Steam kills bed bugs and their eggs wherever it directly touches them. Technicians run dry steam units, hot but low in moisture, so the heat reaches into mattress seams and cushion folds without leaving everything soaked.
Best Uses for Steam
- Mattress seams, tufts and piping.
- Couches, recliners and upholstered headboards.
- Car seats and children's car seats.
- Pet beds, curtains and other fabric that cannot go in a dryer.
Why It Is Left to Professionals
Consumer steamers tend to cool off fast at the nozzle or release too much water. Licensed technicians use commercial-grade equipment, work each seam slowly, and treat steam as one piece of a larger plan rather than a standalone fix.
- Find the spotsThe technician identifies where bugs are hiding.
- Steam each seamJoints and seams get worked over slowly.
- Add encasementsMattresses and box springs are often wrapped afterward.
- Pair with another methodSteam is combined with a second treatment plus a follow-up visit.
Steam Treatment Around El Cajon
Steam works well in smaller apartments and condos for mattresses and couches, and appeals to families trying to keep chemicals off the bed. It is also a good step to take on secondhand furniture before it ever comes through the door.
Getting Ready for a Steam Visit
- Strip the bedding and run it through a hot wash and dryer cycle.
- Clear the floor space around beds and seating.
- Flag any delicate fabric for the technician before they start.
Questions About Steam Treatment
Can steam handle a bed bug problem on its own?
Rarely on its own. Since steam only reaches what it directly contacts, it is normally paired with a method that also gets into walls, frames and other rooms.
Will steam damage upholstered furniture?
Most fabric holds up fine under professional dry steam. Point out any leather, silk or antique pieces beforehand so the technician can test a small area first.
How your call is handled: Bed Bug Control CA is a free referral service. When you call or send the form, you are connected with an independent, licensed pest control company that serves El Cajon. That company inspects, quotes and does the work.