ย 15% discount on all bed bug heat treatment services.
30 Days Complete Eradication Guarantee*
ย 15% discount on all bed bug heat treatment services.
30 Days Complete Eradication Guarantee*
Dealing with bed bugs can be a nightmare. If youโve ever found yourself staring at suspicious bites or waking up to a scratchy morning, you know how frustrating it can be. One of the best ways to tackle these little invaders? Bed bug steamers. Here at ThermoPest, weโve seen how steamers can make a massive difference in bed bug control. The beauty of steamers is that theyโre chemical-free, making them a safe and effective way to eliminate bed bugs without harsh pesticides.
Letโs dive into what you need to know before buying one and how to use it properly.
Bed bug steamers are exactly what they sound like โ devices that produce high-temperature steam to kill bed bugs and their eggs. The steam penetrates deep into fabrics, mattresses, and cracks where bed bugs love to hide. Unlike insecticides, steamers donโt rely on chemicals, so you can treat your home without worrying about leaving harmful residues behind.
There are a few reasons why bed bug steamers are a popular choice. First off, theyโre non-toxic. If youโve got pets, or kids, or just prefer a natural approach, steamers are a brilliant alternative. Theyโre also eco-friendly and highly effective at killing bed bugs at every stage of life, from eggs to adults. And while they wonโt solve every problem on their own, theyโre a great part of a broader treatment strategy.
The idea behind bed bug steamers is simple: heat kills bed bugs. But weโre not talking about the heat from your everyday hairdryer. Bed bugs need to be exposed to temperatures of 120ยฐC or higher to be effectively killed, and steamers are designed to do just that.
The high heat from the steamer penetrates fabrics and surfaces, reaching the nooks and crannies where bed bugs often hide. It doesnโt just kill the bugs on contact but also destroys their eggs, which can be notoriously tricky to get rid of.
Steamers work best on mattresses, furniture, carpets, and baseboards โ essentially, any fabric or surface where bed bugs might be hiding. You can also use them in cracks and gaps around bed frames, skirting boards, or other furniture, making it harder for bed bugs to escape.
Not all steamers are created equal. When youโre in the market for one, there are a few features youโll want to keep in mind.
This is the most important feature. Your steamer needs to reach at least 120ยฐC to be effective against bed bugs. If the steamer doesnโt get hot enough, it wonโt kill the bugs or their eggs, and youโll just end up frustrated.
A larger tank means you can steam for longer without needing to refill, which is especially helpful if youโre treating an entire room. Steamers with a decent-sized tank can offer continuous steam for 30 to 60 minutes, giving you enough time to tackle large areas.
Look for a steamer with the right attachments. A fabric nozzle is ideal for treating mattresses and sofas, while a crevice tool can help you reach into cracks and corners where bed bugs hide.
You donโt want to lug around a massive machine, especially if youโre moving from room to room. Opt for a steamer thatโs portable and lightweight but still powerful enough to do the job. A long power cord or hose can also make it easier to manoeuvre around furniture and into tight spaces.
Safety should always come first. Look for steamers with automatic shut-off features, which stop the device from overheating or running dry. This not only protects your steamer but also ensures youโre not at risk of burns or accidents.
Whether youโre looking to invest in a high-end model or just need something to get the job done, there are a few standout options.
If youโre serious about bed bug control and donโt mind spending a bit more, premium steamers offer professional-level performance. They typically come with larger tanks, longer steam times, and higher heat output, making them perfect for treating entire homes.
On a budget? There are still plenty of affordable steamers that work well for bed bug treatment. These models may not have all the bells and whistles of their higher-end counterparts, but theyโll get the job done for smaller infestations or targeted areas.
If you live in a flat or just need to treat small spaces, a portable steamer might be the way to go. These are lightweight, compact, and easy to store โ ideal for those who need to move from room to room without hassle.
Owning a good steamer is only half the battle โ knowing how to use it properly is key to getting rid of those bed bugs.
Before you get started, itโs important to clean and declutter the area youโll be treating. Clear away clothes, bedding, and any other items that could get in the way. Youโll also want to vacuum thoroughly to pick up any loose bed bugs and eggs.
The key to effective steaming is moving slowly. Bed bugs can survive brief exposures to steam, so you need to give the heat time to work. Move the steamer at a rate of about 2-3 inches per second to ensure youโre applying enough heat to kill the bugs and eggs.
Focus on high-risk areas like mattress seams, bed frames, carpets, and furniture crevices. Pay extra attention to cracks in the wall or baseboards, as bed bugs love to hide in these tiny gaps.
While steaming is highly effective, bed bugs are resilient. Youโll likely need to steam multiple times over several days to fully eradicate an infestation. Make it part of your routine โ especially if youโre dealing with a more serious problem.
Like any treatment, there are upsides and downsides to using bed bug steamers.
While steamers are great, theyโre not a one-size-fits-all solution. For the best results, itโs important to combine steaming with other treatments.
Incorporating a bed bug steamer into an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach is your best bet. Combine steaming with insecticides, bed bug traps, and mattress encasements to ensure youโre attacking the bed bugs from all angles.
If your steamer alone isnโt cutting it, or if the infestation is widespread, it might be time to call in the pros. At ThermoPest, we can provide a full range of professional treatments to complement your DIY efforts and ensure the bed bugs are fully eradicated.
Can steamers kill bed bug eggs?
Yes! Steamers are one of the few treatments that kill bed bug eggs, which makes them incredibly effective.
How often should I steam to control bed bugs?
Itโs recommended to steam every few days until youโre sure the infestation is gone. Multiple treatments may be necessary.
Are bed bug steamers safe to use on all types of furniture?
Most furniture, including mattresses and sofas, can handle steaming, but always test a small, hidden area first.
Do I need to use steamers with other treatments for complete bed bug control?
Yes, steaming is most effective when combined with other treatments like insecticides and encasements as part of a broader pest control strategy.
Ready to take control of your bed bug problem? A bed bug steamer can be a powerful tool in your fight against these pests, especially when used properly and combined with other treatments. At ThermoPest, weโre here to help you choose the right steamer and guide you through the process of bed bug elimination. Donโt wait โ start steaming your way to a pest-free home today!
