2024 Author: Beatrice Philips | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 05:33
Bed bugs may not be susceptible to the poison, but they cannot withstand the heat of the steam. Steamers are a great, chemical-free way to remove bed bugs and other pests like dust mites, for example. The steam generators will kill bedbugs and their eggs on contact and thoroughly clean the infected area. When treating the site, several recommendations must be followed to ensure the complete destruction of all insects.
Pros and cons of processing
When used correctly, home steam engines help kill bed bugs at all stages of their development. Steam is supplied at high pressure and temperature. A reading of 120 ° F kills small insects within 15-20 minutes.
but it will take an exposure time of about 90 minutes to kill the eggs if the same temperature is used . Consequently, the effectiveness of this method will depend on the time of exposure and the magnitude of the temperature.
Both conventional home and professional steam generators can eradicate bed bugs, according to a 2018 study.
The experiment showed that it is possible to kill bedbugs with hot steam on mattresses, as well as insects hiding behind fabric seams and in cracks. However, research showed that this treatment was not effective against them when the bugs were hiding in the skin.
Benefits of using steam for baiting:
- it is cheaper than using professional bedbug exterminators;
- there are no chemicals, so the method is safe for the environment;
- destroys bed bugs at all stages of their development;
- steam is able to penetrate and kill insects in hidden places, such as cracks and crevices, through the materials of mattresses and furniture.
Of the shortcomings - not everyone has such equipment at hand. To carry out disinfection, you will have to purchase it. Moreover, destruction is slow.
What steam generators are used?
In order to choose the right steam generator for processing, you need to know which technique you should pay attention to first. Below are some of the best steam cleaning machines you can use to eliminate bed bugs and other pests.
McCulloch
McCulloch Motors Corporation steamers are among the most popular on the market. They are among the best and proven on Amazon.
They come in different sizes and with different functions . There are heavy-duty, lightweight / portable and manageable. These machines come with all the options you need to get rid of bed bugs with ease.
Such a unit has excellent performance - it produces powerful steam, which is able to penetrate into areas that are inaccessible with other processing methods . This is especially true for mattresses. The steamer comes with multiple attachments, includes a water tank, lockable steam trigger, extra long power cord.
The portable model is easy to carry anywhere for processing.
Vapamore MR-100 and MR-75
According to most users, these units are among the largest. They have cool features that can help kill bed bugs and other tiny insects in a short time and forever.
These steam appliances come in both heavy duty (MR-100) and light / portable handheld (MR-75) with amazing power and processing temperatures over 200 degrees
They use dry steam technology that works very well with bedbugs. The heavy-duty unit has a large tank to ensure continuous disinfection for a long period of time. They also come with adjustable nozzles for easy access to even the most hidden places.
However, this brand is expensive compared to other models. Another drawback of products is that they only kill, but do not collect dead beetles.
Moreover, cooling after full heating takes relatively longer.
Dupray
This is one of the very best steam cleaners on Amazon. Its features:
- works on all surfaces;
- large tank assumes up to 50 min. cleaning;
- uses plain water;
- very lightweight;
- steam up to 275 ° F / 135 ° C;
- built-in funnel;
- there are wheels;
- extended cord.
There are very few negative reviews, and they are more often the result of misuse.
Some users claim that the appliance does not heat up to the stated temperatures and spits out water instead of steam.
Technology
It is not difficult to destroy bedbugs in an apartment using ordinary steam. It is worth finding a steam cleaner with a tank of at least 3.8 liters. At the same time, it is advised to avoid devices for steaming clothes and carpets. They do not reach the required temperature, and it is a prerequisite for the complete destruction of bedbugs . Such disinfection is considered ineffective; it will not be possible to get rid of harmful insects.
To remove bedbugs, you first need to attach the triangular attachment to the equipment hose . Most steam cleaners have a wide angle nozzle for steaming upholstery and other surfaces. With the help of it, the fight turns out to be more effective.
Do not use a carpet attachment as the bristles can prevent the nozzle from reaching the object. In this case, the steam does not kill the bugs, because it does not reach them.
A point or other narrow nozzle is also not used, since direct impact can scatter bugs and their eggs throughout the room.
Steam off the upholstered items in cracks and crevices . Fill the tank with ordinary tap water, then turn on the equipment. They begin to steam everything in the room, moving from the highest point to the lowest. This will help ensure that the bugs start moving down and not up the room.
Caution: Unplug any electronics where you need to steam before starting work.
Move the equipment slowly over the surface of the workpiece to achieve the desired result . It is worth aiming for a speed of about 30 cm every 30 seconds. This ensures that the surface of the object is exposed to a sufficient amount of steam.
Keep in mind that steaming is a tedious process, especially if there is a large processing area.
It is worth taking breaks as needed, or asking someone for help so you can take your time with work.
If you come across a live bug while cleaning, hold the steam over it for 30 seconds . This should be enough to kill him. After the beetle dies, use a paper towel to lift it up and discard it.
Bed bugs and their eggs die at about 121 ° F and steam is released at 180 ° -200 ° F, so it's definitely hot enough to kill insects . However, in order for the steam to be effective, it must be kept for at least a few seconds.
Open the windows and blow fresh air into the room when you're done. You can turn on a ceiling fan, if available, or a floor fan.
This movement of air will help dry items and prevent mold and mildew growth.
Repeat the steam process 2-3 times a month to make sure all bugs are dead . It is best to repeat the next steam treatment a few hours later or the next day. But you cannot wait more than a few days, because these insects multiply quickly.
Temperatures from 71 to 82 ° C are ideal for killing bed bugs without damaging the items being processed . An infrared thermometer can be used to check the temperature at which the equipment is exposed to the surface of objects. It must be kept at a distance of approximately 1.3 cm from the disinfection area immediately after the end of steaming. If the reading is below 71 ° C, you may need to adjust the equipment or use something else.
The surface of the objects should not be damp to the touch after passing the steam generator . If there is moisture, you need to revise the settings.
If the item becomes too damp, wipe it off with a dry towel.
Sometimes it is required to additionally hire a professional who can apply the insecticide after steam treatment. Although the steam will kill bed bugs, it may not penetrate deep enough in some areas . These can be deep cracks.
Using an insecticide along with steam cleaning is ideal for solving the problem . It is worth remembering that using insecticides can be dangerous, so it is recommended that you hire a professional exterminator.
You need to understand that even with professional equipment, it is not always possible to completely get rid of bed bugs at one time. When simple rules are not followed, insects have time to scatter around the apartment, and you have to start over. It is best to start the treatment from the surfaces that are at the top and then slowly descend to the floor.
The use of insecticides is used as the final step in bed bug control.
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