BBTV #34 - Effectiveness of Steamers on Bed Bugs

In this episode Jeff is explains how to determine if the steamer you have purchased or have at home will be effective in killing both bed bugs and their eggs on contact. One thing that we know about bed bugs is that they are susceptible to heat and if they are exposed to temperatures in excess of 180oF both bed bugs and their eggs should be killed on contact. In previous episodes we have also discussed how steamers can be effective for killing bugs and their eggs on contact and good be a good tool to address resistance concerns in a bed bug population. If you have purchased a steamer and would like to determine if it will be effective in killing bed bugs and their eggs on contact, you should first purchase an instant read thermometer (similar to the one you would use to cook food in an oven). If you then take the steamer and turn it on and move the steamer over the thermometers sensor you can see if you are achieving temperatures in excess of 180oF. If you do achieve temperatures in excess of 180oF then that steamer should be sufficient to kill bugs and eggs on contact. Please be aware that steamers can damage fabrics and finishes on different surfaces, so always use caution when steamer different items.

Category:

People & Blogs

Tags:

• bed
• bug
• bedbug
• steamer
• diy
• do it yourself
• heat
• steam
• kill
• exterminator
• mattress

[funkywhat334]

doesn't ALL water have to be 212 degrees (boiling temp) Fahrenheit before it turns into steam?? LOL

[TheMidcoast1]

Jeff! why aren't you showing the brand of that steameryour hiding under that desk? and why cant you just use a hair dryer @ medium heat?

[McCaslin007]

Does steam cleaning cause pesticides that have been sprayed on the furniture to become ineffective?

[SynthHappens]

I have the Fluke 52II. The last month i've been waking up with itchy bites on my hands. Just yesterday I found a bed bug on my comforter and noticed tiny black spots on my new sheets. I'm totally freaked out now. I slept on the couch last night and maybe got 3 hrs of actual sleep from the anxiety and paranoia. I spent all day doing laundry. I need to tell my building superintendent tomorrow about this infestation and I'm really embarrassed because I don't want to be the one.

[bcgrote]

You want to make sure that the steamer has more than one nozzle or opening for the steam to come out, otherwise you can just blow the little buggers away from the steam! I read that 140 is sufficient for instant kill of the bugs and most eggs. Plus it gets into the crannies that a fogger may miss. I think it's a great idea for popcorn ceilings too! We have those, and want to scrape them off, but our house may have asbestos, stupid 70's house! I worry about the heat on our vinyl records too.

[GUNSandCUPCAKES]

Hi what is your advice on using a steamer on ceilings (popcorn) and cracks... For example is it a good idea, if not at all what would you recomend (all ready had pest control come and do treatments but still have them ... thanks so much in advance!

[RODAkaGogi]

what kind of steamer is it? because I need one