An infrared thermometer should be used to measure surface temperatures after the wand has passed over the area being steamed. Above this range increases the risk of damage to the fabric and other materials. Surfaces must reach a temperature range of 160-180☏.The floor nozzle will also work, but you will have to move the nozzle more slowly to obtain the right temperatures. There is often a triangular nozzle that comes with the steamer and this nozzle works well most of the time. Using a Steamer to Kill Bed Bugsįollowing the manufacturer’s directions for the steamer and the additional precautions below will help you generate steam safely and obtain maximum control of bed bugs. To effectively kill bed bugs the surface temperature should be at least 160-180☏ immediately after the steam brush has passed. Use an infrared thermometer to monitor the surface temperature of the area being treated.

In cracks and crevices, steam will kill bed bugs up to 2-3/8” into a gap. Steam is very effective when bed bugs are on the surface of items and can be effective up to 3/4″ into fabric surfaces. Steamers work by delivering lethal temperatures to where bed bugs may be hiding. It may also be possible to rent a steamer. Although a steam cleaner is expensive for one person to purchase (approximately $800 to $1,200), it may be reasonable for a housing cooperative, a social assistance group or another type of organization to purchase a steamer and make it available for members to use. Carpet cleaning machines do not reach high enough temperatures to kill bed bugs. The type of steamer you use to steam clothing will not be effective for bed bug treatment. Use a commercial steamer with a minimum capacity of 1 gallon, preferably with a steam volume control. When using steam as a treatment the quality of the steamer is very important. Steam is a very effective method for killing bed bugs in all the stages of development, if applied correctly.

Goodway steamer