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Best Vacuums for Bed Bugs & Steamers (Reviews and Guide 2020)
If you don’t have the best vacuum for bed bugs that money can buy, you’re at risk of facing the harsh reality that millions of people around the country deal with regularly.
Picture this…
You wake up one day to find itchy red dots all over your arms and legs. After taking a look around your bedroom furniture, you’re horrified at what you find: bed bugs!
Have you ever had that experience before? If so, you’re not alone. A survey conducted in 2011 found that one in five Americans have had a bed bug infestation in their home at some point or knew someone that did. It’s a serious problem that can be very expensive to treat. Approximately 97 percent of all pest professionals attempt to get rid of infestations in 2018 alone.
But what if you could take of the problem on your own? Think of how much peace of mind you would have if you could treat beg bugs infestations and prevent future outbreaks from occurring. With the best vacuum for bed bugs on the market, you can do just that.
Several great products can take care of these stubborn pests once and for all. They’re not your average vacuum cleaner. These devices uniquely tackle the pests, effectively killing the population. Later in this guide, we’ll get into how these steamers/vacuums get the job done. We’ll also go over some important features that you need to look for. But first, here’s a selection of some of our top picks.
Comparison Chart: Top Picks for Bed Bug Removal
Here’s the list of our handpicked vacuums and steamers for perfectly eliminating bed bugs in 2020 and beyond.
LIFETIME WARRANTY - To illustrate our commitment to quality, each machine carries a lifetime warranty against manufacture defects. We also offer USA based phone and email support.
Check out this heavy-duty steam cleaner from Vapamore. It’s a versatile machine that can help you get rid of bed bugs while also sanitizing virtually any surface that needs it.
Technology:
From a technology standpoint, the steamer is relatively simple. All you have to do is fill up the water tank, plug the device into a standard outlet, and turn it on. The powerful heating element inside will raise the temperature of the water to its boiling point. The steam is then directed to the hose and out the cleaning head.
Performance:
The cool thing about this steamer is that it’s quite flexible. There are multiple attachments included so that you can treat your bed, hard furniture, and even tile floors. The various brushes, filters, and cleaning heads are all washable for reuse.
Specs:
Canister vacuum design
1,500-watt heater creates steam up to 220 degrees
Large treatment head
Tank holds 1.6 liters of water
Also sanitizes and removes grease
Pros
Includes several accessories to treat multiple surfaces
Hand gun reaches difficult spots
Child safety features
Wheels make it easy to maneuver
Cons
Hose is a bit short
No way to tell if water is getting low
May get damaged by hard water
Final Verdict:
There’s a lot to like about this steamer! With its powerful heater and flexible design, it’s one of the best steam cleaners for bed bugs.
ERGONOMIC BACKPACK VACUUM - The backpack vacuum weighs 10.3 lbs with dimensions of 12" x 9" x 20". Easily convert to right or left hand. The belt loop contains storage for the accessories to easily...
Treating your entire home is a cinch with this Atrix backpack vacuum. It straps onto your back for comfort and can effectively get rid of pests, debris, and anything else that’s lurking in your home.
Technology:
This device is powered by a 12-amp motor that produces 1,400 watts of power. All of this is contained in a body that only weighs about 10.3 pounds. Thanks to the powerful motor, this top backpack vacuum can move about 103 CFM, which is more than enough to pick up bed bugs on your floors and furniture.
Performance:
You can rest easy knowing that bed bugs are taken care of thanks to the HEPA filter. This filter is highly efficient and can prevent particles as small as 0.3 microns from getting through. Bed bugs that are sucked up will remain in the vacuum until you’re ready to empty it out.
Specs:
Lightweight backpack
8-quart dirt container
HEPA filter
Six-foot hose
Can be used as a blower
Pros
Comes with several brushes and attachments
HEPA filter prevents bed bugs from escaping
Comfortable to use
Cons
Requires a long extension cord
Does not have heating elements to kill bed bugs
Final Verdict:
While there isn’t a heating element or steam, this is one of the best vacuums for bed bugs because it’s comfortable to use, flexible enough to reach troublesome spots, and secure enough to kill the bugs with the force of air alone.
Advanced HEPA Filtration: The whole machine HEPA filtration captures 99.98 percent of particles as small as 0.3 microns. Note: you can buy more filters by searching ASIN: B081TPQVW1 and ASIN:...
Looking for an alternative to steam or heat? Check out this UV dust mite vacuum cleaner from Housmile. It uses the power of UV light to kill bed bugs, mites, and other pests.
Technology:
On the bottom of the vacuum, you’ll find a UV tube light. It’s specifically designed to sanitize surfaces as you roll the vacuum. So how does it kill bed bugs? The light penetrates the exoskeleton of the pests and affects their DNA. It kills them on a cellular level, which is just as effective as heat.
Performance:
From a cleaning standpoint, the vacuum is surprisingly effective. It has stronger suction power than most handheld vacuums. Thanks to the beater on the bottom, you can loosen up bugs and dirt for easy removal.
Specs:
7 percent pest kill rate
Uses UV light
Handheld design
Weighs 4.5 pounds
Active carbon filtration
Rolling brush and suction power
Pros
Can be used on flat and vertical surfaces
Filters are washable
Simple operation
Built-in safety sensor for roller
Cons
Small dust container
Prone to overheating with heavy use
Final Verdict:
Despite its simple looks, this UV vacuum is a must-have for the bedroom. It can keep your bed bug-free and clean with regular use.
Faster and Easier Than Ironing: The steam trigger provides constant steam to remove wrinkles, and it features an energy-saving steam pause feature. Kills 99.9% of germs as well as dust mites and bed...
While it’s primarily made for steaming clothes, this handheld device from Conair is more than capable of eliminating bed bug infestations. Thanks to its ergonomic shape, you have more control over the treatment than ever.
Technology:
There’s nothing complex about how this little machine works. A small water tank is built into the handle. When filled up, all it takes is 75 seconds for the heating element to do its job. To produce a stream of steam, all you need to do is press the trigger.
Performance:
The steamer isn’t going to suck up dead bed bugs. But, it will certainly expose them to extreme heat. Even with its small size, the steamer produces a lot of steam to saturate fabric and upholstery. Plus, there’s the added perk of being able to direct the stream any way you want.
Specs:
Heats up in 75 seconds
Dual temperature settings
Handheld design
Steam lock feature
Weighs three pounds
Pros
Can be used on flat and vertical surfaces
Comes with brush attachments
Locking mechanism to produce steady stream of steam
Indicator lights on top
Cons
Only 15 minutes of run time per tank
Handle can get very hot
Sometimes spits out water droplets
Final Verdict:
Simple, yet effective, this handheld Conair steamer offers an affordable way to tackle bed bug infestations at home.
Fast heat in less than 45 seconds with 15 minutes of continuous steam
Here’s another great handheld steamer that you can use on multiple surfaces. Like the Conair model from earlier, this device produces a powerful stream of steam to sanitize fabrics and kill bugs.
Technology:
In addition to the standard steaming function, this has another added perk. Just above the steam outlet, you’ll find a wide press bar. This metal piece heats up quickly and can be used directly on fabric surfaces to instantly eliminate bugs.
Performance:
When compared to some other steamers on the market, this model produces up to 45 percent more steam. This is great for treating beds and curtains. Instead of having to worry about uneven heat distribution, you can saturate the area completely and ensure that the bugs are killed.
Specs:
Heats up in 45 seconds
Handheld design
Steam trigger lock
Freestanding
Heated press bar
Pros
Can be used to treat beds, curtains, and more
Comes with four different attachments
Has indicator lights
Comes with a three-year warranty
Cons
Short run time
Tends to spit out water
Can feel heavy to some
Final Verdict:
This is a great little steamer to have on hand. It’s easy to use and can provide you with that all-natural killing power you need.
What Makes a Steam Cleaner and Vacuum Effective for Bed Bugs?
Earlier, we mentioned that vacuum cleaners designed to tackle bed bugs operate a bit differently than your standard floor unit. That’s because they take advantage of steam. Steamers have a small compartment for water. The device then heats that water and uses pressure to blast it on the affected surface. Then, the vacuuming function will suck up any pests and debris. This process is quite effective at terminating bed bugs on contact.
Let me explain…
Bed bugs absolutely hate the heat. When exposed to temperatures 118 degrees Fahrenheit, they can die within 90 minutes. At 122 degrees Fahrenheit, they’re killed off instantly. Considering that the boiling point of water is 212 degrees Fahrenheit, steam can take care of those pests without missing a beat.
To make things even better, those temperature changes affect eggs, too. Female bed bugs lay up to seven eggs a day, which is what causes infestations to get out of control so quickly. By killing off those eggs, you have more control over the spread of the population and can get rid of the entire colony.
A common bed bug
Steam Cleaner Vs. Vacuum for Bed Bugs
Steam cleaners and vacuums are often thought to be interchangeable. While some steam cleaners do have built-in vacuum functionality and vice verse, the two pieces of equipment tackle the problem in different ways.
Both tools have their pros and cons. Before you decide that one option is right for you, it’s important to consider how the two equipment compare.
How Steam Cleaners for Bed Bugs Work?
Earlier, we mentioned that steam cleaners rely on the power of heat to eradicate bed bugs on contact. So why would you consider using steam instead of insecticides? Well, the biggest reason is that most insecticides don’t kill eggs. Oftentimes, the bugs will make contact with residual chemicals and die off that way. However, if you’re trying to get rid of bugs as soon as possible, steam is regarded as the safest and most cost-effective method.
The only issue with using a steam cleaner is that you have to be quite meticulous with how you treat the affected area. These devices don’t have nearly as much suction power as vacuum cleaners. Plus, the steam stream tends to be small. You also run the risk of overdoing things and developing a mold problem.
How Bed Bug Vacuums Work?
Now, the best vacuum for bed bugs is certainly capable of killing the pests. But, it’s not their main purpose. Vacuum cleaners are more focused on picking up dead bugs after you have used a steamer or insecticide. You see, bed bugs are notorious for burrowing into fibers and clinging onto carpet pads. Thus, they can be difficult to remove even with the most powerful vacuum cleaner.
With that said, the bugs you do pick up are often killed during the suction process. To add some extra peace of mind, many vacuum manufacturers have included built-in heating elements that will kill any bugs that stay alive.
One problem that you could potentially face with a vacuum cleaner is a growing bed bug population. These pests could easily lay eggs inside your vacuum cleaner. This is especially true with bagless models. If you choose to use a vacuum, make sure that you’re removing the bag and disposing of it immediately to ensure that the pests don’t spread.
Features to Consider When Buying the Best Vacuum for Bed Bugs
Bed bug bite marks on back area
Whether you choose a steam cleaner or a bed bug vacuum, you must consider how you plan on using the device. Quality and effectiveness aren’t going to be the same across brands. Not only that, but you may have an easier time using one device over another due to design. Here are some things to keep in mind.
Attachments
Did you know that bed bugs can get on curtains and drapes? They thrive in dark places. So, it’s not uncommon to find them hiding in window coverings. Obviously, a standard vacuum or steam cleaner for bed bugs isn’t going to do much to help you reach vertical spaces. That is unless they come with attachments.
Lengthy nozzles and brush attachments are great for tackling those hard-to-reach spots. They can redirect steam or provide you with precision suction power to remove the bugs from their hiding spots.
Longevity and Durability
Once you discover the perks of sanitizing your furniture with steam, you’re going to want to do it regularly. Vacuums and steamers are an investment that should last you for several years. Unfortunately, some models aren’t built for that longevity.
Smaller handheld units tend to give out after a couple of years. While they offer plenty of flexibility, the construction quality just isn’t there. Larger models, however, can last for quite some time. Not only that, but they’re often made to treat your carpets. This ensures that your entire home is free of bed bugs.
Wrap Up
Don’t let bed bugs take over your home! With any of our recommended picks, you can regain control and take care of those annoying pests once and for all. While expensive pesticides and treatment plans from the exterminator can be effective, why spend all that money when you can easily tackle the problem yourself with a vacuum and steam cleaner? By investing in a high-quality device, you can rest easy knowing that your home is bug-free.
If you don’t have the best vacuum for bed bugs that money can buy, you’re at risk of facing the harsh reality that millions of people around the country deal with regularly.
Earlier, we mentioned that steam cleaners rely on the power of heat to eradicate bed bugs on contact. So why would you consider using steam instead of insecticides? Well, the biggest reason is that most insecticides don’t kill eggs. Oftentimes, the bugs will make contact with residual chemicals and die off that way. However, if you’re trying to get rid of bugs as soon as possible, steam is regarded as the safest and most cost-effective method.
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