Steam kills bed bugs and eggs the instant it reaches them. Technicians use dry steam, which runs very hot but carries little moisture, so it gets into seams and padding and leaves fabric barely damp.
Best Uses for Steam
- Mattress seams, tufts and piping.
- Sofas, recliners and padded headboards.
- Floor mattresses, bunk pads and crib pads.
- Stuffed toys, pet beds and drapes too big for a dryer.
Why a Pro Unit Matters
Household steamers tend to cool at the nozzle or soak the fabric. A technician runs a commercial unit slowly along each seam and pairs it with another method, because steam kills only what it touches and leaves nothing behind to stop new bugs.
- FindThe technician locates where bugs are living.
- SteamSeams, tufts and joints get slow, careful passes.
- EncaseMattresses usually go into bed bug proof covers.
- Follow upA second method and a return visit finish the work.
Steam in a Full Stratford House
With close to 4 people in the average Stratford home, there are often bunk beds, floor mattresses and well-used couches. Steam treats those soft items without leaving product where children sit and sleep. Steaming a used couch or mattress outside before it comes indoors is a good habit as well.
Getting Ready
- Strip every bed and wash and dry the linens on hot.
- Clear the floor around beds, cribs and sofas.
- Tell the technician about leather, wool or delicate fabric.
Questions About Steam Treatment
Is steam enough on its own?
Only for a very small, early case confined to one bed. In most Stratford houses a partner method is still needed for bed frames, cracks in the walls and the rooms next door.
Can steam go on a baby's crib mattress?
Steam uses no chemicals, which many parents like. Show the technician the item first so they can check the material and pick the right setting.
When you contact us: Bed Bug Control CA inspects and treats homes for bed bugs in California. We schedule a licensed technician to check your Stratford home. We quote in writing, then treat once you say yes.