Content

• To step
• Necessities

Bed bugs may be tricky to control, but they absolutely cannot stand the heat of a steamer. A steam device is an excellent way to control bed bugs and other pests such as dust mites without chemicals. Such a device will reach a maximum temperature of 120 ºC, kill all bed bugs and eggs that come into contact with the steam and thoroughly clean the area in question. When treating a bed bug area, it is important to follow certain guidelines to ensure that all bed bugs are safely eradicated.

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1. Use caution when using steam on an area that has recently been treated with chemicals (including diatomaceous earth). The heat can break down the chemicals already used so that they no longer work. A rule of thumb is to use chemical agents after to use steaming.
2. Vacuum the areas to be treated before you start using steam. The steamer will be able to do its job better. If possible, use a vacuum cleaner with a bag as this will make it easy to dispose of any bed bugs you have vacuumed up. If you have a bagless vacuum cleaner, dispose of the contents Outside in a garbage bag, put the bag in your gray container and wash the inside and the filter with water as hot as possible. Let everything air dry before reassembling the cleaner.
   • You can also use a device that is a combination of a vacuum cleaner and a steam device.
3. Read carefully the instructions that came with the steamer to prepare the appliance for use. Remember that very hot steam comes out of a steamer, so be careful not to burn yourself.
4. Clean the steamer with a cloth cloth to remove excess water from the nozzle. Do this while the appliance is heating up and each time after you have treated an area. When you have wiped away the water, you can attach the correct attachment and start steaming.
   • Have a dry towel or absorbent cloth handy to help soak up the excess water that may collect while steaming.
5. When steaming, start at the top part of the room (curtains, etc.) and work towards the floor. The steam device can be used on skirting boards, mattresses, box springs, headboards, sofas, carpets, floorboards and more. Do not spray steam into an electrical outlet or electrical appliance.
6. If possible, use a larger nozzle as the nozzle. Smaller nozzles put too much pressure on a particular area, causing the bed bugs to spread and not be killed. Some steam devices have a button that allows you to regulate the pressure, so that you can adjust how hard the steam comes out of the device.
7. Take your time with the steamer. Keep the tip of the nozzle about 3 to 5 inches away from the surface you are treating and treat about 2 to 3 inches per second.
8. After steaming your mattress, let everything dry long enough before you put the mattress and box spring back on the bed and put pillowcases around the pillows. Putting everything back before the steam has dried can cause mold to grow.
9. After steaming, watch for the signs of bed bugs for a few days. If you think the bed bugs have returned, treat the area with steam again. It is always recommended to treat the area in question with a good bed bug spray after a steam treatment.

Necessities

• Steam device
• Absorbent cloth
• Bed bug spray for after steaming