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Does Steam Kill Bed Bugs

Does Steam Kill Bed Bugs

Written by: Daniel Connell · Updated on: January 19, 2024

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Key Takeaways

There is no guarantee that steam will kill bed bugs.

Steam can be an effective, non-chemical option to get rid of bed bugs early on. Since average people can't afford the same materials and methods that professionals have, steam is still pretty effective.

It takes 90 minutes for adult bed bugs to reach complete lethality at 118°F (48°C). At 122°F, both bed bugs and their eggs will die within minutes. Almost any insect can be killed by steam at that temperature. Steam can reach temperatures of up to 212 - 230°F which can lead to burns.

Steam is pretty effective at killing bed bugs on the surface of fabrics up to 3/4" deep. You should use a commercial steamer with at least a 1-gallon capacity. A steamer used for steaming clothing is not effective for treating bed bugs.

Overall, not worth the effort. It is best to replace your mattress with a new, high-quality one (like the Saatva Classic).

Tips For Killing Bed Bugs With Steam

Apply steam slowly and evenly to kill bed bugs effectively.

In most cases, steam directly applied to a surface will kill bed bugs. You only need a few seconds to apply steam directly.

It may be necessary to hire an exterminator if you don't succeed in removing them yourself.

6-Step Method To Kill Bed Bugs With Steam (If You Really Have To)

Here are 6 steps you can take to get rid of bed bugs with steam:

1. Choose a steam cleaner with a tank size of at least 1 US gal (3.8 liters). Buying a steamer can cost up to $800. Find a used steamer or rent one from a hardware store. Avoid steaming clothing and carpets. These don't reach bed bug-killing temperatures.

2. Attach the triangular steam cleaner nozzle to the hose. Most steam cleaners come with a wide, angular nozzle for steaming upholstery.

3. Fill cracks and crevices with steam. Start your steamer with plain tap water. Scrunch all upholstered and hard surfaces from the highest to the lowest point in the room. This will prevent bed bugs from spreading up and around the room. Cracks and crevices can hide bed bugs.

4. Cover items evenly with the wand by moving it slowly over them. Aim for 12 inches (30 cm) every 30 seconds. As a result, bed bugs and their eggs will be killed in each section of the item. Hold the steamer over a live bed bug for 30 seconds to kill it.

5. Open all the windows after steaming. Alternatively, turn on a floor fan. It will help prevent mold and mildew from forming. The fan should be aimed toward the item you are steaming, such as toward the ground if you are steaming a carpet, or upwards if you are steaming furniture.

6. Repeat the process 2 to 3 times to eliminate all bed bugs. Since bed bugs may move to escape the steam, or you may miss an area, it takes 2-3 steaming sessions to kill all of them.

Note: Make sure to repeat the treatment as soon as possible, as bed bugs multiply rapidly!

A rotated mattress, much like rotated tires, typically wears more evenly and reduces indentions or support issues.

Can I Get Rid Of Bed Bugs Myself?

In most cases, no. Often, cleaning methods are exhausting and do not provide the desired results.

Bedbugs can live for months between meals and know where to hide.

It is wise to replace your mattress with a new and reputable mattress (like the Saatva Classic) if your bed is infested.

The Saatva Classic is the #1 best-selling mattress in the U.S. Comes with a generous 365-night sleep trial and a lifetime warranty. It's an affordable and extremely comfortable mattress that is built to last!

How Do I Permanently Get Rid Of Bed Bugs At Home?

The only way to permanently get rid of bed bugs in your home is to get a new high-quality mattress from a reputable brand like the Saatva Classic.

Saatva offers affordable mattresses of great value. There are 4 mattress types you can choose from, depending on your preferences:

• Pick an innerspring mattress if you are on a tight budget, want a durable mattress, don't care about motion transfer, and want great back support. The Saatva Classic is the #1 premium hotel-quality innerspring mattress currently available.
• Pick a memory foam mattress if you want to feel enveloped in your mattress, sleep on your side, don't mind hotter temperatures, and can afford to pay a little more. We recommend the Loom & Leaf. Very comfortable and durable gel memory foam mattress from a reputable brand.
• Pick a latex mattress if you have an unlimited budget and want the absolute best mattress type money can buy. Amazing pressure relief. Lasts 15-20 years. It has the pressure relief of a memory foam mattress and the support of an innerspring style. Zenhaven is our favorite latex mattress.
• Pick a hybrid mattress if you're on a budget and want the feel of a latex mattress and the sturdiness of an innerspring construction. The support or comfort is likely not as good as a latex (in most scenarios), but gets you 80%+ of the way there (for a fraction of the cost). Saatva Classic is the #1 best hybrid innerspring mattress available. America's best-selling mattress (for a reason!).

#1 Tip For Getting Rid Of Bed Bugs (With Or Without Steam)

It is nearly impossible to get rid of bed bugs completely without removing your mattress first.

After removing and replacing your mattress (with a top brand like the Saatva Classic), you can try to eliminate your bed bug infestation permanently.

About X

X is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of NapLab.com. He has been featured in Fast Company, Reader's Digest, Business Insider, Realtor.com, Huffington Post, Washington Post, AskMen, and She Knows. X has personally tested over 268+ mattresses and hundreds of pillows, sheets, beds, and other sleep products.

See Our #1 Researched Mattress in 2024

Rated best for comfort and hotel-feel

Get 450$ OFF Mattresses

References

Does Steam Kill Bed Bugs

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There is no guarantee that steam will kill bed bugs.

Steam can be an effective, non-chemical option to get rid of bed bugs early on. Since average people can't afford the same materials and methods that professionals have, steam is still pretty effective.

It takes 90 minutes for adult bed bugs to reach complete lethality at 118°F (48°C). At 122°F, both bed bugs and their eggs will die within minutes. Almost any insect can be killed by steam at that temperature. Steam can reach temperatures of up to 212 - 230°F which can lead to burns.

Steam is pretty effective at killing bed bugs on the surface of fabrics up to 3/4" deep. You should use a commercial steamer with at least a 1-gallon capacity. A steamer used for steaming clothing is not effective for treating bed bugs.

Overall, not worth the effort. It is best to replace your mattress with a new, high-quality one (like the Saatva Classic).

Tips For Killing Bed Bugs With Steam

Apply steam slowly and evenly to kill bed bugs effectively.

In most cases, steam directly applied to a surface will kill bed bugs. You only need a few seconds to apply steam directly.

It may be necessary to hire an exterminator if you don't succeed in removing them yourself.

6-Step Method To Kill Bed Bugs With Steam (If You Really Have To)

Here are 6 steps you can take to get rid of bed bugs with steam:

1. Choose a steam cleaner with a tank size of at least 1 US gal (3.8 liters). Buying a steamer can cost up to $800. Find a used steamer or rent one from a hardware store. Avoid steaming clothing and carpets. These don't reach bed bug-killing temperatures.

2. Attach the triangular steam cleaner nozzle to the hose. Most steam cleaners come with a wide, angular nozzle for steaming upholstery.

3. Fill cracks and crevices with steam. Start your steamer with plain tap water. Scrunch all upholstered and hard surfaces from the highest to the lowest point in the room. This will prevent bed bugs from spreading up and around the room. Cracks and crevices can hide bed bugs.

4. Cover items evenly with the wand by moving it slowly over them. Aim for 12 inches (30 cm) every 30 seconds. As a result, bed bugs and their eggs will be killed in each section of the item. Hold the steamer over a live bed bug for 30 seconds to kill it.

5. Open all the windows after steaming. Alternatively, turn on a floor fan. It will help prevent mold and mildew from forming. The fan should be aimed toward the item you are steaming, such as toward the ground if you are steaming a carpet, or upwards if you are steaming furniture.

6. Repeat the process 2 to 3 times to eliminate all bed bugs. Since bed bugs may move to escape the steam, or you may miss an area, it takes 2-3 steaming sessions to kill all of them.

Note: Make sure to repeat the treatment as soon as possible, as bed bugs multiply rapidly!

Can I Get Rid Of Bed Bugs Myself?

In most cases, no. Often, cleaning methods are exhausting and do not provide the desired results.

Bedbugs can live for months between meals and know where to hide.

It is wise to replace your mattress with a new and reputable mattress (like the Saatva Classic) if your bed is infested.

The Saatva Classic is the #1 best-selling mattress in the U.S. Comes with a generous 365-night sleep trial and a lifetime warranty. It's an affordable and extremely comfortable mattress that is built to last!

How Do I Permanently Get Rid Of Bed Bugs At Home?

The only way to permanently get rid of bed bugs in your home is to get a new high-quality mattress from a reputable brand like the Saatva Classic.

Saatva offers affordable mattresses of great value. There are 4 mattress types you can choose from, depending on your preferences:

• Pick an innerspring mattress if you are on a tight budget, want a durable mattress, don't care about motion transfer, and want great back support. The Saatva Classic is the #1 premium hotel-quality innerspring mattress currently available.
• Pick a memory foam mattress if you want to feel enveloped in your mattress, sleep on your side, don't mind hotter temperatures, and can afford to pay a little more. We recommend the Loom & Leaf. Very comfortable and durable gel memory foam mattress from a reputable brand.
• Pick a latex mattress if you have an unlimited budget and want the absolute best mattress type money can buy. Amazing pressure relief. Lasts 15-20 years. It has the pressure relief of a memory foam mattress and the support of an innerspring style. Zenhaven is our favorite latex mattress.
• Pick a hybrid mattress if you're on a budget and want the feel of a latex mattress and the sturdiness of an innerspring construction. The support or comfort is likely not as good as a latex (in most scenarios), but gets you 80%+ of the way there (for a fraction of the cost). Saatva Classic is the #1 best hybrid innerspring mattress available. America's best-selling mattress (for a reason!).

#1 Tip For Getting Rid Of Bed Bugs (With Or Without Steam)

It is nearly impossible to get rid of bed bugs completely without removing your mattress first.

After removing and replacing your mattress (with a top brand like the Saatva Classic), you can try to eliminate your bed bug infestation permanently.