Steam is a very effective method for killing bed bugs in all the stages of development, if applied correctly. ... Steam is very effective when bed bugs are on the surface of items and can be effective up to 3/4″ into fabric surfaces. In cracks and crevices, steam will kill bed bugs up to 2-3/8” into a gap.

How long does steam take to kill bed bugs?

Continued exposure to a temperature around 110 to 120 degrees Fahrenheit will kill bed bugs in a matter of 15-20 minutes. Steam cleaners, on the other hand, can shoot steam with temperatures reaching up to 300 degrees Fahrenheit. In this condition, bed bugs, nymphs, and their eggs can die almost instantly.

What temperature of steam kills bed bugs?

Steam Away Those Bedbugs

Check labels or call the manufacturer before using steam to eradicate the pests. The surface temperature needs to reach 160°F–180°F to effectively kill bedbugs. As you're steaming, use an infrared thermometer every few feet to make sure you are maintaining the heat at this lethal level.