HELP! One PCO does not recommend steam... « Got Bed Bugs? Bedbugger Forums

Got Bed Bugs? Bedbugger Forums » Bed bug pest control firms (PCOs), Bed bug k9s, etc.

HELP! One PCO does not recommend steam...

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buggedoutinNJ

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Posted 3 years ago
Sat Aug 29 2009 0:58:34
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...the other does.

Who should I trust?

I have two tentative contracts for treatment in 5 days. I need to hire one for certain. So far, the one who does not recommend steam seems to be answering all my questions the way I expected from the research I've done. The only issue I have with the company is this avoidance of steam. I've read on here that steam combined with chemicals is the way to go.

Any advice would be really helpful. I'll be starting the laundering and bagging process tomorrow.
spideyjg

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Posted 3 years ago
Sat Aug 29 2009 1:35:21
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Watch about 1 minute into this you tube clip as the bugs flee the deadly steam.

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Steam can be great but if, like in the vid you don't hit them off they run.

Jim
thebedbugresource

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Posted 3 years ago
Sat Aug 29 2009 2:01:10
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If used correctly steam is a valuable tool. Used incorrectly and you can blast bugs off of surfaces !

Sean.
TThelp

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Posted 3 years ago
Sat Aug 29 2009 2:14:30
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Also, the timming is important. You wouldn't want to steam after the PCO puts down residual effect chemicals. That would stop them from working. So, that may be why one said no.
spideyjg

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Posted 3 years ago
Sat Aug 29 2009 3:18:51
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Steams greatest asset is that it will kill the eggs. The nymphs and adults will try to escape it.

Jim
buggedoutinNJ

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Posted 3 years ago
Sat Aug 29 2009 9:55:03
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Thanks, folks. The "no-steam" people stated that bugs will just run from it, and unless you know EXACTLY where the bugs and eggs are, you are just going to scatter the ones you cannot find readily. They use three different chemicals, one being a dust.

The "steam" company uses only one wet chemical and steam. They do one initial treatment and then a two-week follow-up. Then they have a 30 day guarantee from the first treatment.

I am leaning toward the "no-steam" company because their prep requirements were even more stringent than the "steam" people. They had a longer guarantee--90 days after the third intervallic treatment. AND they quoted me a slightly lower price--not by a significant amount, mind you.

When a company (like the "steam" people) tells you they actually have financing available, it might be a good indication that they over-charge in general.

Another question...neither company mentioned that the bathrooms would need treatment. One of my bathrooms is right off the bedroom--it has no windows so it's nice and dark, and it's not a room where people stay in for long. I don't particularly like the omission of the bathroom(s). Now a third company mentioned they would just spray for $300.00 as many times as necessary, but they included the bathroom baseboards.

I think the most thorough people are the best bet, but what do I know from bedbug extermination?

This place is amazing, btw. Thanks for all your input so far!
never_again

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Posted 3 years ago
Sat Aug 29 2009 11:44:27
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Is it valuable to steam clean the inside of cracks around baseboards and windows? or is this likley to spread BB? Also will steam cleaning w/ water and alcohol ruin finishes on wood?
buggedoutinNJ

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Posted 3 years ago
Sat Aug 29 2009 12:12:59
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I don't know much about the process, but from what I've read here, you want "dry" steam. "Wet" steam may bring problems to your site, including the possibility of growing mold. I wouldn't do this myself unless I sprung for the right equipment which, again from what I've been reading, is quite expensive. I'm sure those with actual experience will chime in.

In other news... I don't have a huge infestation yet, mostly nymphs, but I did find what appeared to be an adult, fully engorged, crawling UP the wall last night by the bed before I going to sleep. I'm not sure when it fed because my b/f was napping on the couch while I was perusing this forum. I put some clear tape on it and accidentally squished it--blood shot out from it. So that's my first big one.

Anyway, I am in the process of laundering and sorting out all the clothes in my closet preparing for treatment just to be safe in case they spread that far. I just found something on a skirt of mine that appeared to be an engorged nymph. I toyed with it for a while, submerged it, looked at it with the magnifying glass, all these things...only to find that it's a nicely packed piece of lint. I feel silly, but it brings a little levity to this task--me playing with a piece of lint for a few minutes with incredible concern. I will keep my eyes open for the blood-sucking lint balls in the future, nasty things that they are.