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Commercial Steamer for Bedbugs - Can it Work?

RE123RE

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Jan 22, 2016
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Hi,
Trying to help a friend in an interesting situation.
There are bedbugs in 1 unit in a triplex he owns.
The tenant who apparently brought the bedbugs found only in her bedroom (she is otherwise a very good senior tenant by the way), suggested to purchase a commercial steamer, specifically Jiffy® Garment Steamer - Commercial J-4000.
Can this actually work instead of calling a pest control company?
She told him her friend successfully treated bedbugs this way. Kind of a heating treatment just not done professionally by a pest control company.. and of course not exactly the same.
Thoughts?
Thanks
 

Courtney Hammond

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Jan 18, 2016
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We had bedbugs in one of our units. I have no idea if that would work- but personally I wouldn't risk it. I would get bedbug dogs in all the units to make sure they really are contained to that one room- then address the issue.

My friend has bedbugs because the apartment below her had them and they traveled up to hers... And the neighbours... They aren't to be messed with... It might be a huge cost (hopefully he has a budget for issues) but loosing tenants or not treating a small amount right and ending up with all three with them is not worth the risk to me.

Check reviews for dogs- but the one we used was only $100, which we actually brought in after treatments when the tenant moved out and before the new tenant moved in.
 

RE123RE

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Check reviews for dogs- but the one we used was only $100
Hi,
What is your location?
In Ontario dogs cost closer to $1000 than $100.
Sounds like, like me, you have no idea if such a treatment with a commercial steamer might work.
Would love to hear from someone who does.
Thanks
 
Last edited:

Sherilynn

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A garment steamer will not reach the required temperature, nor will it work in areas where the steam cannot touch. Professional heat treatment reaches a much higher temperature and can even kill bugs in walls and behind objects (to some extent). Steam cannot possibly do that.
 

RE123RE

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A garment steamer will not reach the required temperature, nor will it work in areas where the steam cannot touch. Professional heat treatment reaches a much higher temperature and can even kill bugs in walls and behind objects (to some extent). Steam cannot possibly do that.
Hi,
THANKS.
Is it worth trying where the tenant acknowledges he brought the bedbugs, suggested and would like to try that?
The logic behind saying yes is the following probability tree:
x (your estimate) - chance it will be successful and cost only around $300 total for the equipment, for today and say 5-10 treatments as needed in the future(!)
1-x chance it will not be successful and you lost $300.
If an average treatment costs $500 with a pest control company (its a plex) then as long as x > 10%, you are expected to save based on only 5 future treatments (instead of 10, mentioned 5-10) with same equip.
Thanks
 

Sherilynn

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I wouldn't waste my time or money on chemical treatments.

Bedbugs spread. Using a substandard or ineffective treatment gives them time to spread further. Plus chemical treatment can compound this issue by chasing them into other suites.

Get a sniffer dog to locate the issues. Hire professional heat treatment for the affected suites.
Yes, heat treatment costs more. However, usually only one treatment is required and the results are guaranteed (if you are using a reputable company). It also requires much less preparation by the tenant, so it is more likely to succeed.
 

RE123RE

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I wouldn't waste my time or money on chemical treatments.
Hi,
Just to clarify the probability tree example was to show why commercial steamer is probably worth trying instead of chemical treatment.
It is interesting you do not believe in chemical treatment - the more expensive option mentioned in the probability tree above which my friend is trying to avoid, as you believe in the most expensive option - professional heat treatment.
Well, if he is having the tenant try commercial steamer , I will try to remember to update here how it went..
Thanks
 
Last edited:

Courtney Hammond

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Hi,
What is your location?
In Ontario dogs cost closer to $1000 than $100.
Sounds like, like me, you have no idea if such a treatment with a commercial steamer might work.
Would love to hear from someone who does.
Thanks

I live in Edmonton. $1000 a lot for a sniffer dog! I called several places and I'm pretty sure the highest was $250.

I thought I was clear that I did not know if a commercial steamer would work, but that I would waste money trying to find out.

I calculate the risk of trying a method that may or may not work- (at least with a company they come back if it doesn't get them all the first time) against the cost.

If your friend chooses to try out a streamer and it doesn't work, and a mild case spreads to the neighbouring units... The expensive cost of a professional treatment now is for three units instead of one. I personally would not risk it.

Also - when our tenants brought bugs in I called the Alberta landlord/tenant info line to ask who pays. And since it was previously our personal home they said we had the right to ask for payment (but said the tenants could try to fight it in court). I asked about if I had a sniffer dog come in between tenants to prove that the house was bug free if that would allow me to charge costs back to the tenant and they said it would make a strong case. So my position comes from our experience dealing with bugs, and trying to set it up to not have the situation continue to drain our bank account.
 

Cory Sperle

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Ultimately ridding bedbugs is not the tenants resposibility it's yours. Purchasing a steamer because a tenant says it may work seems counterproductive. Hire a professional in this area and deal with it immidiately, as this is an epidemic and the cost of doing business as a landlord today. Ask them what the best methods of removal are.
 

Freerob

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If the bed bugs are too many I think you should contact a pest control company. And also buy a steamer to avoid this situation in future.
 
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