Why Water Alone Won’t Kill Bed Bugs but Heat and Steam Can

Bed bugs are tiny, nocturnal creatures that survive by feasting on human blood. They spread quickly and can be difficult to get rid of if left untreated. Knowing the signs of a bed bug infestation and understanding how to effectively eradicate them is key to ensuring your home remains free from these pesky critters. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the signs of a bed bug infestation, the effectiveness of water and steamers in killing bed bugs, and the best methods to get rid of them once and for all. 

What Are Bed Bugs? 

Bed bugs are small insects that feed on human blood while humans sleep. They’re usually about the size of an apple seed and have flat, oval-shaped bodies with six legs. Adult bed bugs are light brown in color but turn reddish-brown after they’ve gorged themselves on a blood meal. Bed bugs do not fly or jump; instead, they crawl from place to place in search of food sources. 

How Do Bed Bugs Spread? 

Bed bugs are great hitchhikers; they spread easily by latching onto clothing or luggage, which allows them to move from one location to another quickly and undetected. They can also travel through wall voids, holes, or even through electrical sockets. Additionally, they may enter your home via used furniture or mattresses that you bring in from outside sources as these items may already contain eggs or live bugs. 

What Are the Signs of a Bed Bug Infestation? 

The most common sign of a bed bug infestation is bites on exposed skin after sleeping—these bites will typically appear as red bumpy welts. You may also see signs of bed bug droppings around mattress seams or other areas where they congregate such as baseboards and furniture joints. If you spot any dark spots on your sheets or mattress (which could be dried blood) then it’s likely that you have an infestation on your hands.

 Does Water Kill Bed Bugs?

Unfortunately, water alone does not eliminate bed bugs. At minimum, it must be high heat water and it’s the combination with a high heat dryer cycle that kills the bed bugs

Can Steamers Be Used To Kill Bed Bugs? 

Yes! Steamers can be used to kill bed bugs in certain circumstances and it will kill both adult bed bugs and their eggs with contact. Unfortunately, you must  see the bed bugs and eggs to be able to use steam effectively as contact with the heat of the steam is required.  Keep in mind that you must use caution when operating a steamer since improper usage can lead to damage to your home and belongings or even fires.

Best Methods To Kill Bed Bugs

The best way to get rid of bedbugs on your own is by using a combination of different methods such as vacuuming regularly to suck up eggs, laundering clothing/bedding on a high heat cycle to kill any living pests in the laundry and renting electrical heat equipment as your DIY option, rather than any over the counter pesticides. While there is no guarantee that this method will work 100% effectively every time – if done correctly – you should expect good results if you’re willing to suffer to try to get rid of them on your own.

Bed Bug Barbeque

Bed Bug Barbeque is the perfect solution for anyone looking to kill bed bugs quickly and efficiently. Our exterminators are experienced professionals who utilize state-of-the-art tools and technology to ensure that your home or business is 100% free of these pesky critters in one day. Contact us today for a free quote and let us take care of your bed bug problem!