Thinking of renting a carpet cleaner but afraid to do so as you might catch bed bugs? We can’t blame you. That’s a crucial thing to consider when it comes to renting a carpet cleaner.
But, the big question is, can you get bed bugs from renting a carpet cleaner? Will it spark an infestation? Let’s answer the question in today’s article.
Will You Get Bed Bugs From Renting Carpet Cleaners?
It depends. Renting a carpet cleaner can possibly get bed bugs into your house, most especially if the type of machine you use is a vacuum cleaner.
Using a vacuum cleaner can certainly spread pest infestations as it doesn’t totally kill the bugs.
In some cases, bugs remain inside the vacuum bag for some time.
We suggest using a different carpet cleaning machine like a steam cleaner. The high heat that the steam cleaner gives out is enough to kill bed bugs.
Will Using It Help Get Rid of An Infestation?
Regular carpet cleaners won’t, but steam cleaners may help you deal with an infestation. It can kill bugs– from eggs to larvae and adults.
Some carpet cleaners also use chemicals (like boric acid), which is one of the antimicrobial substances that can kill bugs.
There are also DIY carpet cleaners made out of vinegar, baking soda, or any cleaning agents to kill bed bugs [1] or any pests hiding in your carpet.
In severe cases of bed bug infestation, steam cleaning using carpet cleaners is an effective method. It can help prevent the development of new bugs.
Can Bed Bugs Live in a Carpet Cleaner?
No, they can’t, as the steam is too hot for them to thrive. However, the most critical issue is whether or not the creatures decided to get inside the machine casing.
For instance, if a bed bug laid eggs on the machine’s exterior surface or tried to escape by crawling into it, it might have done so inadvertently. Also, if you hired someone to steam clean your home, who can vouch that they have no stowaways in their clothes?
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Should You Sanitize It Before Using?
Yes, sanitizing the carpet cleaner before using it is a great way to prevent the spread of pest infestation.
Whether you’re using a vacuum cleaner or steam cleaner, you could not go wrong sanitizing them first before using them inside your home. It is better to be safe than sorry, after all.
You can use any disinfecting solution and spray it all over the carpet cleaner to kill the pests that can possibly hide in there. Or, you can remove the carpet cleaner attachments as one would normally do and rinse them with hot water.
Can Bed Bugs Lay Eggs in a Carpet Cleaner?
Bed bugs can possibly lay eggs in a carpet cleaner, but it’s very rare. Bed bugs will find someplace to lay their eggs out of the carpet cleaner as much as possible.
However, there are chances that the eggs of the bed bugs from the carpet will stick to the carpet cleaner casing. Then, it will become larvae and eventually turn into a bed bug after some time.
Once the egg becomes a bed bug, it will start to crawl into spaces, cracks, or any holes they fit into to hide in there.
FAQs
Can bed bugs travel in a carpet cleaner?
Yes, bed bugs can travel through the carpet cleaner. Bed bugs can stay in the vacuum bag or hose for quite some time. So, when you rent the cleaner, the bugs may crawl outside the cleaner and find some spots to hide within your house.
Will I give bed bugs to others if I rent a carpet cleaner to get rid of them?
Yes, you can possibly give bed bugs to others if you rent a carpet cleaner unless you rent a steam cleaner. Bed bugs can travel through the carpet cleaner, and there’s a chance that the bugs will stick with the cleaner you use and crawl out to someone else’s house, where it will be used again.
Final Thoughts
You need to be meticulous if you think of renting a carpet cleaner to use in your house. The carpet cleaner you’ll use may possibly bring bed bugs or pests into your home.
Though you can be safe by using a carpet cleaner with a steam cleaning mechanism, we suggest sanitizing the carpet cleaner once and for all (especially true to vacuum cleaners) before using it.
You will not only kill the pests but also the germs that linger on them.
Reference:
- https://www.healthline.com/health/healthy-home-guide/how-to-get-rid-of-bed-bugs#contain-the-area
Alene Schill is a property manager from Columbus, Ohio, who has dealt with numerous pest control agencies. She helps families find the perfect homes and knows very well that bed bugs are an ultimate deal-breaker. She enjoys cycling around Scioto Mile during her spare time.
