Steam kills bed bugs and eggs the moment it touches them. The steam pros use is dry, meaning it runs extremely hot with very little moisture, so it gets into cushions and seams while leaving them only slightly damp.
Where Steam Earns Its Keep
- Mattress seams, buttons and piping.
- Sofas, upholstered chairs and padded headboards.
- Antique or secondhand upholstered pieces before they come inside.
- Car seats, pet beds, curtains and fabric items that cannot go in a dryer.
Why a Professional Steamer
Home steamers tend to lose heat at the nozzle or spit out too much water. Professionals use commercial units, move slowly along each seam and pair steam with another method, since steam kills on contact only and leaves no lasting protection.
- LocateThe technician finds where the bugs are hiding.
- TreatSeams, tufts and joints are steamed slowly and evenly.
- CoverMattresses often go into bed bug encasements.
- CombineSteam is paired with another method and a follow-up visit.
Steam and Martinez Antiques
With so many vintage and antique stores downtown, steam is a practical step for an upholstered chair or headboard before it joins the rest of the furniture. Tell the technician about old finishes or fragile fabric so the steam can be adjusted.
Room Prep
- Strip the bedding and wash and dry it on high heat.
- Clear the floor around beds and seating.
- Mention any delicate or valuable fabric to the technician.
Questions About Steam Treatment
Can steam handle the whole problem alone?
Only for a tiny, early case on a single bed. For most homes, steam works alongside a second method that covers frames, walls and the rest of the house.
Will steam ruin my furniture?
Most fabrics handle professional dry steam well. Point out leather, silk, antiques or delicate finishes so the technician can test a small spot 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 Martinez. That company inspects, quotes and does the work.