subject: Bed Bugs Can be Killed with Steam – But Make Sure Your machine is Up To The Job [print this page] Bed Bugs Can be Killed with Steam But Make Sure Your machine is Up To The Job
Bed bugs can be transferred to your home really easily from the office, the theatre, a hotel or public transport. Despite their name the bugs will live in any soft furnishings or carpets and then hitch a ride back to your home in your clothing. But don't despair it is fairly easy to get rid of the little critters and they really are not a sign your home is dirty.
If you are going to use steam the main factor is the temperature your machine can create. Some heavily promoted steam cleaners only reach temperatures of 110 degrees. This will kill bugs but not efficiently. I will also leave your furniture very damp.
You need a machine that will heat to above 200 degrees. This is called dry steam as the vapor content is very low. It will also kill on contact. Be very careful when using high temperature steam. You want to kill the bugs not scald your skin.
Very highly heated steam will leave very little moisture in your furniture which means the furniture will air quickly and there is less chance of rusting springs or allowing mildew to form.
Make sure your machine has a wide nozzle, with many outlets. A small nozzle or one with only one central outlet could make you miss areas or could even blow the bugs away without killing them.
Work systematically and slowly. You need to ensure the entire bed is covered. Here is my method for covering every inch;
Strip the bed and put all linen on to wash at the highest recommended temperature
Begin in one corner and work slowly along the length of the mattress
Overlap each pass so you cannot miss any part of the surface
Once you have covered the top of the mattress, work around the edges paying attention to seams
Flip the mattress and repeat on the underside
Steam the base of the bed
Steam all carpets and rugs
Direct a jet of steam around the crack between floor and base boards.
If you suspect the infestation in your home is high you should also steam furniture and carpets in other rooms. It is a lengthy, tiring job but completing the steaming of your entire home will ensure you are unlikely to get a re-infestation.
Get other members of the family to help. Its good practice for when your kids set up home, and anyway the whole family will benefit from a fresh and sanitized home environment.
