Steam is very effective when bed bugs are on the surface of items and can be effective up to 3/4″ into fabric surfaces. In cracks and crevices, steam will kill bed bugs up to 2-3/8” into a gap. Use an infrared thermometer to monitor the surface temperature of the area being treated.
Is an iron hot enough to kill bed bugs?
Clothes irons might reach the temperature needed to kill bed bugs, but the heat won't penetrate deep into soft materials to where bed bugs might be hiding. You also can't iron areas besides clothes and sheets, like cracks and crevices in walls, floors, and furniture.
How long does it take steam to kill bed bugs?
Continued exposure to a temperature around 110 to 120 degrees Fahrenheit will kill bed bugs in a matter of 15-20 minutes. Steam cleaners, on the other hand, can shoot steam with temperatures reaching up to 300 degrees Fahrenheit. In this condition, bed bugs, nymphs, and their eggs can die almost instantly.
What kills bed bugs instantly?
The high temperature of steam 212°F (100°C) immediately kills bed bugs. Apply steam slowly to the folds and tufts of mattresses, along with sofa seams, bed frames, and corners or edges where bed bugs may be hiding.
How do you steam clean your house for bed bugs?
Using a Steamer to Kill Bed BugsAttach a nozzle to the steam wand. ... Surfaces must reach a temperature range of 160-180°F. ... Fabric may be damp, but it should not be wet. ... Use the steamer on all surfaces where you see bed bugs and areas where you think bed bugs may be hiding.More items...
How to avoid bed bugs?
This is the most common cause of bed bug infestation. Bed bugs can hitchhike on suitcases, clothes, bags, purses, etc. To avoid this, try using hard-sided luggage instead of the ones made with a clothing fabric. Also, separate your travel laundry and do not keep it unclean for longer durations. 2.
Where do bed bugs hide?
But bed bugs can hide in the crevices of the walls, in household equipment, or in cupboards. Although the majority of the bed bugs are present on or near the bed lurking for the host, they can still hide in small cracks and crevice s. You can use steam iron on fabric but not on the wall, which makes it difficult for a complete eradication ...
What is the difference between mosquito bites and bed bugs?
This is the most challenging characteristic for differentiating between the two as they look pretty similar. Bed bug bites are red, puffy, and looks like a pimple. On the other hand, mosquito bites are light red to pink in color, small, and have a wound in the center. 2.
How to stop a bug bite from stinging?
This will help in reducing the redness and puffiness of the bite. Apply a cold compress in the bug bite and avoid scratching it with your nails to stop infections. 3. Relieve Itching. Apply a paste of baking soda and water to reduce itching. Aloe vera gel has a cooling effect and can reduce irritation.
What is the best treatment for itchiness?
Aloe vera gel has a cooling effect and can reduce irritation. Lemon juice is also helpful in treating itchiness and reducing inflammation. If you have extreme pain, you can either take some oral medications on the doctor’s recommendation.
Can you use a steam iron to kill bed bugs?
In conclusion, you can use a steam iron to kill adult bed bugs and for instant relief until you get rid of all of them, including the eggs. Spotting bed bugs can be challenging too, but bed bug bites are one of the signs that might suggest a bed bug infestation.
Can you use a steam iron on a mattress?
Even if you use steam iron for killing bed bugs on the mattresses, the heat is not high enough to penetrate deep into the fabric and kill bed bug eggs. However, this might help get rid of the adult bed bugs moving on the surface of the mattress. In conclusion, you can use a steam iron to kill adult bed bugs and for instant relief ...
How to kill bed bugs without damaging the items you steam?
This is the ideal temperature for killing bed bugs without damaging the items you are steaming. You can use an infrared thermometer to check the surface temperature of the items you steam. Hold the infrared thermometer about 0.5 in (1.3 cm) from the surface of an area right after you finish steaming it.
How hot does steam kill bed bugs?
MMPC's work has been featured in CNN, NPR, and ABC News. Our Expert Agrees: Bedbugs and their eggs die off at around 121°F , and steam is emitted at 180°—200°F, so the steam is definitely hot enough to kill the bugs.
How to use a triangular nozzle on a steamer?
Most steam cleaners come with a wide, angular nozzle for steaming upholstery and other surfaces. Place this nozzle on the end of the steamer hose before you turn it on. Do not use a carpet attachment because the bristles may interfere with the nozzle getting close to the item.
How long does it take for bed bugs to get rid of steam?
It often takes 2 or 3 times for steaming to kill all of the bed bugs since they may move to escape the steam, or you might miss an area. Plan to repeat the steam treatment a few hours later or the following day. Don’t wait more than a few days to repeat the treatment because bed bugs multiply quickly!
How to get rid of bed bugs while cleaning?
If you come across a live bed bug while cleaning, hold the steamer over it for 30 seconds . This should be enough heat to kill it. Once the bug is dead, use a paper towel to pick it up and throw it away.
How to make steamer not wet?
The surface of the items should not feel wet to the touch after you run the steamer over them. Check for a damp surface, and adjust the settings on your steamer if the item feels wet. If an item gets too wet, press it with a dry towel to blot up the moisture.
Can bed bugs be treated with steamer?
This article has been viewed 554,550 times. Bed bugs may be resili ent, but they cannot withstand the high heat of a steamer. Steamers are an excellent, chemical-free way to treat for bed bugs and other pests, such as dust mites. Steamers will kill bed bugs and their eggs on contact, and thoroughly clean the infested area.
How does steam kill bed bugs?
Steamers work by delivering lethal temperatures to where bed bugs may be hiding. Steam is very effective when bed bugs are on the surface of items and can be effective up to 3/4″ into fabric surfaces. In cracks and crevices, steam will kill bed bugs up to 2-3/8” into a gap. Use an infrared thermometer to monitor the surface temperature ...
How to get rid of bed bugs in clothes?
Use a commercial steamer with a minimum capacity of 1 gallon, preferably with a steam volume control. The type of steamer you use to steam clothing will not be effective for bed bug treatment. Do not use a carpet cleaning machine. Carpet cleaning machines do not reach high enough temperatures to kill bed bugs.
What temperature should bed bugs be?
To effectively kill bed bugs the surface temperature should be at least 160-180°F immediately after the steam brush has passed.
What to do if your steamer is too wet?
If it is too wet, the steamer usually has a switch or a dial that you can use to decrease the amount of steam. Use the steamer on all surfaces where you see bed bugs and areas where you think bed bugs may be hiding. After you are finished, using a fan in the area will circulate air and help dry the items you have steamed.
How much does a steam cleaner cost?
Although a steam cleaner is expensive for one person to purchase (approximately $800 to $1,200), it may be reasonable for a housing cooperative, a social assistance group or another type of organization to purchase a steamer and make it available for members to use. It may also be possible to rent a steamer. Steamers work by delivering lethal ...
Can you use a steamer on children?
This can cause burns, so never let children use the steamer and always direct the steam away from yourself. When using steam, always test on an unseen area as some fabrics may be damaged. With microfiber fabrics, always steam with the direction of the microfiber.
Is steaming a steamer dangerous?
While steam is effective, it can be dangerous. There are several precautions to take when operating a steamer: Always read and understand the manual that came with the steamer. Always follow the manufacturer’s directions. The steam is under pressure, so be careful when refilling the machine and using the steam wand.
Temperature to kill bed bugs
High temperature is the biggest enemy of bed bugs. To kill the adult bed bugs, keep temperature of iron at around 119 degrees Fahrenheit. However, you have to utilize slightly higher temperatures, approximately 125 degrees Fahrenheit, to kill its eggs.
How to Use Iron to kill Bed Bugs
You can use your dry or steam iron to kill bed bugs. If you have a steam iron, use it without any doubt as it performs better. Moreover, it has steaming option too that works excellent in killing bed bugs. To kill them-
Does ironing effectively kill bedbugs?
Controlling bed bugs using a clothes iron can be difficult. You can’t expect that bed bugs will always stay on bed sheets or mattresses. Instead, it’ll sneak into mattresses or cracks on walls.
What is bed bug?
Bed bugs live on animals or human blood. They are small, reddish-brown, flat, and oval-shaped. They are nocturnal animals, meaning they suck blood when humans or animals are asleep.
Causes of Bed Bugs
Bed bugs may be present in places that hold a lot of people. Therefore, bed bugs may be expected in places like-
How to kill bed bugs
Steaming is probably the best method to control bed bugs. You may know that temperature of steam can be as high as 200°F.
Kill bed bugs
Taking protection against bed bugs is necessary. Regularly clean your home and clothes to ensure bug-free lives. Sometimes, this tiny insect can bite your kids.
How effective is steam for bed bugs?
Steam is an extremely effective method of killing bed bugs at any stage of life, and when properly applied, the treatment that is provided by a steamer is invaluable. Be sure to use a commercial-grade steamer that has a minimum of at least one gallon that has a steam volume control setting.
How to use a steamer to control bed bugs?
When using a steamer be sure to follow the instructions provided in the instruction manual to ensure that the steam is produced safely and provide the best results in controlling bed bugs. Make sure to attach the nozzle to the steam wand. Often times, steamers will come with the steamer and work well most of the time.
How to use a steamer on a couch?
To effectively use a steamer on a couch, it will take a few extra steps. Use the single nozzle for crevices. Wrap a microfiber cloth around the opening and secure it with an elastic. This will help the steam to come out stronger and more consistent.
What temperature do bed bugs die in?
Bed bugs will die at all stages of development in heat ranges of 117 degrees Fahrenheit to 122 degrees Fahrenheit. Using steamers for getting rid of bed bugs is best for items like mattresses, bed frames, blankets, sheets, curtains, and pillows without causing damage.
How deep do bed bugs go?
It is especially effective when bed bugs are on an item’s surface and can be effective up to three-fourths of an inch deep into a fabric’s surface. Within cracks and crevices, at the right temperatures steam will kill bed bugs 2 ⅜ of an inch into a gap.
How hot does a steamer need to be to kill bed bugs?
In order to kill a bed bug with any type of heat-related treatment, it needs to be exposed to a heat range of 117-122 degrees Fahrenheit. To do this effectively, you need to make sure your steaming is targeted, or aimed, directly towards the areas that bed bugs like to hideout.
How long to steam a mattress?
To steam the flat surface of the mattress: Apply light pressure and hold the steamer down for 1-10 seconds. Move to the area next to the previous area and apply with pressure for 1 second. Continue until the entire surface has been steamed. Let the surface dry. Flip the mattress to do the same to the other side.
How Does Steam Affect Bed Bugs?
Steam is one of the best methods of removing bed bugs without using any chemicals. Bed bugs are quite resilient insects. They tend to stick around for a long period of time. And the fact that they multiply so fast is another reason why people say you can’t get rid of them.
Can Steamers Kill Bed Bugs?
Steam cleaning has become incredibly popular in recent days due to its high effectiveness in killing bed bugs. You can use them to clean and sanitize any surface of your home without any added cleaning products whatsoever.
Where Can I Use Steamers for Bed Bugs?
The convenience of a steam cleaner is that it can be used on any surface. You can use your steam cleaner for:
How to Use a Steamer to Kill Bed Bugs
Steam cleaners are excellent at killing bed bugs in the mattress, furniture, or carpeted floors.
How to Steam a Couch to Kill Bed Bugs
To properly kill all the bedbugs from a couch, try following these steps:
Precautions for Killing Bed Bugs
It’s important to read the instruction manual before you start using your steamer.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are using a steam cleaner to kill bed bugs, it will take around 15-20 minutes to do it. Bed bugs can not survive high heat for longer. So when you use a temperature around 180-200 degrees F, it dies instantly.
How hot does a steamer kill bed buds?
What follows is how to kill bed buds using a commercial steamer that can reach temperatures of up to 180F degrees.
How long does it take for bed bugs to kill?
When reaching 113°F (45°C) bed bugs can be killed in about 90 minutes. While temperatures as high as 118°F (47.778°C) can kill the adult bed bugs, bed bug nymphs, and their eggs in around 20 minutes. Interestingly, bed bugs (both adults and eggs) can also freeze and get killed at extremely low temperatures – anything below -13°F (-25°C) ...
Why is it important to attach a nozzle to a bed bug?
This is important because if the steam spreads out, the temperatures generated will drop significantly to the point where it may not be enough to kill the bed bugs. So, attach the nozzle to concentrate the steam being generated.
How hot can a bed bug get?
Extreme temperature conditions (both low or high) can make your place a hell for bed bugs to live. High temperatures more than 100 degrees Fahrenheit (37.778°C) in most cases will start to damage bed bugs. When reaching 113°F (45°C) bed bugs can be killed in about 90 minutes.
Do you need a steamer for bed bugs?
But you will need to use a steamer that can reach such temperatures. Steamers that are used for clothing and carpet cleaning do not reach such temperatures, so they will do little to discourage the bed bugs, much less get rid of them. This is because clothes and carpet steamers are designed to lift dirt and debris from the fabric or fibers ...
Can a hair dryer kill bed bugs?
Hair dryers are set at a lower temperature, so they do not burn your skin or hair. Your clothes dryer may reach temperatures high enough to kill bed bugs.
Does iron kill bed bugs?
Your clothes iron can also reach temperatures high enough to kill the bed bugs. The problem is applying the iron evenly to fabric or carpeting so that it does the job without burning the material. If the surface it flat, it will work.
Early Detection Is Important
If you must use steam cleaning to get rid of a bed bug problem, then early detection will be necessary. This is of the essence because, during the early stages, bed bugs and their eggs are yet to spread to other parts of the room or home.
Identifying Bed Bugs
How does someone know they’re having a bed bug problem? By being knowledgeable about what these tiny mites look like. Adult bed bugs have definite characteristics they can be identified by. These include a balloon-like elongated shape with the reddish-brown body when fed.
Where To Look
Steam treatment for bed bugs isn’t applied randomly. It needs to be targeted with precision in areas harboring these pests. There are lots of common hiding places used by bed bugs. This behavior has become predictable and helps you search out your surroundings fast if you suspect bed bug presence.
Using Bed Bug Steamer
Every steamer comes with specific use instructions or manuals from the manufacturer. These instructions must be strictly followed for the best results. Not all areas used by bed bugs to hide can be treated with steam.
Some Caution
Caution should be applied when using a steamer over surfaces. This is because certain surfaces might be damaged at high temperatures. Therefore, some form of testing will be necessary. Test an unseen or hidden area of the fabric first to see how well it holds up before proceeding.
Bed Bug Steamer Rental
Renting professional bed bug steamers is a good way to exterminate bugs yourself and also save some money.
