How to Kill Bed Bugs With Steam

Co-authored by Kevin Carrillo

Bed bugs may be resilient, but they cannot withstand the high heat of a steamer. Steamers are an excellent, chemical-free way to treat for bed bugs and other pests, such as dust mites. Steamers will kill bed bugs and their eggs on contact, and thoroughly clean the infested area. When treating an area, there are a few guidelines to follow to ensure that all bedbugs are eradicated in a safe manner.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Using the Steamer

1
Look for a steam cleaner with at least a 1 US gal (3.8 L) tank. You can purchase a steamer, but they are often in the range of $800 or more. Rent a steamer from a local hardware store or try to find a used one instead.^{[1]
X
Research source}
- Avoid clothing and carpet steaming devices. These do not reach the temperatures needed to kill bed bugs.
2
Attach the triangular nozzle to the hose. Most steam cleaners come with a wide, angular nozzle for steaming upholstery and other surfaces. Place this nozzle on the end of the steamer hose before you turn it on.^{[2]
X
Research source}
- Do not use a carpet attachment because the bristles may interfere with the nozzle getting close to the item.
- Do not use a pinpoint or other type of narrow nozzle as this may blow the bed bugs and their eggs around the room.^{[3]
  X
  Research source}
Advertisement
3
Steam upholstered items and in cracks and crevices. Fill the tank with plain tap water and then switch on your steamer. Start steaming all of the upholstered and hard surfaces in the room moving from the highest point to the lowest point. This will help to ensure that any bed bugs will be pushed down rather than up and around the room. Bed bugs may hide in soft-surfaced items as well as in cracks and crevices. Some items you may need to steam include:^{[4]
X
Research source}
- Mattresses
- Box springs
- Furniture
- Baseboards
- Tacking strips on carpet
Warning: Watch out for wires and outlets while you’re steaming! Unplug any electronics in the areas you need to steam before you get started.
4
Move the wand slowly over the surface of items to get good coverage. Aim for a speed of about 12 in (30 cm) every 30 seconds. This will help to ensure that each section of the item gets exposed to enough steam to kill the bed bugs and their eggs.^{[5]
X
Research source}
- Keep in mind that steaming can be a slow, tedious process, especially if you have a large area to cover. Take breaks as needed or have someone help you to prevent yourself from rushing through the job.
- If you come across a live bed bug while cleaning, hold the steamer over it for 30 seconds. This should be enough heat to kill it. Once the bug is dead, use a paper towel to pick it up and throw it away.^{[6]
  X
  Research source}
EXPERT TIP

Kevin Carrillo
Pest Control Specialist
Kevin Carrillo is a Pest Control Specialist and the Senior Project Manager for MMPC, a pest control service and certified Minority-owned Business Enterprise (MBE) based in the New York City area. MMPC is certified by the industry’s leading codes and practices, including the National Pest Management Association (NPMA), QualityPro, GreenPro, and The New York Pest Management Association (NYPMA). MMPC's work has been featured in CNN, NPR, and ABC News.

Kevin Carrillo
Pest Control Specialist

Our Expert Agrees: Bedbugs and their eggs die off at around 121°F, and steam is emitted at 180°—200°F, so the steam is definitely hot enough to kill the bugs. However, the steam needs to applied for at least a couple of seconds in order to be effective, so move the steamer slowly over any surface you're treating.
5
Open windows and run a fan in the room when you are done. After you have finished steaming everything, open all of the windows in the room to help the air circulate. Switch on a ceiling fan if available, or turn on a floor fan. This will help to dry off the items and prevent mold and mildew from forming.^{[7]
X
Research source}
- Make sure to aim the fan towards the items you steamed, such as towards the ground if you steamed a section of carpet, or upwards if you steamed a chair, mattress, or box springs.
6
Repeat the process 2 to 3 times to ensure that all the bed bugs are dead. It often takes 2 or 3 times for steaming to kill all of the bed bugs since they may move to escape the steam, or you might miss an area. Plan to repeat the steam treatment a few hours later or the following day.^{[8]
X
Research source}
- Don’t wait more than a few days to repeat the treatment because bed bugs multiply quickly!

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Increasing the Steamer’s Effectiveness

1
Check for a surface temperature between 160 to 180 °F (71 to 82 °C). This is the ideal temperature for killing bed bugs without damaging the items you are steaming. You can use an infrared thermometer to check the surface temperature of the items you steam. Hold the infrared thermometer about 0.5 in (1.3 cm) from the surface of an area right after you finish steaming it.^{[9]
X
Research source}
- If the temperature is below 160 °F (71 °C), then you may need to adjust your steamer or use a different steamer.
2
Check to ensure that the surface feels damp, but not wet. The surface of the items should not feel wet to the touch after you run the steamer over them. Check for a damp surface, and adjust the settings on your steamer if the item feels wet.^{[10]
X
Research source}
- If an item gets too wet, press it with a dry towel to blot up the moisture.
Tip: You may find it easier to wash and dry certain items, such as curtains, linens, and small area rugs. Pick up any items such as these and place them into plastic bags. Seal the bags tightly to avoid infesting other areas of your home when you move them.^{[11]
X
Research source}
3
Hire a professional to apply an insecticide for extra coverage. Although steam can kill bed bugs, you may not be able to penetrate deep enough to kill all of the bed bugs and their eggs. Using an insecticide along with steam cleaning will help to ensure that the bed bugs are under control.^{[12]
X
Research source}
- Since applying insecticides can be dangerous, it is recommended to hire a professional exterminator to do this for you. They have the knowledge to choose the best chemicals for your situation and apply them safely.^{[13]
  X
  Research source}