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A handheld steamer can kill bed bugs on contact, but it comes with some real limitations you should know before relying on it. Bed bugs die when the temperature reaches 118°F or higher, and a good steamer can reach those temperatures on the surface of a mattress, along seams, or in the folds of a box spring. So it may help to kill some bed bugs.
The problem is penetration. Bed bugs are expert hiders. They tuck themselves deep into cracks, behind baseboards, and within the internal structure of furniture. These are places a handheld steamer will likely struggle to reach. Killing bed bugs with a steamer only works where the steam actually makes contact, and at the right temperature, for long enough. Move too fast, and the heat won't be sufficient. Miss a hiding spot, and the infestation continues.
If you're seeing signs of bed bugs, it's worth getting a professional assessment sooner rather than later. Bed bug control methods used by trained technicians, including professional-grade heat treatments and targeted chemical applications, are designed to reach areas a handheld steamer can't. We start with a thorough inspection to understand the full extent of the problem before recommending the right approach.
Get peace of mind knowing your home or business is protected. Our technicians will assess your property and recommend customized solutions.
Speak with your local pest control expert for fast advice and a free inspection.
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