About Bed Bugs & a Steam Cleaner

Mattress

Bed bugs are small parasites that feed on the blood of host animals and humans. They can be found anywhere, including in homes, hotels and dorm rooms. Removing bed bugs is best left to a professional, but for home removal, a steam cleaner will kill bed bugs.

Identification

Bed bugs are small, wingless bugs. Young bed bugs are about the size of a small seed. Adult bed bugs are about one-quarter of an inch in length and brown in color.

Steam

Because bed bugs are vulnerable to extreme temperatures, a steam cleaner will kill bed bugs. Best practice is to hire a professional exterminator.

Pesticide

Though a steam cleaner can be used to remove bed bugs, a professional exterminator will likely use pesticides to remove an infestation of bed bugs.

History

In medieval times, bed bugs only plagued the rich because they had beds and warm homes.

Warning

Steam cleaning can kill bed bugs, but if not fully eliminated, bed bug infestations can spread. If you think you have bed bugs, it's best to hire a professional.

References

• Bed bug guide
• Bed bug FAQ
• Cornell University