What are bed bugs? How to kill bed bugs

Bed bugs, scientifically known as Cimex lectularius, are small, wingless insects that feed on the blood of warm-blooded animals. The adult has an oval-shaped structure and is reddish-brown in color.

The upper surface of its body has a wrinkled appearance and is 1/4 to 3/8 inch long. Its body is covered in short, golden hair and its head is broad with a pair of prominent cone-shaped compound eyes.

The insect has 2 antennae segmented into 4 parts. It has weak and flexible piercing beak-like mouthparts. It has 6 well-developed legs and simple claws for climbing rough surfaces.

Bed bugs are very difficult to kill and therefore a variety of treatments are used to treat an infestation, one of which is steam and heat treatments.

steam treatment

Steam treatment using a portable steam machine is effective, but time consuming. You should place the nozzle directly on the infested surface and move it at a speed of 30 cm every 1 to 15 seconds. The quality of the vapor is crucial. The machine must produce low-flow, high-temperature steam.

The recommended setting is dry steam with less than 5% humidity at 94°C applied at high pressure. The low steam output prevents the treated surface from getting too wet. The machine must produce a minimum temperature of 60°C (140°C).

The steamer should hold at least 50 ounces of water, enough for one hour of continuous use. After treatment, the treated surface should register at least 70°C – 80°C on the digital infrared thermometer.

Keep the steam flow to a minimum. Use a suitable nozzle to prevent the distribution of bed bugs. Vacuum all bed bugs after applying the treatment. The surfaces you have to cover determine how long it takes.

It takes at least 1 hour to set up the machine and clean the mattress by itself. Add extra time for plush furniture, rugs, rugs, and other appropriate surfaces.

Benefits

A. Steam kills bed bugs at all stages of the life cycle when applied correctly.

b. Steam ejects them from the port.

against Steam combined with other treatments can reduce a significant amount of the population.

d. Steam can reach areas that a vacuum cannot.

my. Steam treatment is a cheap and effective way to kill bed bugs.

drawbacks

A. Steam processing requires patience.

b. Steam must be applied slowly and closely to infested items for effective results.

against Steam processing is a continuous process. Taking breaks between treatments gives pests time to escape.

d. Steam treatment alone cannot eliminate the bed bug population.

my. The treatment has no residual effect and there is no guarantee against reinfestation.

F. Steam cannot penetrate the mattress and other materials.

gram. The treatment is not suitable for all surfaces.

H. Steam can damage wood, electronics, paper, and other water-sensitive items.

Yo. Sometimes the treatment needs to be applied multiple times to get the required results.

d. If used improperly, the steam can remove pesticide residues in the treated area. The towel over the nozzle can obstruct the release of steam pressure and prevent the steam from escaping with force to kill bed bugs.

Steam is not the magic bullet for solving your bed bug problem. You must combine it with other treatments to kill pests. If you choose to use a desiccant, wait until the treated surface dries before applying the powder.

The use of mattress covers after applying the steam treatment is good.

Health and safety issues

The steam needs a minimum heat of 60°C. This exposes you to extreme heat. Moisture contributes to mold. And, the use of pesticides in an area that has just been steam treated can be dangerous to the occupants of the home.