Dry steam kills bed bugs and eggs the moment it touches them. Technicians use steam that is very hot but carries little water, so it gets into seams and padding while leaving fabric only slightly damp.
Best Uses for Steam
- Mattress seams, tufts and piping.
- Upholstered chairs, sleeper sofas and padded headboards.
- Cushions, pet beds and floor pillows.
- Drapes and large fabric items that will not fit in a dryer.
Why Professional Equipment Matters
Home steamers lose heat at the tip and can leave cushions wet. A trained technician moves a commercial unit slowly along each seam and combines it with another method, because steam only kills on contact and leaves nothing behind for bugs that return.
- LocateThe technician finds where the bugs are hiding.
- TreatSeams, tufts and joints get slow, steady passes.
- CoverMattresses often go into bed bug proof encasements.
- Follow upSteam is paired with another method and a recheck.
Steam for Inns and Antique-Filled Homes
Nevada City has its share of antique beds, upholstered parlor chairs and inn rooms furnished with older pieces. Steam lets a technician treat those items gently, and it is a sensible step for any secondhand mattress or chair before it comes inside.
Getting Ready
- Strip sheets, blankets and pillowcases, then wash hot and dry on high.
- Clear space around beds and seating.
- Point out antiques and fragile textiles to the technician.
Questions About Steam Treatment
Can steam handle the whole job alone?
Rarely. It may be enough for a tiny problem in a single bed, but bed frames, wall gaps and adjoining rooms usually call for a second method as well.
Is steam safe for antique upholstery or a vintage quilt?
Tell the technician about antiques and delicate fabric. A small test on an unseen spot comes first, or those pieces get a different method.
How your call is handled: Bed Bug Control CA inspects and treats homes for bed bugs in California. We book an inspection at your Nevada City home at a time that suits you. Treatment starts only after you approve the written quote.