Can I use a steamer to kill bed bugs?

Steam is a very effective method for killing bed bugs in all the stages of development, if applied correctly. When using steam as a treatment the quality of the steamer is very important. 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. 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 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 of the area being treated. To effectively kill bed bugs the surface temperature should be at least 160-180°F immediately after the steam brush has passed.

Using a Steamer to Kill Bed Bugs

Following the manufacturer’s directions for the steamer and the additional precautions below will help you generate steam safely and obtain maximum control of bed bugs. Here are some additional tips to follow:

• 
  Attach a nozzle to the steam wand. There is often a triangular nozzle that comes with the steamer and this nozzle works well most of the time. The floor nozzle will also work, but you will have to move the nozzle more slowly to obtain the right temperatures.
• Surfaces must reach a temperature range of 160-180°F. Below this, bed bugs may survive. Above this range increases the risk of damage to the fabric and other materials. An infrared thermometer should be used to measure surface temperatures after the wand has passed over the area being steamed. If the temperature is too low, move the wand more slowly. If the temperature is too high, move the wand faster.
• Fabric may be damp, but it should not be 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.
• When you are finished, follow the manual instructions for cooling off the steamer and ensuring the pressure is relieved.
• You may have to repeat this procedure a couple of times as this method only provides control of bed bugs that are exposed to the heat, any bed bugs that do not come into contact with the steam will survive.

Precautions

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.
• The steam will be hot, as high as 212-230°F. 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.
• Steamers will sometimes spit out hot water when you start up, or after the steamer has not applied steam for a while. Pointing the wand at a towel when you first start will allow you to capture this water.
• Do not use a pin-point steam nozzle; make sure you use a nozzle to distribute the steam at lower pressures such as a floor or upholstery attachment. Pin point nozzles can blow the bed bugs away and they may survive.

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Bed bugs may be resilient, 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. When treating an area, there are a few guidelines to follow to ensure that all bedbugs are eradicated in a safe manner.

1. 

   1

   Look for a steam cleaner with at least a 1 US gal (3.8 L) tank. You can purchase a steamer, but they are often in the range of $800 or more. Rent a steamer from a local hardware store or try to find a used one instead.[1]

   • Avoid clothing and carpet steaming devices. These do not reach the temperatures needed to kill bed bugs.

2. 

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   Attach the triangular nozzle to the hose. 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.[2]

   • Do not use a carpet attachment because the bristles may interfere with the nozzle getting close to the item.
   • Do not use a pinpoint or other type of narrow nozzle as this may blow the bed bugs and their eggs around the room.[3]

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   Steam upholstered items and in cracks and crevices. Fill the tank with plain tap water and then switch on your steamer. Start steaming all of the upholstered and hard surfaces in the room moving from the highest point to the lowest point. This will help to ensure that any bed bugs will be pushed down rather than up and around the room. Bed bugs may hide in soft-surfaced items as well as in cracks and crevices. Some items you may need to steam include:[4]

   • Mattresses
   • Box springs
   • Furniture
   • Baseboards
   • Tacking strips on carpet

   Warning: Watch out for wires and outlets while you’re steaming! Unplug any electronics in the areas you need to steam before you get started.

4. 

   4

   Move the wand slowly over the surface of items to get good coverage. Aim for a speed of about 12 in (30 cm) every 30 seconds. This will help to ensure that each section of the item gets exposed to enough steam to kill the bed bugs and their eggs.[5]

   • Keep in mind that steaming can be a slow, tedious process, especially if you have a large area to cover. Take breaks as needed or have someone help you to prevent yourself from rushing through the job.
   • 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.[6]

   EXPERT TIP

   Kevin Carrillo is a Pest Control Specialist and the Senior Project Manager for MMPC, a pest control service and certified Minority-owned Business Enterprise (MBE) based in the New York City area. MMPC is certified by the industry’s leading codes and practices, including the National Pest Management Association (NPMA), QualityPro, GreenPro, and The New York Pest Management Association (NYPMA). 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. However, the steam needs to applied for at least a couple of seconds in order to be effective, so move the steamer slowly over any surface you're treating.

5. 

   5

   Open windows and run a fan in the room when you are done. After you have finished steaming everything, open all of the windows in the room to help the air circulate. Switch on a ceiling fan if available, or turn on a floor fan. This will help to dry off the items and prevent mold and mildew from forming.[7]

   • Make sure to aim the fan towards the items you steamed, such as towards the ground if you steamed a section of carpet, or upwards if you steamed a chair, mattress, or box springs.

6. 

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   Repeat the process 2 to 3 times to ensure that all the bed bugs are dead. 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.[8]

   • Don’t wait more than a few days to repeat the treatment because bed bugs multiply quickly!

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1. 

   1

   Check for a surface temperature between 160 to 180 °F (71 to 82 °C). 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.[9]

   • If the temperature is below 160 °F (71 °C), then you may need to adjust your steamer or use a different steamer.

2. 

   2

   Check to ensure that the surface feels damp, but 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.[10]

   • If an item gets too wet, press it with a dry towel to blot up the moisture.

   Tip: You may find it easier to wash and dry certain items, such as curtains, linens, and small area rugs. Pick up any items such as these and place them into plastic bags. Seal the bags tightly to avoid infesting other areas of your home when you move them.[11]

3. 

   3

   Hire a professional to apply an insecticide for extra coverage. Although steam can kill bed bugs, you may not be able to penetrate deep enough to kill all of the bed bugs and their eggs. Using an insecticide along with steam cleaning will help to ensure that the bed bugs are under control.[12]

   • Since applying insecticides can be dangerous, it is recommended to hire a professional exterminator to do this for you. They have the knowledge to choose the best chemicals for your situation and apply them safely.[13]

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Things You’ll Need

• Steam cleaner
• Infrared thermometer
• Water
• Towels
• Fans

References

About This Article

Article SummaryX

To kill bed bugs with steam, start by attaching the wide, triangular nozzle to your steam cleaner, which will cover the most surface area. Fill your tank with plain tap water and switch on your steamer. Start by steaming the highest point in the room and work your way down to the lowest point to make sure you get each and every bed bug. Steam all hard and upholstered surfaces, like mattresses, box springs, furniture, and baseboards. When you glide the nozzle across each surface, move slowly, so each section gets enough steam to kill the bed bugs and their eggs. Wait a few hours, then repeat the process 2 to 3 times to make sure you get all of the bed bugs. For more tips, including how to air out a room after steaming, read on!

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