since the further away the steam hits, the cooler it will be. Additionally, before you begin to use the steamer, test it out in a small area so as to be sure you will not damage your furniture or fittings with it.
Furthermore, if you also consider using a bed bug spray, do it after steaming. Vapor from the steamer can often vaporize and wash away the pesticides that have been previously applied. Also the vapor may cause a harmful breathing environment so use a N95 mouth mask when you treat the room if pesticides have been previously applied.
A steamer is an effective proven contact killer for bed bugs. If you get a good bed bug steamer, it can also be a cost-effective tool in helping you to get rid of bed bugs in your home.