Steam kills bed bugs and their eggs on contact. Technicians use dry steam, which runs very hot but holds little water, so it reaches into seams and stuffing and leaves fabric only slightly damp.
Best Uses for Steam
- Mattress seams, tufts and edges.
- Couches, recliners and upholstered chairs.
- Bunk mattresses, camp cots and guest trailer cushions.
- Pet beds, drapes and large items that will not fit in a dryer.
Why Professional Equipment Helps
Household steamers lose heat at the nozzle or soak the padding. A trained technician moves a commercial unit slowly over each seam and pairs it with another method, because steam kills only what it touches and leaves nothing behind to stop new bugs.
- FindThe technician pinpoints where bugs are living.
- SteamSeams, tufts and joints get slow, careful passes.
- CoverMattresses are often sealed in bed bug proof encasements.
- ReturnA second method and a recheck finish the job.
Steam in Smartsville Homes
Steam is handy for the cushions and mattress in a guest trailer, the bunks in a shop room and the couch where people nap after a day on the lake. It also works on a secondhand chair from a valley yard sale before you bring it indoors.
Getting Ready for Steam
- Pull off sheets and pillowcases and wash and dry them hot.
- Clear space around beds, couches and chairs.
- Point out leather, wool or antique pieces to the technician.
Questions About Steam Treatment
Will one steam treatment be enough?
Seldom. It can be when only a few bugs are in one bed and the problem is new. In most houses a second method is needed for bed frames, wall cracks and neighboring rooms.
Can steam go on an old family quilt or antique chair?
Show those pieces to the technician first. A test spot out of sight, or a different method, can keep fragile items safe.
How it works: Bed Bug Control CA runs its own bed bug inspections and treatments. A licensed technician comes out to your Smartsville address to look for signs. Treatment starts only after you approve the written quote.