Steam is a very effective method for killing bed bugs. While many are just now learning about the treatment, it’s something that’s been around for a long time. Our San Antonio offices have actually been utilizing steam treatments for a number of years now. When applied effectively in the manner, this type of treatment can kill bed bugs in all stages. That’s right, it’ll not only kill adult bed bugs, but it’ll kill eggs and larvae as well. This is simply something that cannot be said about a lot of treatments available today, and this is just one of the many things that make this treatment one of the more effective options.
That being said, it should be noted that our eco-friendly steam treatment is what is known as a contact treatment or contact kill treatment. What does this mean? It means that it kills immediately on contact, which seems like a good thing, right? Well, it is a good thing, but it means there is no residual effect. Any bugs that do not come to immediate contact with the steam will survive treatment, and it only takes one bug surviving to lead to another infestation.
How Do Steam Treatments Work?
When you sit down and think about it, steam treatments are pretty self-explanatory. However, that doesn’t mean that there isn’t still a lot of confusion surrounding these treatments. There is and this is one of the major reasons that people say they are so ineffective. The truth of the matter is, steam treatments are one of the most effective means of treatment available today when applied in the manner under the right circumstances.
When not applied right, of course, there going to be ineffective. That being said, you must first know that a regular clothes steamer will simply not do the trick. And, this is where most people fail. When they see steam treatments for beg bugs or read about steam treatments, they make the assumption that a regular clothes steam that produces steam is enough to eradicate bed bugs. Unfortunately, this is not the case. These types of steamers do not produce hot enough heat. The heat produced by a steamer must be anywhere from 160 to 180 degrees F.
All that aside, this is basically how a steam treatment works. It comes with a nozzle attached to a steam machine. You fill the machine with water and it heats that water into high-pressure steam that can then be applied to infected areas. Steam treatment really is as simple as that, but it doesn’t mean the treatment is simple. Not applying the steam right or not using the right machine will only result in less than desired results. You might even end up damaging some of your furniture or clothing items. This is why steam treatments are better left to the pros. Pest management professionals with the experience and know-how to handle and apply the machines. There is also always the potential that you could only further spread the infestation since it doesn’t leave behind a residual residue like pesticides.
A Greener Solution
While there are plenty of great things that can be said about heat treatments, one of the best is that they don’t utilize any chemicals. Whether there are pets, small children, or you are just growing more aware of the need to be practice green tactics these days, steam treatments are a eco-friendly option.
As was mentioned before, a clothes steamer will not do the trick. It just doesn’t produce hot enough heat. That being said, there are machines available that people can rent as well, but that doesn’t necessarily mean this is a good option either. And, that’s because there is always the potential to just spread the infestation. Since the treatment doesn’t leave behind any residue, you could apply it in the wrong manner or the wrong place and cause the bugs to scatter.
This is something you’ll never have to worry about when you opt for our professional pests management solutions. We serve the entire area of San Antonio and are more than glad to answer your questions or give you an honest and open quote. Whatever you need, feel free to pick up the phone and call our offices because we always have someone standing by!
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