Killing Bed Bugs with Bed Bug Steamers 

Getting rid of bed bugs is often an arduous and extensive treatment. The most common treatment for killing bed bugs are pesticides, however like many insects bed bugs are becoming more and more resilient to insecticides. An alternative method to exterminate these nasty creatures, which has also proven to be effective, is with bed bug steamers.

In recent years there is a growing concern for the health and safety of our loved ones. People are therefore looking for non-toxic and natural alternatives. Steam cleaning is a natural process, completely non-toxic and cost effective. Bed bug steam cleaners are also multi-functional. They do not only kill bed bugs and their eggs, but also mites and mould spores, that can cause allergies. And of course, this machine can be used to sanitize any other area of your home. To minimize the risk of mould be sure to use dry steam.

Why use bed bug steamers to kill bed bugs? 

Bed bugs cannot survive temperatures of more than 50 degrees C therefore a direct hit of hot steam will kill the bed bugs and the eggs instantly. However here comes the tricky part bed bugs hide in crevices, mattresses, under carpets etc. so every tiny bit of the room has to be steam cleaned thoroughly. Take your time and allow a few hours to steam clean one room. Haste will not get rid of bed bugs they migrate, are very persistent and resilient.

Things to be aware of: 

• Wash all your bed linen and clothes in hot water and put them in a hot dryer. The hotter the better – remember that heat kills bed bugs. Boiling water would be the best, but that may not be possible with your clothes. After washing immediately store your linen and clothes in sealed bags.

• Use a good quality dry steamer, which you can either buy or rent. These bed bug steamers do not come cheap. The term dry steamer is technically not correct. There is no such thing as dry steam, it uses a lower vapour. Therefore you need to make sure, that the room has ample ventilation. You don’t want to run the risk of mould developing after a steam cleaning treatment. A few fans may work as well. 

• Wear a proper respirator while using the dry steamer for protection. Steam and heat can activate chemical residues from pesticides or paint. That is not something you want to breathe in.  

• Steam clean everything in the room: mattresses, bed frames, skirting boards, chairs, picture frames, carpet, wardrobes, etc. This is the only way to eliminate bed bugs. Make sure not to miss anything. 

• Seal your mattress after steaming either in a tear-resistant plastic covering or in a special available bed bug sealer for mattresses. Bed bugs can hide in the mattress where steam does not reach. You have two choices you can either do this or replace the mattress after the bed bugs are gone. 

• Examine the room and especially the bed carefully for bed bug faeces (very noticeable on light sheets as little round dark brown marks), skins or living bugs. If any are found, repeat the steam cleaning process.

Remember you need to be thorough and have patience to be able to succeed in killing bed bugs. If not call in the professionals.