Bed bugs often go unnoticed on luggage or transport vehicles and are primarily found in places with high passenger traffic. They nest in gaps, cracks, crevices, and behind baseboards or bed headboards, leaving behind bites that cause intense itching. With our steam cleaner lineup, Kärcher offers a chemical-free application to effectively tackle the spread of these parasites.
An infestation is chemically treated by professional pest control. However, the insects are becoming more and more resistant to the remedies used. Therefore, any affected parties should take action in consultation with the pest controller.
Hot water steam is an effective and chemical-free solution against bed bug infestation: At a distance of five centimetres the killing effectiveness for all development stages of bed bugs is 100%*.
Kärcher had its steam cleaners for use at home as its steam cleaners and steam vacuum cleaners for professional users tested for their effectiveness in containing these parasites by the lab of the French Institute for the Study and Control of Bed Bugs (INELP**). The result: The machines eliminate 100% of the bed bugs in any growth stage*. The bugs and their eggs are not heat-resistant and die at temperatures over 60°C (140°F)***. This means that steam cleaners can be effectively used as a chemical-free solution in the battle against bed bugs at home. A professional application can be carried out in places with high movement of people, for example in hotels or on public transport.
Please note: Despite the official certificate for the elimination of bed bugs, the use of our steam cleaners is no substitute for a professional exterminator. Professional cleaning is essential to effectively and permanently eliminate a bed bug infestation. Our devices are suitible for greatly reducing an infestation and for removing bed bug edd clutches, for example.
The application of steam cleaners is a supporting measure. When used properly they can reach eggs of bed bugs that sit on furniture, walls and floors and kill them with their water steam. It is important that the nozzle is guided slowly over the area at a distance of maximum five centimetres. The steam then has enough time to heat the surface and penetrate into the layers. Working from top to bottom: Curtains or blinds are steamed first, then the lower-lying objects such as bed frames or skirting boards. Treatment with the steam cleaner should be avoided on heat-sensitive materials, thick upholstered furniture and mattresses.
Compared to insecticide spray, the steam application penetrates better into narrow gaps, gets through fabrics and is not toxic. The hot steam is also able to kill off all life stages of bed bugs, including eggs.*
If the bed bugs have already hatched, they can grow to a size of up to 8.5 millimetres. Older bugs can therefore also be spotted with the naked eye and vacuumed with a vacuum cleaner with HEPA filter and bag. After vacuuming it is necessary to safely dispose of the vacuum bag. For this, the sealed vacuum bag is placed in a plastic bag and the contents are treated with insecticides. Alternatively, the plastic bag can be placed in the freezer overnight and then disposed of in the bin.****
Bed bugs like to hide in gaps or holes in furniture, walls or floors, which must be sealed where possible. A possible infestation can be identified early if upholstery such as couches, beds and mattresses are regularly examined for signs such as small brown stains or shedding skin. Protective covers for mattresses and pillows can make it difficult for bed bugs to attack. Hygiene measures such as regular washing at high temperatures and vacuum cleaners reduce the potential of bed bugs and their eggs.
*Source: Test lab Laboratoire Diagnostic Insecte (LDI), France; test insect Cimex lectularius, living bugs and fertilised eggs. 100% of the eggs and bugs are killed, with a steaming duration of 2 s at distance of 5 cm with a Kärcher steam cleaner (hand nozzle) at the maximum steam level.
**Source: www.inelp.fr
***Source: Kells A.S., Goblirsch M.J.., 2011 - Temperature and time requirements for controlling bed bugs (Cimex lectularius) under commercial heat treatment conditions. Insects, 2, 412-422.
****Source: Federal Environment Agency, Guide: Bed Bugs – Identify, prevent, combat
