Can Steam Kill Bed Bugs? | Steam for Bed Bugs


You have to admit it: it feels so frustrating being bitten by bugs while you are sleeping, and you can’t just catch them because you can only find out when you wake up!

Bed bugs are so stubborn that they get pretty good at hiding, and we need to address that issue to keep our mattresses clean at all times.

What if we tell you we can address your issue with this one method: steam?

Important Note: If you're tired of pests and want a reliable solution, then you should definitely consider seeking help from a professional pest control company. DIY solutions can be effective, but if you're dealing with a significant pest infestation, you don't want to rely solely on DIY methods. Pest control companies typically don't charge huge fees. You can fill out this form to receive free quotes from the top local pest control companies, and compare the quotes and see for yourself. Then, finally, your pest problems will be eliminated for good.

Since temperature is one of the weaknesses of bed bugs, we may eliminate them with steam. However, can steam indeed kill bed bugs, or not?

Let’s find out.

can steam kill bed bugs

Can Steam Kill Bed Bugs?

Yes, steam can kill bed bugs.

If you are looking for a non-chemical option to eliminate bed bugs from your carpet or couch, then steam is the best way to go.

Using steam to get rid of bed bugs can reduce infestation, and the bed bugs can get uncomfortable with the heat it produces.

However, we cannot assure that the entirety of bed bugs can be eradicated with steam if not used regularly.

We can use steam to kill bed bugs, including their eggs, but they can still repopulate in no time if not adequately addressed.

If you cannot reach the corners and hide spots of the bed bugs, then there is a great chance they can still exist in your mattress in no time.

How Does Steam Work in Killing Bed Bugs?

The steam can kill bed bugs with the temperature of heat, and this heat can distract them and get weak in a few minutes.

You can kill a bed bug within 118 degrees Fahrenheit, and the steam temperature is usually higher than that.

This way, the steam already exceeds the boundary temperature for the bed bugs’ complete lethality; thus, they can be eliminated when they contact the steam.

The steam’s temperature can kill bed bugs and other pests and insects.

can steam kill bed bugs

How to Kill Bed Bugs with Steam

You can kill bed bugs quickly with these simple steps.

  • Remove your beddings and put them in the laundry, and if you want to include furniture that can handle steam, prepare those structures and keep away things that cannot take the steam.
  • Tidy up areas you want to steam up to ensure that no dust particles will be involved in the process.
  • Turn on your steamer wand and wait for it to heat up.
  • Once the steam is ready, begin with your bed pillows. Steam all your pillows including bolster, and body pillows.
  • Make sure the items are damp and not wet. A wet fabric because of steam may cause contamination after a while.
  • Steam your mattress and go over the layer where you sleep first. Generously go around with the steam, then flip your mattress over if you can.
  • Go over the corners of your bed, including the headboard, and make sure you can reach the unreachable places with your steam to ensure you will kill the bed bugs in the process.
  • If you have upholstered furniture that needs to be steamed, include those pieces to ensure bed bugs will keep away from your home.
  • Once you have finished steaming your home, turn off your steam and wait for the moisture to settle down in your home items.
  • Clean your house, wipe your items, sweep the floor to ensure that the bed bugs are eliminated.

What if Bed Bugs Don’t Leave My House?

If steaming alone does not work, you can also try blow-drying or vacuuming.

If the infestation is severe, it would be better to call pest control in your area to ensure that the severity of the infestation will be addressed immediately, protecting you and your items in the house.

Final Words

And there you have it, the one simple method to get rid of bed bugs in your room.

No matter how clean you think your home is, we can never avoid bed bugs in your couch or mattress because that is where they love to reside.

So, it would be best to look for eradication methods to keep your mattress clean and to keep yourself away from unnecessary bites.

Never forget to clean your room as well, because the bed bugs may have moved around when they noticed you are trying to get rid of them from your bed.

If the bed bug infestation is at the highest level, it’s best to call pest control.

Steam your mattresses now!

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Author

Daniel White
I'm Daniel White, and I live in Jacksonville, Florida. The warm and humid climate of Florida gives an ideal habitat for many different kinds of pests. So, if I had to live in Florida, I had to learn how to deal with these pests. Now, I have 7 years of experience in Pest Control.

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