Bed Bug FAQ: Can Baking Soda Kill Bed Bugs?
What spices get rid of bed bugs?
When you fall asleep, these critters come out from hiding and viciously attack you. They bite you over and over again. They’re courteous, though. The hollow tubes they use to pierce your skin and suck your blood contain a powerful but temporary painkiller, so you won’t feel their handiwork until the morning.
We’re talking about bedbugs, and these guys don’t discriminate. Fortunately, we’ve got more than two dozen effective home remedies for your bed bugs so that you can say goodbye to them (hopefully) forever.
Navigation
What Are Bed Bugs?
Where Do They Come From?
Signs of Infestation
Home Remedies to Get Rid of Bed Bugs
Bed Bug Herbal Remedies
Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion
Though they’re known for calling warm climates home, they can settle anywhere. And once they’ve set up shop in your mattress or on your furniture, it’s a battle of wills to get them gone.
You may be interested in taking a natural approach for these reasons:
It’s low-cost (maybe even free).
You can act right away instead of having to schedule an appointment with an exterminator.
You avoid the toxic chemicals that an exterminator uses when they address the problem.
Most of our solutions utilize things you’ve already got in the house, but if you do need to go out and purchase something, it should be relatively inexpensive.
Infographic 25 Bed Bug Natural Home Remedies and DIY Treatment
What Are Bed Bugs?
Bed bugs are tiny insects that feed on the blood of humans and animals. They tend to be active at night, and they’re excellent at hiding in dark, soft places and crevices. This makes the mattress an ideal spot for them to settle, hence the name “bed bug.”
They’re hard to spot with the naked eye because they’re so tiny (about the size of a grain of rice), but if you’ve got them wandering around your house and munching on you and your family members, you’ll be sure to know it. Their bites, though harmless, are itchy and uncomfortable.
Where Do They Come From?
Though it seems like they spontaneously appear, bed bugs come in from the outside. It could mean the literal outdoors, or you may pick them up during travels to hotels, friends’ houses, or even from buying used clothes or furniture.
Another source of an infestation is if a neighbor with a shared wall sets off a bug bomb. These critters are too smart for their own good. When the noxious fumes get released, they seek out a safe haven, and that usually means a neighbor’s house.
These guys have very flattened bodies. That means that they can slip through nearly invisible cracks and crevices.
Signs of Infestation
Bites on Your Skin
The most apparent sign is having bites on your skin. Unlike a flea bite, the ones from a bed bug often show up in groups. They’ll be arranged in a straight line because these carnivorous beings like to travel up your arm or leg, taking continuous blood samples.
Red/Rusty Stains
Those red- and rusty-looking stains are blood—your blood, to be precise. It could be blood from your bites, or it could occur from these critters getting squashed after their feast.
Black Dots
Everybody poops, including bed bugs. If you see black dots and stains, this is a combination of fecal matter and the skin they shed as the babies become adults. Sounds appetizing, right?
Egg Shells
These are hard to spot because of the small size and light color, but stay on alert for tiny specks of ivory material on your bed, in your furniture, or on the carpet.
Living Bugs
You may even see these guys roaming around from time to time. They’re really tiny, but if you look closely, you may be able to spot them occasionally. After they’ve fed, they’ll be bigger, redder, and easier to see.
Home Remedies to Get Rid of Bed Bugs
Vacuum
Suck those babies up with a strong vacuum cleaner and a powerful hose attachment. You should probably vacuum at least every few days while battling an infestation. Be thorough and use the vacuum on the mattress, bedding, and soft furniture, like sofas and cushy chairs.
Start on elevated surfaces and slowly make your way downward, paying special attention to the carpet, floors, and any cracks in the walls or floorboards. Check electrical appliances like fans and even your laptop for signs of an infestation.
When you’re done vacuuming, discard of the vacuum bag outside, as far away from your home as possible.
woman using strong vacuum cleaner to get rid of bed bugs
Steam Cleaning
For places the vacuum can’t reach, steam cleaning is an option. The heat will kill the bedbugs and eggs, and they will die when exposed to temperatures exceeding 140 degrees Fahrenheit. Follow the steam cleaner’s instructions carefully to avoid damaging your furniture.
Washing All Clothes and Bedding
Check your labels to make sure the fabrics can tolerate hot water and tumble drying. Then wash everything that’s been exposed to these critters. The combination of hot water and dryer heat will help kill off the colony.
Get More Info: How Often Should You Wash Your Sheets?
Silica Gel
The little packets you find in food products and shoe boxes to keep the contents dry could also help kill off insects. To use them, grind up the beads and spread the powder around the source areas. If you’ve got kids or pets, you may want to avoid this technique, as direct exposure and silica inhalation is harmful. Instead, opt for baking soda, which has a similar effect.
Rubbing Alcohol
Pour it in a spray bottle and spritz away. The alcohol will kill bugs on contact.
Scented Dryer Sheets
The smell from the dryer sheets can repel the insects and even encourage them to seek out other spots to inhabit. However, this solution is likely best used as a temporary one, because they’ll just find a more hospitable place in your home to hang out.
washing pillows by hand or by machine illustration
Hair Dryer
If you’re in a hurry to get to sleep and you don’t have days to wait for these other solutions to take effect, blast your hair dryer over the affected areas. The heat will kill the bugs and allow you to go to sleep without having to worry about being someone’s dinner.
Stiff Brush
Run a stiff brush along the mattress seams. This will dislodge any clinging bed bugs and eggs that resist the suction of a vacuum cleaner.
Double-sided Tape
Wrap this along the circumference of the bedposts along the floor. That way, as bugs try to climb up into bed with you, they’ll get stuck at base camp. Make sure you don’t sabotage your efforts by dragging blankets across the floor. If you neglect to keep blankets, pillows, and clothing off the floor, then don’t be surprised if the more enterprising bugs hitch a ride.
Baking Soda
You already know that baking soda absorbs moisture in the refrigerator, but did you know that it also sucks moisture out of bed bugs’ bodies? To use this powder, spread it wherever find bugs, including cracks and crevices. Be sure to vacuum and reapply every few days.
Diatomaceous Earth
This product is a miracle against all types of bugs, including fleas. It’s made from naturally occurring sedimentary rock that’s crumbled into a fine powder. To use it successfully, spread it all over the floor and in cracks and crevices. It can take up to 10 days to work, but the fine powder has tiny shards that kill insects.
We don’t suggest putting it on your mattress, as tempting as it may sound. The reason is that those shards, though microscopic, can get into your lungs and cause damage.
Bed Bug Herbal Remedies
Tea Tree
Tea tree oil is a fresh-smelling essential oil that has antimicrobial properties, so it does double duty as a cleaning agent in your home. It kills bacteria and fungi and neutralizes viruses on contact.
It works on these insects by suffocating them as the oil works its way into their system. However, it’s most effective when used undiluted. Unfortunately, an undiluted version isn’t safe for humans. Still, you may see some benefit, or at least a pleasant-smelling home, by spraying diluted tea tree oil around the house. To make the diluted formula, place about 20 drops of oil in a spray bottle filled with water.
Lavander
The smell of lavender makes a bed bug feel nauseous and can even lead to their death. Most humans, however, find the scent quite pleasant. Triple the effectiveness of this solution by washing items with lavender soap, spraying diluted essential oils and spreading leaves over affected areas.
illustration of a person smelling lavender oil
Peppermint Leaves
Peppermint leaves have the same effect as lavender oil and leaves. Utilize the same strategies and don’t forget to regularly vacuum up old leaves and replace them with fresh versions until the infestation is gone.
Black Walnut Tea
This variety of tea is a natural insect repellent. To employ this strategy, simply take your used tea bags and put them in areas that are infested with the bugs. Place them around the house, in every nook, cranny, and corner you can think of.
Sweet Flag
This tall plant found mainly in wetlands is also an effective insect repellent. The herbal version comes in a packet that you can mix into a solution and spray around the house.
Bean Leaves
Bean leaves work kind of like a natural flypaper to trap insects, including bed bugs. Back in 1943, researchers discovered that the microscopic hairs on the leaves worked to both entangle and impale the limbs of these critters. Put these leaves on the floor of any room with unwanted inhabitants and prepare to be impressed.
Indian Lilac
The leaves of Indian Lilac have a similar effect to other plant-based, herbal remedies. You can crush the leaves and spread them about. Or alternatively, boil the leaves, strain the solution and add it to your bath water. The result is that bed bugs no longer to snack on you!
This technique can be used for closet and clothes infestations. Spray the solution in closets, on sofas, and around the home to repel these critters.
Thyme
You’ve probably heard of people burning sage to rid a home of evil spirits, but have you heard of burning thyme to ward off bed bugs? It’ll take some time (ha-ha), and the process must be repeated every few days until they’re gone, but if you tie a stick of thyme with a cloth, and then burn it near infested areas, the bugs will look for friendlier abodes.
As always, practice fire safety. Burning your house down will also get rid of them, but that’s not recommended, obviously.
Mint Leaves
Mint leaves can be a preventive measure. If you place crushed leaves around entry points, it will dissuade them from coming into your home. They’re also safe to use in your closet and directly on your mattress.
Beauveria Bassiana
Don’t be alarmed by the description, but Beauveria Bassiana is a parasitic fungus that feeds on insects. Its ruthlessly attacks bed bugs, rendering them infertile, immobile and unable to feed.
Lemongrass
Unlike some of the other natural solutions that only repel the insects, lemongrass actually kills them. The acid levels kill the bugs and their eggs. Plus, they hate the smell, so it does also serve as a repellent.
Person changing their sheets
Clove
Cloves act much in the same way as lemongrass. If you’re not a fan of how lemongrass smells, opt for cloves and clove oil instead. You can even put clove oil on mattresses and pillows to ward these critters off.
Pyrethrum
This extract is derived from chrysanthemums. The chrysanthemum, also called a mum, is a bright flower that can be found in a variety of colors. It also works as a natural killer by attacking the nervous system.
Cayenne Pepper
When mixed with other natural items like ginger and oregano, cayenne pepper works to kill a bed bug on contact. Here’s how to make this natural solution:
Mix one teaspoon each of cayenne pepper, ground ginger, and oregano oil.
Strain the ingredients and add to a spray bottle filled with water.
Spray to your heart’s content.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do their bites look like?
The bites are red and form welts. Often there will be multiple bites in one spot that form a straight line or a show a linear progression. Unlike flea bites, which are relatively flat, bites from these insects will often be raised.
Do homemade repellents work?
Yes, though some work better than others. As you’ll see in our list of home remedies and treatments for bed bugs, some kill the insects directly on contact, while others either encourage them to go elsewhere or discourage them from entering.
How can I get rid of their eggs?
We’ve found heat to the be the most reliable solution to getting rid of the eggs. This means washing materials in hot water and drying them thoroughly on high heat. For items that can’t sustain that kind of treatment, steam them or blast them with a hairdryer.
Conclusion
Did you know that bedbugs were nearly eradicated back in the 1940s? But starting in 1995, they became rampant in homes and hotels. The reason is still a mystery, but researchers believe it was a combination of increased travel, pesticide resistance, and of people forgetting how icky these critters are that allowed them to come back with such a vengeance.
Fortunately, there are a variety of effective solutions you can try to rid your home of these insects for good.
What liquid kills bed bugs?
EPA has registered more than 300 products for use against bed bugs. Most of these can be used by consumers, but a few are registered for use only by specially trained professionals. EPA evaluates data on the safety and the effectiveness of the products before approving them.
Learn more about EPA's regulation of bed bug products.
STORYTIME: I had bedbugs & what I did to get rid of them for good
These 300 registered products fall into seven chemical classes of pesticides that are currently registered and widely used for bed bug control:
pyrethrins,
pyrethroids
desiccants,
biochemicals,
pyrroles,
neonicotinoids, and
insect growth regulators.
There is also an additional chemical class registered for a very narrow use pattern. Dichlorvos (also known as DDVP, an organophosphate) is registered as a pest strip for treatment of small enclosures.
Each chemical class kills bed bugs using a different mode of action. It can be helpful to use pesticides that differ in their mode of action because it can reduce the likelihood that the bugs will develop resistance. The following paragraphs discuss in more details each of the more commonly used chemical classes for bed bugs.
Learn more about effectiveness of bed bug pesticides.
Pyrethrins and Pyrethroids: Pyrethrins and pyrethroids are the most common compounds used to control bed bugs and other indoor pests. Pyrethrins are botanical insecticides derived from chrysanthemum flowers. Pyrethroids are synthetic chemical insecticides that act like pyrethrins. Both compounds are lethal to bed bugs and can flush bed bugs out of their hiding places and kill them. However, where resistant bed bug strains exist, these treatments may cause them to move to a new hiding place or temporarily flush them out of existing locations.
Some bed bug populations have become resistant to pyrethrins and pyrethroids. Sometimes using a combination product (either multiple pyrethroid or pyrethrin active ingredients, or one that combines different chemical classes into the same product) can improve bed bug control. It can also be helpful to switch to an entirely different chemical class to control resistant bed bug populations.
Some pyrethroid pesticides come in the form of a total release fogger. See Should I Use a Fogger? for information about fogger use and safety.
Desiccants: Desiccants work by destroying the waxy, protective outer coating on a bed bug. Once this coating is destroyed, the bed bugs will slowly dehydrate and die. Desiccants are a valuable tool in bed bug control. Because desiccants work through a physical mode of action, the bed bugs cannot become resistant to desiccants as they can to pesticides with other modes of action. In addition, they have a long-lasting effect and don't disturb normal bed bug activities.
Examples of desiccants include:
Diatomaceous earth.
Boric acid.
When using desiccants to control bed bugs it is critical to use those that are registered by EPA and labeled for bed bug control. Desiccants that are intended for other uses, such as food-grade or for use in swimming pools, pose an increased inhalation risk to people. Use of desiccants is limited to cracks and crevices use only to reduce inhalation risk.
Biochemicals: Cold pressed neem oil is the only biochemical pesticide registered for use against bed bugs. Cold pressed neem oil is pressed directly from seeds of the Neem tree, a tropical evergreen tree found in Southeast Asia and Africa. The oil contains various compounds that have insecticidal and medicinal properties. It is also used in making products including shampoos, toothpaste, soaps, and cosmetics. Performance trials conducted at the approved label rates show both products control bed bug adults, nymphs, and eggs.
Pyrroles: Chlorfenapyr is the only pyrrole pesticide currently registered for use against bed bugs. The compound is a pro-insecticide, i.e. the biological activity depends on its activation to form another chemical. The new chemical disrupts certain functions in the bed bug's cells, causing its death.
Neonicotinoids: Neonicotinoids are synthetic forms of nicotine and act on the nicotinic receptors of the nervous system by causing nerves to fire continually until they fail. Because neonicotinoids use this different mode of action, bed bugs that are resistant to other pesticides will remain susceptible to the neonicotinoid.
Insect growth regulators: Insect growth regulators are chemicals that mimic juvenile growth hormones in insects. They work by either altering the production of chitin (the compound insects use to make their hard external "shell" or exoskeleton) or by altering an insect's development into adulthood. Some growth regulators force the insect to develop too rapidly, while others stop development.
How do you get rid of bed bugs permanently home remedies?
How do you get rid of bed bugs permanently home remedies?
Bed bugs are blood suckers that can leave behind red spots and rashes on the skin giving a long lasting itch. They can be killed by using a powerful vacuum cleaner. Vacuuming can help you get rid of the bugs and their eggs at-a-go. Similarly, one can even try killing the bed bugs by using a steam cleaner. The high temperature produced by a steam cleaner will put both bugs and the eggs together. You must target cleaning the areas where you think they may be hiding– under the furniture, in cracks, inside wall cracks, etc.
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What Are Bed Bugs?
Bed bugs are tiny insects that tend to feed on human and animal blood. They are active at night, hiding behind dark corners, cracks, and crevices. While it's your mattress which is basically their favorite dine-in arena since it gives them easy access to your skin. Their bites can prevent you from getting a good night's sleep. But what kills bed bugs instantly? Are home remedies effective on them? Well, to have your worries answered, in this article we will uncover the tips and tricks on how and what kills the bed bugs instantly at home.
Signs That You Have Bed Bugs
Before you can get rid of bed bugs, you will need to determine first if you have a bed bug infestation on your hands. The problem with these tiny insects is that they are hard to spot. However, there are tell-tale signs that can help you identify whether bed bugs are living in your mattress.
Rusty or red stains – If you see red or rusty-colored stains on your mattress or bedding, it’s most likely dried blood from these bugs.
Egg shells – Egg shells are not that easy to spot because they tend to be small and are lighter in color, but keep an eye out for tiny specks of white or ivory on your bed, carpet, or even your furniture as these are egg shells of bed bugs.
Black dots – If you spot tiny dark stains or black dots on your bed or mattress, these may be fecal matter, as well as the skin of younger bugs when they shed.
Living bed bugs – Although these insects are tiny, they can grow bigger and more visible after they have fed. If you spot them on your furniture or your bed, you will need to take steps to kill bed bugs immediately.
Besides, the above-suggested points are these things that bed bugs love the most about your house. They are:
Carbon dioxide: It is the reason why bed bugs get most active at night, as the excessive release of carbon dioxide released from respiration is the most irresistible for them after midnight.
Dirty/Unwashed laundry: Bed bugs naturally attract dirty, used, or unwashed clothes. The reason behind this is because your clothes smell of you, which makes them mouth-watering to it, letting them home in it.
Humidity or Warmth: Home walls are warm, and if in case of any dampness or moisture, our houses become a welcoming spot for them. The same is the reason why they prey on human and animal blood. Given that our bodies are always warm, we make a morsel for them.
Dark-colored bedding: Bed bugs like darkness as it gives them a place to hide and camouflage well. So if you're into dark shades of bedding and linen, but your home suffers from a severe case of bed bugs and other insects, you must switch from dark colors to light or white-colored beddings.
Home Remedies for Bed Bugs to Avoid
Although pesticides and insecticides are typically used to get rid of bed bugs, some people prefer to remove them through DIY ways that are more budget friendly and safer to follow. You may have tried a few methods like using mothballs to keep these pests at bay; however, there are some home remedies to get rid of bed bugs that don’t work that well. Here’s what to avoid using:
Mothballs – Mothballs may be efficient in repelling insects from eating your clothes and bedding, but they don’t do anything when it comes to removing bed bugs.
Rubbing alcohol – Spraying rubbing alcohol on areas where bed bugs tend to hide may kill some of them, but there are more out there that can multiply easily. What’s more, rubbing alcohol can be flammable, which poses a fire hazard, especially when you spray it on upholstered furniture and your mattress.
Dryer sheets – There are some people who believe that using dryer sheets to wipe down their furniture or mattress can remove the bed bugs. However, there is no proof that this can help remove those pests in your home.
10 Home Remedies for Bed bugs Worth Trying
Are there home remedies for bed bugs that actually work? Normally, you should leave your bed bug problem to the experts. But this doesn’t mean that you can’t take matters into your own hands while waiting for the bed bug exterminator to arrive. Here are a few steps that may help you reduce the colony of the bedbugs at your home.
1. Hot water
If you suspect that bed bugs have made a home in your bedding, blankets, and even your clothes, it’s time to give your items a thorough wash by a splash of steamy heated water. It’s important to use hot water when washing these items, as long as they can withstand the heat, to kill bed bugs. Heat treatment is an effective method for getting rid of these pesky creatures because they get dehydrated due to the intense heat. Place your clothes and linens in the dryer too to give them another dose of heat. The bed bugs will have little chance of surviving this.
2. Vacuum
Make it a point to vacuum your bedding, furniture, and even the tiny cracks that you see on your bed frame, walls, and wallpaper. Even the box spring must be vacuumed as much as possible. Get a brush and use it to help loosen up any bugs and eggs that you see on your mattress, upholstered furniture, and the like. Afterward, remove the vacuum bag and seal its contents before disposing of it. Don’t forget to clean your vacuum too while you are at it.
3. Steam cleaner
If you have a steam cleaner at home, you can also remove the bed bugs from your mattress and box spring. Research suggests that intense heat is one of the most effective ways to get rid of bed bugs instantly. However, an even better option is renting a professional steam cleaner or seeking professional help. The team may provide you with an in-depth analysis of the situation with the bugs at your place and what treatment is more likely to be effective. You may choose between- Hot Treatment, Cold Treatment, and Chemical Treatment as per convenience, need, and budget.
4. How to Get Rid of Bed Bugs Naturally – Other DIY Options
Are there other methods for how to get rid of bed bugs naturally? Although there are home remedies that can help reduce the number of bed bugs in your home, it may not eradicate the problem. Still, the following home remedies for bed bugs may help you out.
5. Diatomaceous earth
When it comes to natural remedies to get rid of bed bugs, diatomaceous earth is a good option to consider as it is a chemical-free powder that can eliminate different types of pests, including bed bugs. What it does is dehydrate the bed bugs, which kills them off. It may take up to a week before you see results. Be careful when using diatomaceous earth as it can be easily inhaled. Use a face mask to prevent this and make sure that you use gloves too. Only use the variation of diatomaceous earth EPA approved for this use.
6. Baking soda
Another example of home remedies to get rid of bed bugs is baking soda, which dehydrates the bugs by removing moisture. You can sprinkle a light layer of baking soda on areas you think these critters are staying in. Let the powder sit for a week before using your vacuum cleaner to suck up everything. You will need to do this often until there are no bugs or eggs left.
7. Black walnut tea
Black walnut tea has antibacterial, antifungal, and insecticidal properties that can contribute to getting rid of the infestation in your home. Instead of tossing your used black walnut tea bags, place them in areas that are considered hiding places for bed bugs. This includes all cracks, crevices, and even on the baseboards and such. You can even sprinkle the dry tea leaves on your mattress, as well as bedding to remove not just the bugs, but the eggs too.
8. Tea tree oil
Another possible remedy to use to remove bed bugs in your home is tea tree oil. Tea tree oil is known for its antifungal, antiseptic, antiviral, and antibiotic properties, but it also has antiparasitic properties which can eliminate parasitic bed bugs. This remedy is only effective if you have a mild infestation on your hands. You should dilute 20 drops of tea tree oil in a spray bottle filled with water and spray on all the furnishings, mattress, cabinets, cushions, curtains, and the like. Any clothes, linens, and bedding must be washed in hot water to kill them off completely.
9. Cayenne pepper
What other home remedies for bed bugs can you use? How about a combination of cayenne pepper, oregano, and ginger? While this method will not kill bed bugs, the spiciness of ginger and cayenne mixed with the strong scent of oregano essential oil can repel these insects. It can also assist, along with other methods in controlling these pests. You will need one teaspoon each of cayenne pepper, oregano essential oil, and grated ginger, plus a cup of water. Mix all the ingredients in a pan and let it boil for about seven minutes. Strain afterward and transfer into a spray bottle. Spray the solution on all possible entry points of rooms that you feel will have bed bugs.
10. Lavender or peppermint oil spray
Lavender is commonly associated with rest and relaxation, so it may come as a surprise that it can be used to combat bed bugs. Just like in the case of tea tree oil, lavender oil can be used to spray on possible hiding places of bed bugs. You don’t even have to worry about any side effects because lavender essential oil is safe for you and your pets even. Peppermint oil, on the other hand, can help repel these pesky creatures because of its strong scent. Combine the two, and you will have a natural spray that can help get rid of bed bugs in your home.
Conclusion
Facing a bed bug infestation can be exasperating, especially when they keep on coming back. That said, while waiting for the exterminator, you can use these best pest control remedies for bed bugsto control them as much as possible.
Does cinnamon repel bed bugs?
Truthfully speaking, scent isn’t an effective way of keeping the bed bugs away, but it doesn’t hurt to use it as one of several tactics to keep your home clear of bed bugs. Consider applying the following scents in your house during peak bed bug season.
Blood Orange Essential Oil
Blood orange is one of many essential oils that may help repel bed bugs. Researchers at Rutgers university conducted a test on the effectiveness of essential oil against bed bugs and found that blood orange was the most effective of the oils tested.
There are a number of ways you can use essential oils to repel bed bugs. One method is to add several drops of essential oil into a diffuser. This is a quick way to fill up the bedroom space with the natural fragrance.
Another method is to spray diluted oil. Mix a few drops of essential oil with water in a medium-sized spray bottle. Apply the spray on areas where the bed bugs are likely to appear, such as the foot of the bed and the inner spaces of the bedroom cabinets.
Please take all safety precautions when you use essential oils at home. Just because it is made of natural ingredient doesn’t mean that it isn’t toxic. Some types of essential oils can be toxic when consumed. They can also be toxic to household pets.
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is another type of essential oil that may discourage bed bugs from getting too close. Bugs, in general, like to stay away from tea tree oil because a high concentration of it can dissolve their exoskeleton.
In addition to using the spraying and diffusing method, you could also add a few drops of tea tree oil with regular detergent the next time you wash the bedding materials. Some laundry detergent products already contain tea tree oil.
Cinnamon Powder or Cinnamon Sticks
The strong aromatic scent of cinnamon spice may help repel bed bugs. Cinnamon oil is an active ingredient in many natural pest repellent products. Keep in mind that cinnamon won’t kill the bed bugs, it will only repel them.
If you don’t mind the smell of cinnamon then consider placing a few cinnamon sticks in the bedroom. You can place them next to the bed legs, the bed headboard, inside the closet, and any other bed bug hiding spots.
Rubbing Alcohol
Bed bugs will try and stay clear of rubbing alcohol because it can dry their body out. The smell of rubbing alcohol may also discourage bed bugs from laying eggs in the vicinity. A study at Rutgers found that spraying rubbing alcohol can kill up to half of bed bugs.
Every once in a while, clean and disinfect the bedroom with rubbing alcohol. Make sure it is only applied on surfaces and materials, such as glass, that can handle the alcohol content. 70% alcohol may actually be more effective at disinfecting than 99% alcohol because the extra water can slow down the alcohol evaporation process.
Does Lavender Really Repel Bed Bugs?
Lavender is frequently quoted as an effective home remedy for repelling bed bugs. This may seem strange considering the beautiful and calming scent associated with lavender essential oil.
To be realistic, lavender in any form is probably not going to do much against a bed bug infestation. Time is truly of the essence when you fight bed bugs. The last thing you want to rely on is a natural remedy that some folks swear by based on their anecdotal experience.
Does Lysol kill bed bugs?
Does Lysol kill bed bugs eggs? In this article, we will determine whether Lysol is useful for killing bed bugs or repelling them.
Whether trying to find the best bed bug treatment or hoping to save money, you may come across all kinds of home treatments, including Lysol. Some homeowners try to use products like bleach, Lysol, dish soap, or essential oils to get rid of bed bugs. All of these components might work, but it all depends on how and what it is used for.
The truth about Lysol
Lysol is a popular cleaning liquid with disinfectant properties. Lysol contains the following essentials:
Lactic acid
Isopropyl Alcohol
Hydrogen Peroxide
Due to its ingredients, Lysol can kill germs. However, can Lysol kill bed bugs? Yes, and No. Like other household cleaning and disinfecting ingredients, it can kill bugs in high concentrations. The keyword here is high concentration; therefore, you need to douse the bed bug individually to kill them. However, most bed bugs will go into hiding when they get a sniff of the chemical. It means that you may only kill a very few bugs at a time, and the Lysol only works for a few minutes because it dries almost instantly.
How to Get Rid of Bed Bugs | DIY Pest Control | The Home Depot
Lysol and bed bug eggs
What about the eggs? Does Lysol kill bed bug eggs? Absolutely Not. Disinfectants like Lysol cannot penetrate the surface of the eggs. Even if it was possible, you would need to find all eggs and douse them with the Lysol, which is not worthwhile.
How long should I leave baking soda on my mattress?
Is Lysol okay for you in high concentrations?
Using Lysol at high concentrations to kill bed bugs is also bad for you. Due to the type of alcohol in it, it can harm your eyes and even affect your nervous system when you inhale or ingest it. Lysol is also toxic at high concentrations for your pets and kids. This is why Lysol is preferably used as a disinfectant in low quantities for cleaning your home.
Lysol can also be flammable, so you must be careful when using around open flames. Avoid using Lysol for anything in high concentration to keep you and your family out of harm’s way.
Summary
Does Lysol kill bed bug eggs? No, it does not. Though Lysol can kill bed bugs on contact, it cannot kill bed bug eggs. Therefore using Lysol around your home is ineffective and toxic for you and your family. Search for other alternative treatments such as heat, pesticides, desiccants, or insecticides. All these methods can be combined to create a better bed bug treatment. Individually, these treatments are very effective against bed bugs. They can also be cost-effective if you deal with the infestation early enough.
Nevertheless, make sure you get the pest exterminators to kill the bugs for you. They will provide a robust pest removal approach that eliminates the bed bugs as quickly as possible.
Will bleach and vinegar kill bed bugs?
It is a given that bed bugs are among the most difficult pests to deal with. They live in just about any location as long as they are near their host. Among the most popular natural or organic home remedies is the use of vinegar. However, there is no evidence supporting the claim that it can kill bed bugs.
Does Vinegar Kill Bed Bugs And Their Eggs?
Vinegar contains acetic acid, which is believed to have an effect on bed bugs. It is made by fermenting alcohol continuously until the ethanol (alcoholic content) is used up. Similar to alcohol, vinegar can be made from different plants such as grapes, corn, apples, rice, and barley. Other varieties of vinegar can be made out of different ingredients.
Depending on the concentration of vinegar, spraying it directly on bed bugs and their eggs can kill them. The strong acetic acid will disrupt the insect’s nervous system. This increases the possibility of killing these insects, but it may not work alone to treat an infestation. You can use it for visible bed bugs but it will only work to repel them while you’re looking for a longer-lasting and more effective treatment.
How to Use Vinegar to Deal with Bed Bugs
There are a few simple things you can do to utilize homemade vinegar spray when dealing with bed bugs. Fill a spray bottle with white vinegar and use it to do the following:
If you have already identified the infested areas, soak them with vinegar. See to it that you spray the vinegar over cracks and crevices on walls and narrow spaces where bugs hide. Doing this will make the bed bugs scatter and die on the soaked areas. The same goes for the seams of mattresses and box springs.
Spray it over visible adult bed bugs or send them running to nearby areas that you have treated with vinegar.
It can help prevent further infestation by soaking all infested areas. Do this for a few weeks until you notice a reduction in bed bug sightings.
Warning!!
It may be tempting to combine bleach and vinegar to kill bed bugs, but you should NEVER do this. It will cause the emission of chlorine gas, which is toxic and harmful to your health.
Pros and Cons of Using Vinegar to Getting Rid of Bed Bugs
Pros
Cons
It offers short-term effects as the acidic content can only work on disrupting the nervous system of bed bugs.
The smell is terrible and can last quite long.
Cheap and readily available.
It may not kill bed bugs thoroughly, as it may only repel them. It may result in little to no effect on major infestations.
This solution is very safe. You can actually spray it on any infested area as much as you like and never have to worry about your children or pets being harmed.
The low pH level of vinegar may damage furniture. Though it is not harmful to pets like dogs and cats, it may have a toxic effect on reptilian pets.
Bed bugs hate vinegar, but the worst it can do to them is repel them and force them to hide. When it comes to their eggs, vinegar may not work so much to kill them because of their exteriors. One way to get rid of them is to use a magnifying glass to find and treat them.
Since vinegar acts as a repellant, it won’t do anything huge when it comes to dealing with a bed bug infestation. It will only keep the bedbugs at bay, but it is enough to keep them hiding in your identified hiding areas while you search for a better and more effective bed bug treatment.
Other Options to Potentially Kill Bed Bugs
Aside from using vinegar, there are other options that you can use to get rid of these bugs. You can use high heat by getting bed bug heat equipment or using diatomaceous earth on cracks and crevices. Just like professionals, there are contact and residual chemical sprays that you can use at home. You can choose a product that kills bed bugs or you can also try other products like traps to control bugs and prevent their population from increasing. If you want to know more about these options, feel free to browse through our products at bedbugsos.ca.
Can sanitizer kill bed bugs?
Can hand sanitizer kill bed bugs
If hand sanitizer has an isopropyl alcohol concentration of greater than 60%, it may be effective, but it’s no guarantee. Between 70% and 91% concentrations are the most lethal for bedbugs, but this is more commonly found in rubbing alcohol than in hand sanitizer. Plus, you’ll have to pour or spray it right on the bug for it to do anything – it’s not going to have much residual effect after a few minutes if you are just putting it on a surface and hoping it will keep the bed bugs away.
Does hand sanitizer kill bedbugs?
The facts about using hand sanitizer kill bedbugs
Although hand sanitizer will kill a bedbug if you spray it directly or drop it in, you have no chance of applying it to all of their hiding places throughout the home (such as inside walls, electrical outlets and switches, in between cracks and joints of walls and furniture, inside fabrics, and so on.
Hand sanitizer is not recommended for treating rooms, furniture, clothing or other objects as it causes and unpleasant smell and puts you at an increased risk for accidental fire.
Rubbing your body down with sanitizer before bed will not stop bedbugs from biting you throughout the night. Most of it is going to rub off on the sheets or simply evaporate, at which point the bedbugs will happily feed.
There are many better ways to kill bedbugs
Conclusion:
If directly applied to the bedbugs, hand sanitizer will kill them. But, you are going to spend a long time walking around your house with a pump bottle, and you still won’t get them all. Even if you have a spray bottle of hand sanitizer, you are going to miss hundreds of bedbugs that could be hiding out of sight. Once the hand sanitizer has dried up, it is no longer going to be effective against bedbugs, and they will again come out of hiding to bite. Furthermore, hand sanitizer is going to leave an unpleasant smell all around your house or apartment, and could end up being a major fire hazard. So overall, we do not recommend hand sanitizer as a bed bug remediation strategy.
If you are looking for a better way to kill bedbugs without an exterminator, check out our DIY guide to killing bedbugs
Does hand sanitizer work against bedbugs?
Thank you for reading about using hand sanitizer to kill bedbugs! Please refer to all manufacturer instructions and warnings when using a bed bug control product. This website is an independent resource. This site receives compensation from the Amazon Affiliates program, which allows us to run this site at no cost to you. Your purchase price and this review are NOT affected. This website receives NO compensation directly from the manufacturers of any product. We do not necessarily endorse any bed bug products that may appear on the 3rd party ads on this site, which will be clearly marked as such. We are not responsible for any inaccuracies or omissions, or any new information that has been released since the time of publication, or your actions taken as a result of any of these things. Content is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for consulting with a professional. If you have any doubts about your ability to safely utilize any of these pest control methods, please consult a professional bed bug exterminator before attempting them. You can find a trusted local exterminator online. Read more about us here.
How To Get Rid of Bed Bugs - Ace Hardware
CategoriesDIY Bedbug Solutions
Tagsdoes hand sanitizer kill bed bugs?, does hand sanitizer repel bed bugs?, does hand sanitizer work against bed bugs?
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Is there a smell that bed bugs hate?
When dealing with a bed bug infestation, you’ll do anything and everything you can to get rid of them. While instantly killing these insects is the most effective option, sometimes bed bugs are too deeply entrenched in their nests to be killed.
Fortunately for us, there are plenty of deterrents which can either flush them out of hiding, or simply prevent bed bugs altogether.
Scented objects are commonly used to remove a variety of vermin, not just bed bugs.
Most smells that we find pleasant–or can at least tolerate, in the case of pesticides and chemicals–are powerful irritants to many animals.
In the case of arthropods (aka insects and arachnids), certain smells are fatal due to differences in how they breathe. All insects, bed bugs included, don’t have developed lungs.
Instead, they process oxygen through a series of tracheae found across their exoskeleton.
(This means that oxygen, and by extension any chemicals or scents in the air, are directly inhaled by the insect. This is in contrast to mammals, who possess complex respiratory systems that filter air as it is inhaled.)
Page Contents:
Do Bed Bugs Hate Lavender?
Do Bed Bugs Hate Vicks?
Does Vinegar or Garlic Repel Bed Bugs?
What Scents Do Bed Bugs Hate?
Do Bed Bugs Have A Smell?
Why Do Bed Bugs Smell When You Kill Them?
Do Bed Bugs Make Noise?
Summary
Do Bed Bugs Hate Lavender?
To humans: lavender has a pleasant scent. It’s commonly used in aromatherapy to create a soothing atmosphere, and is rumored to even help the body recover from mild pain.
To bed bugs: lavender is no different from the myriad of other scents and chemicals used to eradicate them.
Lavender contains a compound called linalool. Linalool is naturally produced by over 200 species of plants and fruits, but it’s also commercially used in many pesticides.
This is why bed bugs, as well as other insects and arachnids, also hate the following scents: mint, cinnamon, basil and citrus.
(All of these contain linalool in them.)
Sprinkling lavender oil or spraying lavender scent in areas where bed bugs are hiding is useful, but not too powerful on its own. If the scent doesn’t outright kill these pests, it will drive them to flee their nest, leaving them exposed to any bed bug traps or other insecticides you have applied.
Do Bed Bugs Hate Vicks?
If you’ve ever had a cold or dealt with some sort of congestion, you might have used Vicks VapoRub to feel a bit better. Spreading some VapoRub jelly on your chest and upper lip helps to temporarily clear up the congestion, and it can also be used to treat mosquito bites.
Most Vicks products include trace amounts of menthol as a primary ingredient. Menthol, like the aforementioned linalool, is naturally produced from mint plants.
Therefore, bed bugs will react to the scent of Vicks the same way they would react to the scent of lavender.
Does Vinegar or Garlic Repel Bed Bugs?
Vinegar is very effective at repelling bed bugs. However, bed bugs hate vinegar for different reasons than they hate lavender or mint.
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Vinegar is an acetic acid, which means that while it has very mild acidic properties, it contains a powerful scent and is still capable of corrosion.
In bed bugs, the scent of vinegar overwhelms their nervous system and corrodes protective chemicals along their exoskeletons, effectively drying them out.
Garlic also repels bed bugs for the same reasons as mint and lavender: chemical compounds produced by the plant. Garlic cloves (along with related vegetables like onions) produce a compound called allicin, which is released whenever the plant is cut open.
This is the compound that gives garlic its trademark scent (and is also responsible for “garlic breath.”)
Insects have no way of filtering out the scent caused by allicin, and will therefore flee when they smell garlic in the air. Combining garlic with a vinegar treatment is a great way to flush out bed bugs, though keep in mind that neither of them are effective ways to kill them.
What Scents Do Bed Bugs Hate?
As you’ve seen already, many of the scents which irritate a bed bug’s senses come from compounds produced by plants. A general rule of thumb is this: if a product contains the smells of mint, cinnamon, citrus, or any other spices, it can be used as a natural pesticide.
(This is why common foods like lemons, oranges, and pepper are recommended for repelling bed bugs.)
Bed bugs also hate the scent of diatomaceous earth. This powdery substance is often laid out in places where bed bugs or other insects travel, causing the particles to embed themselves in the bug’s exoskeleton.
Not only will the scent of the earth linger on any bed bugs which pass over it, but the powder will slowly eat away at the exoskeleton until the bed bug’s skin dehydrates, causing it to die.
Do Bed Bugs Have A Smell?
One of the common signs of a bed bug infestation is a musty odor in areas where they are gathered together. Typically, the odor is found on or around bedding materials like mattresses and pillows.
Bed bugs, like most insects, release specialized pheromones when communicating with each other. The pheromones primarily act as a defense mechanism–if the bed bugs feel threatened, they will release these pheromones to alert other bugs in the colony.
They also use pheromones to leave “scent trails.” These trails exist mainly to guide the bed bugs to their food source (sleeping humans), as well as lead them back home once they’ve finished feeding for the night.
Of course, pheromones aren’t the only source of the musty stench. Bed bug droppings can also leave a residual smell in the air.
Droppings look like tiny, black pellets (similar to mouse/rat droppings but smaller).
While humans might not be able to pick up on every scent trail, other animals can. Bed bug dogs are commonly used by pest removal companies to sniff out bed bug colonies, and if trained properly, they can accurately trace the pheromones back to the bed bugs’ nest.
Why Do Bed Bugs Smell When You Kill Them?
If you ever crush a bed bug–either by intentionally killing them when you’re awake, or unintentionally squashing them in your sleep–then you may notice that the bug leaves a lingering odor.
There are 2 reasons for this:
Alarm Pheromones: As explained earlier, bed bugs use pheromones to communicate with one another. When a bed bug is threatened, it will release alarm pheromones to warn the colony of danger. Killing a bed bug means crushing its scent glands, which in turn releases the alarm pheromones into the air–a posthumous warning to others that you’re a danger to them.
Blood: If you kill a bed bug shortly after it’s fed, then you’ll catch a faint scent of blood. It takes a bed bug several hours to digest human blood, so the earlier you crush the pest, the “fresher” the smell will be.
Because of the way insects are built, they don’t decompose the way other animals do when they die. When fish, birds, reptiles and mammals die, proteins in the body begin to break down and the internal organs slowly dissolve.
(It’s this decomposition that creates the “stench of death.”)
But insects only decompose internally. While their organs are quick to decay (usually within a few hours after death, compared to the weeks-long process in other creatures), their exoskeleton remains unaffected.
The exoskeleton stays intact in the exact pose the bug died in, almost like a mummified body.
So, if you find deceased bed bugs lying around somewhere, chances are that you’re looking at the exoskeleton of a once-living bed bug. The body will remain odorless, since it never released pheromones or undigested blood after it died.
Do Bed Bugs Make Noise?
Bed bugs aren’t ones to make any sort of noise. In fact, that’s part of the reason why they can be such a nuisance: since they don’t make sounds, you might not notice them until long after you have a sizable infestation in your home.
Since bed bugs lack wings, they can’t create a buzzing sound like flies, bees or mosquitoes. Their incredibly small size means they don’t make a sound when they scuttle along surfaces late at night.
And since they communicate exclusively through scents, there’s no real need for them to use other means of communication.
There’s a good reason for bed bugs to be silent: as nocturnal feeders, they know when exactly to start feeding and when exactly it’s time for them to leave. They don’t want to do anything that could compromise their location, which is why they remain absolutely quiet at all times.
Summary
Scented objects can be used to repel bed bugs.
Lavender, VapoRub, and other products with certain chemicals are effective, natural bed bug repellants.
Bed bugs rely on pheromones to communicate, and produce alarm pheromones when threatened.
When killed, bed bugs release all of their pheromones at once, creating a musty odor after they die.
How often should you spray for bed bugs?
For a case of bed bugs, how often should I spray?
I live in an apartment. I just found out about a month ago it has bed bugs. My guess is they are in the 12 apartments. I lived here a year then I started getting bites. Management says we will be having a new pest control company in 30 days or less. I am on my own until then.
Answer:
Your best option is to use one of our Bed Bug Kits. They have a very high success rate and have all of the same professional products that most companies use for less than half the cost. Our kits also come with complete instructions that explain how and where to apply each product. You should treat every two weeks until activity is gone.
What is the number one killer of bed bugs?
“Good night, sleep tight, don’t let the bed bugs bite,” is a cute saying, but there’s nothing cute about actually dealing with bed bugs. When you spot an infestation, it’s vital to find the best bed bug spray to take care of the problem quickly. Your peaceful night’s sleep is on the line.
These tiny pests can leave you with itchy, red welts that are often mistaken for mosquito bites. Getting rid of a bed bug infestation can be extremely difficult, which is why it is so important to use the most effective bed bug treatment at the first sign of these irritating insects.
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Contrary to popular belief, bed bugs are not indicative of a dirty environment. As long as a human food source is available, bed bugs can thrive in any condition, and removing them isn’t always easy. Bed bugs are excellent hiders and adept at avoiding detection. Some types of bed bugs have developed resistance to certain pesticides. The most effective bed bug spray will kill the pests, but determining the best bed bug spray for you depends on your personal preferences and priorities.
How Do You Use Baking Soda To Kill Bed Bugs FAST !
A complete list of the best bed bug sprays of 2021
Best for your budget: Ortho Home Defense Max Bed Bug, Flea and Tick Killer – With Ready-to-Use Comfort Wand
Best all-natural spray: mdxconcepts Bed Bug Killer, Natural Organic Formula Fastest
Best overall: Bed Bug Killer by EcoRaider 16 oz
Best spray for large spaces: HARRIS Bed Bug Killer, Toughest Liquid Spray with Odorless and Non-Staining Extended Residual Kill Formula (Gallon)
Best spray foam: Raid Bed Bug Foaming Spray, For Indoor Use, Non-Staining
Methodology:
We looked for the “best bed bug spray” on Amazon and filtered by products with an average customer review rating of 4+ stars. We calculated the cost per ounce of the resulting list of products and examined each product’s real customer reviews for results, criticisms, benefits, and appealing features.
Best for your budget: Ortho Home Defense Max Bed Bug, Flea and Tick Killer
With 4.5-stars and over 2,000 ratings, the Ortho Home Defense Max Bed Bug, Flea, and Tick Killer is a bargain at only 5 cents per gallon. Its handy wand applicator makes reaching nooks and crannies easy. Use it as a spot treatment around bed frames, mattress seams/tufts/folds, and baseboards. Positive reviews praised the spray’s effectiveness, and the manufacturer highlights that the formula kills even pyrethroid-resistant bed bugs.
Most negative reviews mentioned a lack of effectiveness or a defective/missing wand applicator. However, manufacturer customer service was quick to supply a working applicator.
Best all-natural spray: mdxconcepts Bed Bug Killer, Natural Organic Formula Fastest
At $1.49 an ounce, mdxconcept’s Bed Bug Killer is the most expensive bed bug spray on our list. Touting all-natural ingredients and safety for your family, mdxconcepts is a mix of vinegar, peppermint oil, and spearmint oil that many reviewers comment has a pleasant smell. A majority of reviewers give it a five-star rating. Under 10% of reviewers gave it one star. The chief complaint among the negative reviews was a lack of effectiveness.
Best overall: Bed Bug Killer by EcoRaider
A safe, non-toxic product with proven performance equal to the top professional pesticides, Bed Bug Killer by EcoRaider, is our pick for the best overall spray. Multiple studies verify EcoRaider’s effectiveness in killing bed bugs. Of more than 7,000 reviews, 62% were five-star ratings. Because EcoRaider’s active ingredients block bed bug neuron transmitters that do not exist in vertebrates, bugs in contact with EcoRaider will gradually lose mobility, become paralyzed, and die.
Fans of EcoRaider felt that this was the most effective bed bug spray in dealing with their problem and mentioned its safety and pleasant smell. However, not all users enjoyed the smell: In negative reviews, the most frequent complaints were a dislike of the cedar and eucalyptus fragrance and disappointing results. At $16.95 for 16 ounces, EcoRaider is one of the pricier bed bug sprays, but not the most expensive.
Best spray for large spaces: HARRIS Bed Bug Killer, Toughest Liquid Spray with Odorless and Non-Staining Extended Residual Kill Formula (Gallon)
Because HARRIS Bed Bug Killer continues to kill bed bugs for up to 16 weeks after the initial application, it’s good for difficult infestations and preventing insect spread. Of over 2,000 reviews, 67% rated it five stars. Many fans of the product mentioned unsuccessful results before using this product. At 42 cents an ounce, Harris is one of the least expensive treatments for a serious bed bug infestation. However, negative reviews frequently mentioned a defective sprayer issue.
Best spray foam: Raid Bed Bug Foaming Spray, For Indoor Use, Non-Staining
Good old Raid is our pick for best bed bug spray foam. The product kills bed bugs and eggs on surfaces for up to four weeks. The foam expands into hard-to-reach places. Out of over 500 reviews, 67% were five-star. Reviews praised the product’s effectiveness, and ease of use, including using foam, made it easy to see where you have sprayed. Other reviewers mentioned that the product’s scent was not offensive, but it was strong.
Unsuccessful results were reported in about 5% of the 500 reviews. At $8.98 for a 16.5-ounce can, Raid Bed Bug Foaming Spray is not an expensive option, but if you’re dealing with a serious infestation, it might not be your best line of defense.
Things to consider when shopping for bed bug spray
Ease of use: The application should be straight-forward and require no protective gear.
Scent: The scent of the product should not be offensive or lingering.
Value for money: The product should produce the desired result of killing bed bugs.
Thickness: For thicker formulas, purchasing a smaller spray bottle may make the application easier.
Frequently asked questions
Do bed bug sprays really work?
Pyrethroid-resistant strains of bed bugs are common, but many bed bug sprays are effective. When combating a bed bug infestation, pyrethrins and pyrethroids are the most frequently used compounds. Pyrethrins are botanical insecticides developed from chrysanthemums, while pyrethroids are synthetic chemical insecticides with similar effects to pyrethrins. It can be beneficial to use bed bug sprays that use multiple modes of attack because this increases the chance of using one that is effective on a specific type of bed bug.
What kills bed bugs instantly?
Isopropyl alcohol kills bed bugs and their eggs, but it’s flammable and requires direct contact, so it’s not the most practical option. Portable steam machines can also kill bed bugs instantly.
What do professionals use to kill bed bugs?
Pest control professionals frequently use three types of insecticides:·
A spray insecticide for use on surfaces
A residual insecticide for use in crooks, crannies, and crevices, as well as inside furniture
A dust insecticide for voids and tight spaces like electrical outlets and baseboards.
Professional pest control technicians may also offer whole-room heating or steam treatment options.
What smell kills bed bugs instantly?
Have you ever experienced waking up in the middle of the night due to itchy bites? If so, you might have been a victim of bed bugs. The pest may be one of the reasons why your sleep is disrupted, as they feast on your blood for meals. Bed bugs are nocturnal—that’s why they attack you when you are sound asleep.
Pests like bed bugs are usually found on mattresses and beddings. They tend to hide in dark places to prevent them from getting caught and for them to easily target their host. Eliminating them is never an easy task due to their tiny size. If you want to get rid of them instantly, a professional exterminator in Mooresville, NC is all you need.
bed bug
There are also ways you can make it possible to get rid of bed bugs through DIY methods and one of those is by using scents. There are smells which bed bugs hate and using it can help you resolve your worries quickly.
Let’s find what scents can help in keeping bed bugs away. Check these out!
1. Rubbing Alcohol
Bed bugs are hard to deal with, but you can repel them by using rubbing alcohol. They hate the smell of alcohol and using it is an effective solution to your problem. The rubbing alcohol can dry out bed bugs bodies, which can eventually lead to their death. Using this scent is good for your property because the odor that rubbing alcohol releases prevent the pest from laying eggs in your area. When they smell it, they will get out of your home to look for another place to give birth. By spraying the rubbing alcohol, almost half of the bed bug’s population can be eliminated.
If you have rubbing alcohol at home, you can not only use it to disinfect your body, but also utilize it to get rid of bed bugs. Directly applying it on bed bugs will surely kill them and will give you a good night sleep. When using alcohol, it should be done with care because the alcohol can cause fire hazards. If you don’t want to risk that, a pest control company in Mooresville is the one for you.
2. Tea Tree Oil
If you don’t want to use rubbing alcohol for your bed bug problems, you can try tea tree oil as another solution. This essential oil is known to fight bacteria and acne yet can also be a good solution for bed bugs. Tea tree oil helps in repelling bed bugs successfully as the smell encourages the pest to leave the area. Once they smell it, they will instantly run away. The essential oil not only makes an annoying odor for them, but it can also affect their exoskeleton. If you have tea tree oil at home, you can spray it liberally where bed bugs are actively infesting. Your home will not only smell good but will also be free from bed bugs. According to a pest exterminator in Mooresville, if the tea tree oil doesn’t work, you should seek professional help as quickly as possible to resolve your problem.
3. Lavender Oil
Lavender is a plant which you can have in your home as it is known to be one of the insect repellents. This plant can produce lavender oil which is used as an essential oil. It has a strong odor which people love and beg bugs hare. Normally, when bed bugs are around, a professional exterminator in Mooresville is the solution of every homeowner for pest issues. However, some would prefer to do natural pest control, and lavender oil is always part of the list. You can freely spray the oil in your home or on areas infested by bed bugs for the pest to be eliminated. The smell will surely drive those nuisances away which will give you a better home to stay. What is good with lavender is it does not only keep bed bugs away, but it can also help in improving your sleep.
4. Blood Orange Oil
Have you ever heard of blood orange oil? If yes, then this is your answer to your long bed bug problems. This essential oil is proven to be one of the most effective solutions when bed bugs are the matter as it can kill the pest successfully. The scent can keep those pests away from your home and will prevent them from coming back. Spraying the oil on the surface of the mattress, pillowcase, and clothes can repel the pests. You can also put the oil in a diffuser for the scent to be spread around your house or room. Also, you can apply it directly on bed bugs which will indeed get rid of them in no time. The process can take some time but will always be worth it. However, if you don’t want to try orange oil, the best way is to call a pest expert in Mooresville who can help you with your problem.
5. Diatomaceous Earth
If there would be a solution for all pests that would be diatomaceous earth (DE). Some pest experts in Mooresville recommend using DE as a solution for bed bugs. Diatomaceous earth is a powder made from fossilized algae. The powder is what pests like cockroaches, bed bugs, and ants fear the most. When they make contact with the DE they get dehydrated and die. DE destroys the waxy exoskeleton of pests which affect their body systems. Also, the smell of the powder is pungent which bed bugs dislike the most. The odor will quickly get rid of the pest and might keep them from returning. What is good with DE is that you can buy it in stores near you or even online. You have to sprinkle the powder all over the place to eliminate bed bugs, even the ones hiding. Make sure to clean or vacuum the DE and dead bed bugs to keep your home clean. By simply using DE, you are resolving your bed bugs problem gradually.
6. Powdered Pepper
Bed bugs don’t like the smell of pepper—especially the powdered one. This ingredient is typically found in every household as it is used for cooking. The powdered pepper will help keep away bed bugs because they cannot stand the smell. Sprinkling powdered pepper will keep your home bed bug-free which you can enjoy with your family. The aroma and the active ingredients found in pepper will surely scare those pests away. Powdered pepper is a good solution because it is not only effective, but it can be purchased in several stores near you. On the other side, if you don’t have time to buy, let a pest control company in Mooresville do the work.
7. Lemon
Smelling citrus scents like lemon is pleasing, but for bed bugs, it’s death. Some bed bugs cannot resist the smell of lemon juice and having it around will help you eliminate the problem once and for all. You have to use fresh lemon juice to kill those bed bugs since it has harsh properties which are bad for the pest. If you have lemons at home, use it to keep bed bugs away by spraying it around the area. Better yet, call your trusted pest exterminator in Mooresville to eliminate the pest.
8. Cinnamon
Aside from the mentioned above, the smell of cinnamon is an enemy of bed bugs. The smell can keep bed bugs away as they cannot handle it. You can spread the powder onto your bed to get rid of bed bugs and prevent them from coming back. There are also products which contain cinnamon powder as an ingredient which you can use for bed bugs.
9. Peppermint
One of the most researched solutions for keeping bed bugs away is peppermint. This plant can provide a smell which bed bugs and other pests hate. The scent will drive any pest which will keep your home pest-free and fresh at the same time. You can use the leaves to release its smell or peppermint oil which you can easily spray in your house. Regularly doing this will help to eliminate bed bugs and prevent them from coming back.
10. Neem Oil
If you have neem oil at home, you can use it to keep bed bugs away. According to a pest technician in Mooresville, neem oil is a natural insect repellent which you can use to get rid of pests like bed bugs. Its smell will make pests leave as quickly as possible. It does not only deter bed bugs but mosquitoes as well.
That’s it! These are the ten scents which you can use to repel and keep bed bugs away. But, if you want to eliminate the bed bug community, what you need is a pest control company in Mooresville.
Will ammonia kill bed bugs?
Bed bugs are persistent pests that can make your life a misery if not eradicated quickly. These minuscule, bloodsucking insects lurk inside bed linen during the day and emerge at night to feast on your sleeping body, leaving rashes of itchy bites in their wake.
Getting rid of a bed bug infestation can be difficult, due to their tendency to hide away in cracks and gaps where the bugs and their eggs can be hard to reach. However, they can (and must!) be killed if you’re ever to sleep peacefully again, so how can you get rid of them?
One popular home remedy for exterminating bed bugs is ammonia, a common household cleaning product. Ammonia can kill bed bugs and their eggs on contact. But is it the right choice for tackling a bed bug infestation?
What is ammonia and will ammonia kill bed bugs?
Ammonia is a chemical compound comprised of hydrogen and nitrogen. Its main industrial use is as a fertilizer for plants, where it is used to enrich the soil with nitrogen. Around the home, however, ammonia is more commonly used as a household cleaner due to its effectiveness in killing bacteria.
Ammonia is also highly toxic to bugs and insects, including bed bugs.
When it comes into contact with water, it breaks down the water molecules to form ammonium hydroxide. This is a highly corrosive substance that eats away at tissues and destroys cell membranes, effectively killing both bed bugs and their eggs on contact.
Does ammonia kill bed bug eggs?
Ammonia can be used to kill bed bug eggs, as it breaks down their surface when it comes into contact with them. This effectively prevents them from hatching, however, as with live bed bugs, ammonia must be sprayed directly onto the eggs for it to have any effect.
How to use ammonia to kill bed bugs and their eggs
If you’re considering using ammonia to kill your bed bugs, you will need the following things:
Pure ammonia (often sold as a cleaning product).
A new spray bottle (never use a bottle that has held other cleaning fluids, as ammonia can react with the chemicals and release toxic gases).
Rubber gloves.
Water.
Once you have everything you need, dilute the ammonia with water in the spray bottle. It’s important to do this exactly as stated in the directions on the packaging to achieve the proper concentration. Too high, and the spray may damage your surfaces and furniture, and the fumes can be dangerous if inhaled. Too low, and your bed bugs will probably survive the treatment.
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Before you begin spraying, there are some steps you need to take to make the treatment more effective.
First, remove and launder all bed linen. Bed bugs can be killed with heat, so laundering your linen is a good way to kill a significant chunk of your bed bug population right away.
Open the windows. Ammonia fumes can be hazardous if inhaled, so you need to make sure the infested room is well-ventilated.
Identify bed bug hiding places. Bed bugs move quickly, so you should seek out their hiding spots before you begin treatment – this way, you’ll have the element of surprise when you begin spraying. Take a flashlight and check under the mattress, bed frame and box spring. Bed bugs may also live in your wardrobe, clothing or beneath furniture near the bed. If you’re having trouble finding them, monitoring traps can be used to track them down.
Seal off their escape routes. Bed bugs will bolt as soon as they are disturbed. You can reduce their chances of escaping by sealing the gaps between the bed and the wall and the carpet and the wall while blocking off the gap beneath the door of the room to be treated.
When you’ve finished your prep, you’re ready to begin spraying!
Keep in mind!
Bed bugs move very quickly when disturbed and will only die if hit directly with the spray, so it’s important to spray quickly and accurately.
Once you’ve blasted every bed bug in sight, get to work wiping down the treated surfaces with the same spray. This will remove the droppings and smell left behind by your infestation while clearing away dead bugs. This step is also essential for getting rid of bed bug eggs, which are often laid in the cracks and gaps around the seam of your mattress and under buttons.
Safety precautions
Ammonia fumes can be hazardous if inhaled and can cause irritation if it gets in the eyes or on the skin. Make sure you dilute the ammonia according to instructions, wear rubber gloves throughout the treatment and ventilate the room thoroughly so minimize the risk.
Ammonia should never be mixed with other chemicals. When combined with bleach, toxic chlorine gas is released. This reacts with the moist tissues in the eyes and lungs, if inhaled, resulting in damage to the airways. Inhalation of this gas can even be deadly in extreme cases, so make sure to never mix ammonia with anything but water.
Though ammonia can kill bed bugs, the safety concerns (and pungent odor) associated with this product mean it’s rarely the most suitable choice. Dish soap and water, vinegar and rubbing alcohol, for example, are much safer (and easily effective) ways to kill bed bugs.
7 Effective Home Remedies For Bed Bugs (GET RID OF THEM FAST!)
Conclusion
Bed bugs are one of the most disturbing pests you can encounter, thanks to their habit of hiding in your bed and attacking you as you sleep. They can also be a nightmare to get rid of, thanks to their habit of hiding in cracks and gaps throughout the day. A home-made ammonia spray can be effective for killing bed bugs once you’ve identified their hiding places.
However, extreme caution should be taken when using ammonia for bed bug control to avoid respiratory, eye and skin irritation. Ammonia should never be mixed with bleach, as this produces dangerous fumes which, in extreme cases, can be fatal.
Do lime kill bed bugs?
Sulfur and Bed Bugs; the Different Forms of Application
It is a very scary experience when your home is infested with bed bugs. The pests can give you and your family sleepless nights.
Bugs appear all over especially during the summer season. You have to work hard to protect your home and children in particular.
You will need to employ effective methods to eliminate them completely and protect your house from future infestation.
Sulfur is one of the best and valuable pesticides that you can use to get rid of bed bugs in your home.
It is safer than other commercial pesticides, and it does not cause harm to other beneficial insects like the honeybee.
It also animates and kills repels insects. You can use both lime and elemental sulfur to create your homemade insecticide to kill bedbugs.
You can use it in various forms some of which include;
Sulfur Dioxide
sulfur to get rid of bed bugs
This type of sulfur is destructive to all forms of life. It is the most dependable insecticide. It is a dry gas which is very poisonous to pests and insects. The dry sulfur dioxide, however, has no germicidal value.
Fumigation of this gas may, however, damage property during dry days. It destroys metals and fabrics when moist.
To prevent this, before fumigating, cover the assets that cannot be removed from the room by covering them with paper or coating with petroleum jelly.
To produce sulfur dioxide, you need to burn sulfur or liberate the liquefied sulfur dioxide.
Flowers of Sulfur
This sulfur in its dry powdered form can be used to kill bed bugs.
You can apply the organic yellow sulfur powder by several means, and the simplest method is by sprinkling the powder in the area of infestation.
You can also combine the organic yellow sulfur powder with other insecticides like resin wash, kerosene emulsion or soap wash to make it more efficient.
You should first mix it into a paste and add it to a spray tank in a proportion of about 2 pounds to 50 gallons.
Sulfur in the Form of Ointment
This is applied just in the same way as the sulfur flower. All you have to do is implement the ointment in the infested area and leave it for some time.
Sulfur has a low toxicity to people, but it is wise to take safety measures when dealing with it. It could cause skin and eye irritation if not handled with care.
Always ensure to put on safety clothing like rubber gloves, dust mask, and goggles. Keep children and pets out of reach until the applied area has been watered and allowed to dry.
Make sure to choose the right type of sulfur you need. For example, if you want to use it in conjunction with oil spray, lime sulfur is the best.
With elementary sulfur, you will have to wait for at least a month after application of the oil before using the spray thus chose wisely.
How long does bed bug dust last?
Bed bugs are small, oval insects that live on the blood of humans and animals. They also feed on bats, birds and rodents. While they can’t fly, but they can move quickly across walls, ceilings and floors and are found in dorm rooms, homes, hotels and shelters.
Even an immaculately clean home can be susceptible to the increasingly problem of infestation. People can bring them home through clothes or by luggage. These bugs can be found in loose wallpaper, behind pictures frames, in mattress seams or inside furniture.
bed bugs hiding
They are mainly active at night, and can live up to one year without drinking any blood. While they aren’t known for carrying any diseases, they can adversely affect a person’s quality of life. Having a home infested with these bloodsucking insects can cause anxiety, embarrassment and discomfort.
How Do They Reproduce?
Females lay approximately five eggs each day or over and 500 eggs throughout their lifetime. The milky-white eggs that a female lays are visible to the naked eye and take approximately two weeks to hatch. They start feeding immediately after they hatch.
Each bug needs to go through five molting stages. Once the baby goes through these stages, they reach maturity. The baby needs to feed at least once during each stage. It takes approximately five weeks to reach maturity. Once it reaches maturity, they can reproduce.
Have Bed Bug Problems?
Inspection and Bites
Bites on the body are the most common indication that a person’s home may be infested. These bites usually turn into itchy welts, and are often located on the neck, arms, back, legs or hands. Bite marks are usually found in clusters or lines on a specific area of the skin.
bed bug bites
If a person has bites, they will need to thoroughly inspect clothes, bedding, furniture, molding, drawers and all cracks for bugs, fecal spots, cast skins or eggs. A noticeable musty, offensive odor is another indication that they may be present.
Individuals should also inspect rugs, window and door frames, baseboards and ceiling moldings. Check pet beds and all areas where they rest for any signs.
The best time to check for bugs is at night when they are most visible and out of hiding. A visual inspection is necessary in detecting these pests. Not all of the bugs need to be found in order to successfully eliminate the infestation.
Bite Treatments
Most bites can be treated with a topical cream that can be found at a drug store. The bites usually disappear after one to two weeks. If possible, try not to scratch the bite. Excess scratching can leave scarring, and make the bite vulnerable to infection.
If the bites get infected, consulting with a doctor may be necessary. A doctor can prescribe an oral antibiotic to help clear up the infection. A person who is susceptible to allergies may have an allergic reaction; in this case, a person may need to take an antihistamine.
Once the bites are taken care of, it is time to locate and get rid of the infestation.
Sanitation
The first step in eradicating these insects is to sanitize the areas where they have been found. Vacuum the bed, rugs, walls, woodwork and curtains. Once the vacuuming is done, immediately remove the bag and wrap it in plastic. Throw the bag outside in the trash. This will keep the offending bugs from escaping back into the inside of the house.
Use a heavy duty brush to scrub all sides of the mattress and box springs. Repair cracks and reapply glue to loose wallpaper. Steam cleaning a mattress is not recommended because it is hard to remove all the moisture, which can lead to problems with mildew or dust mites.
A person can get rid of their old mattress, but a new mattress can quickly be infested when the infestation remains. Wash all bedding and clothes in the hottest water possible and thoroughly dry clothing, bedding, curtains and other items at the highest possible dryer setting.
Product Options, Methods and Cost for Elimination
There are many products and methods that can help to eliminate an infestation. There are monitors that can catch them, but they won’t eliminate or control the infestation.
Steaming the infested areas can help. If a person hires a professional team to steam the area infested, it can range in price from $500 to $1500.
Thermal redemption using heat is a very costly remediation method. This is a good option for a person who has a cluttered home where preparation may be a struggle.
Specially trained bug detecting canines can be used for large areas that are suspected of being infested. This method costs thousands of dollars for each day the canines are used. However, insect detecting service dogs are reliable in detection up to 97% of the time.
Pesticides vary in price and effectiveness, and are used along with other methods. Powder is another product option for elimination of the infestation. Most powders are non-toxic, effective and affordable. If the infestation is moderate, powder may be all that is needed to eliminate the bugs.
Powder Treatment
One of the safest products to use is powder. Most powders are non-toxic and are harmless to humans and pets, but deadly to the bed bugs. Always read the label to make sure the powder is non-toxic and safe to use on beds, furniture and rugs.
Powder is simple to use. The powder just needs to make contact to eliminate the bugs, while other options need to be consumed. It works by covering the exterior of the bug, which eventually kills them by dehydration.
Affordable Cost
Specially formulated powders are one of the safest and affordable solutions for getting rid these bugs. It eliminates the problem without being subjected to chemicals that can be found in other products.
Powder is available in many strengths and sizes, and can be purchased for under $10. The cost of the powder will depend on the amount needed to eliminate the bug infested area. The only time it may be helpful to get a professional involved in elimination if there is a large infestation throughout the house.
Many bug sprays and liquids dry up after a few hours. Powders don’t wear out and can be effective for many weeks or even months. One bottle of powder should be enough for a few weeks of treatments to one room.
Elimination by Using a Cleaning and Powder Treatment
Once it has been confirmed that there is an infestation, the process of eliminating the bugs with a cleaning and powder treatment begins. Wash sheets, clothing, and any items that may have come in contact with the bugs in hot water. Thoroughly dry the items in a hot dryer. Steam clean or wash the rugs, bed, woodwork, and any areas where the infestation were spotted using hot water and a little soap.
Safety Preparation
Once all the areas and items are cleaned and dried, prepare for the powder treatment by putting on gloves, and wearing a dust mask and protective goggles. The bug powder can be dusty, especially if it is being used in a large area. The dust may irritate the eyes and throat. These protective items should also be worn before applying any other types of products or treatments.
Applying the Powder
Sprinkle the powder under the sheets, in between the mattresses, and in any areas where they may have been spotted. Sprinkle the powder on rugs, under and around the feet of the bed, and in any cracks and crevices. These bugs are small and thin and are known for hiding in small areas.
Carefully spread the powder in exposed cracks and crevices using a small paint brush. Make sure to spread the powder in an even, thin layer. Use a small broom or brush to spread the powder in larger areas. If the powder is left in clumps, they will avoid the area.
Time Frame for Treatment
Powders and other methods used to eliminate the bugs may need to be applied to the areas for approximately a few weeks in order to fully eradicate the infestation. The amount of treatments needed depends on the severity of infestation. The combination of thorough cleaning and powder will help to ensure that the areas previously infested remain bug free.
Powder Used With Spray
Powder and spray also work well together in combating an infestation. If possible, make sure both products are non-toxic and safe to use on mattresses, rugs and furniture. The advantage of combining these products are almost guaranteed to eliminate the infestation, and keep them from coming back.
Make sure to wear protective gear before applying these products. Spray the infested areas and all cracks and crevices first, and then sprinkle the areas with the powder. The powder works mechanically, while the spray works chemically. Wait approximately 45 minutes before vacuuming the areas. The bugs normally die after a few days.
Eliminate Possible Recurrence
Once a person has eliminated the infestation, the last thing they want is a recurrence. If there are high-risk parts of the home where they once resided, make sure to check these areas at least once a month.
Check all surrounding areas where the bugs were previously found. If spotted again, start cleaning the area with hot water immediately. After the spaces are cleaned, sprinkle the areas with powder. Often, finding only a couple of bugs means that it is only a moderate infestation and therefore easier to treat.
Another option is to place monitors in areas of the home that were known to be previously infested. Monitors that use carbon monoxide, heat or a chemical lure the bugs can be quite effective but costly.
Preventing Them from the Get-Go
Laundering clothing, bedding and drapes in hot water is considered one of the best ways to keep them at bay. If you are buying used furniture, have an expert check the pieces for bugs before bringing them into your home.
Cover mattresses and box springs with plastic covers. This will seal the mattress and box springs to prevent the bugs from getting in. If there are any in residence, the cover will trap them.
If a person does a lot of traveling, check the crevices of the hotel room for bugs. Place suitcases on a table or counter, and keep them off the hotel floor to avoid unwanted hitchhiking pests
How long does bed bug powder last?
Thinking of using special powders to kill bed bugs in your home?
Well, there are a number of options for bed bug powders, as they’re one of the most helpful DIY treatments for bed bug control.
And that’s what you need, right?
But with so many options available, which bed bug powder should you use?
We’ve done the heavy lifting and have researched, tested and narrowed down the options to find the top bed bug powders on the planet!
Read more to buy the right bed bug powder so you can go on living your life without bed bug bites…
Reviewed By:
Ed Spicer
Ed has been working in the pest control industry for years helping 1,000's of homeowners navigate the world of insect and rodent management. He manages Pest Strategies now helping homeowners around the world!
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Terminix Pest Control Company
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4.8
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(866) 471-0552
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Orkin Pest Control Company
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4
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Use Baking Soda to Kill Bed Bugs from Your Entire Home!
Harris Diatomaceous Earth Powder
Features
Comes with a free powder applicator
Bugs die within 48 hours of contact
Continues to kill bed bugs for up to 4 weeks
View On Amazon
Drione Dust
Features
Powerful active ingredients
Professional's choice for bed bug treatments
EPA-approved to spot-treat mattresses
View On Amazon
HotShot Bed Bug Killer Powder
Features
Value bottle saves you money
Has similar ingredients to other bed bug powders
Bottle applicator isn't bad if you don't want to invest in a powder applicator
View On Amazon
Table Of Contents
Top 3 Best Bed Bug Powders
Does Bed Bug Powder Really Work?
Is Bed Bug Powder Safe For Humans?
How To Use Bed Bug Powder
Bed Bug Powder Product Reviews
Related Articles
Harris Bed Bug Powder
Drione Dust
HotShot Bed Bug Killer Powder
Top 3 Best Bed Bug Powders
Short on time? Take a look at the list below for the top 4 bed bug powders.
Otherwise, check out our full buying guide to learn more:
Harris Diatomaceous Earth Powder
Drione Dust
HotShot Bed Bug Killer Powder
Does Bed Bug Powder Really Work?
Most off the shelf bed bug powders contain diatomaceous earth, a talc-like powder that is the fossilized remains of phytoplankton.
(We have an in-depth safety and use guide on diatomaceous earth here)
This stuff also kills most crawling insects, and is famed for helping folks control their bed bug problem.
It’s also non-toxic (you can eat it and live to tell the tale, but we don’t really recommend you do that).
When diatomaceous earth is sprinkled on creepy crawlers with an exoskeleton, a.k.a. their waxy outsides, they dehydrate, shrivel up and meet an untimely death.
The thing is, that people often overuse or misuse diatomaceous earth and other bed bug powders.
Bed bugs will even walk around powders when they see them (they are smart little buggers).
Interested In More Ways To Kill Bed Bugs? Click here for our top bed bug killer picks!
Bug bug powders generally have a few more ingredients to help control bed bugs that aren’t “natural” and non-toxic too, in order to compensate for the shortcomings of diatomaceous earth and add an extra punch to bed bug killing efforts.
(We also recommend checking out our guide on bed bug heaters for another approach to non-toxic bed bug removal.)
These additional ingredients are typically insecticides and repellents in powder form. Of course, these active ingredients are typically toxic to humans and pets.
The key to having any success with bed bug powders is in the application of them. You need to know how to use bed bug powders properly in order to kill and control beg bugs in your home, and misuse is the generally the reason people don’t see any success with bed bug powders.
Read Also: What’s the best respirator for dusts?
Watch this video below showing you our top bed bug powder pick, Cimexa, actually killing bed bugs in a small test.
Is Bed Bug Powder Safe For Humans?
While diatomaceous earth (food grade) is safe and non-toxic for humans and pets, ingredients in diatomaceous earth meant for killing bed bugs (pest control grade) include various insecticides and additives, which are toxic to humans and pets!
(click here for our safety guide on diatomaceous earth)
A total of 111 illnesses associated with bed bug-related insecticides were reported in seven states between 2003 and 2010 according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The most common factors contributing to illness were excessive insecticide application, failure to wash or change pesticide-treated bedding, and inadequate notification of pesticide application.
(This means people were reckless with how they applied the powders around their home resulting in health issues)
The most common symptoms for those who were poisoned by a bed bug insecticide were: Nausea, vomiting, headaches, dizziness and breathing issues.
If you have used a treatment for bed bugs containing an insecticide and experience any symptoms, contact poison control and seek medical attention immediately!
Warning
As with all bed bug treatments you attempt to do yourself, you should ALWAYS consult a certified professional beforehand. You run the risk of hurting yourself, your family, or making your bed bug problem worse.
How To Use Bed Bug Powder
We really should start by saying how NOT to use a bed bug powder because most people use bed bug powders incorrectly…
Do NOT:
Scatter a bed bug powder everywhere: Despite what many online resources claim, spreading a bed bug powder everywhere will not control your bed bug problem. You’ll just make a mess, ruin your furniture and potentially spread poison all over your home without getting to the bottom of your bed bug problem. Powders are less effective on bed bugs in open areas, and are shown to be more effective when applied to tight cracks and crevices.
Skip reading the product label for the powder you choose to buy: Each powder is different, and may have different active ingredients that have unique things to consider when using them. Be mindful of the differences between bed bug powders and always read the product label first!
Here’s the correct way to use most bed bug powders:
Crack and crevice treatment: As mentioned, your application of most bed bug powders should focus on cracks and crevices in the room or rooms that bed bugs are most likely hiding or traveling through. Floorboards, where the carpet meets the floor and baseboards are examples of great places to start. Powders are great for these spaces because they’re able to settle into them in a way that sprays and other bed bug treatments can’t!
Powder applicator: While most powders come with their own applicators, we recommend purchasing a professional powder applicator (like this one) to get deep into cracks, crevices, and wall voids, and get more out of your powder amount. The applicator helps emit smaller, more even amounts of powder so you save a little bit of money in the long run.
Wall voids and other unsuspecting places: Apply carefully along door frames, under appliances, and the joints and interior areas of wooden furniture.
Watch this video to learn the different dust applications for bed bug control:
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Bed Bug Powder Product Reviews
In the below section we break down each of our favorite bed bug powders along with a bit of information explaining each in more detail.
Harris Diatomaceous Earth Powder
Drione Dust
HotShot Bed Bug Killer Powder
Related Articles
Harris Bed Bug Powder
Contains diatomaceous earth, this powder kills bed bugs within 48 hours and continues to work where applied when kept dry.
With it’s free applicator and value size option, this product is a good value overall, although some claim to have gotten a rash from it after application.
The Good And The Bad
Comes with a free powder applicator
Bugs die within 48 hours of contact
Continues to kill bed bugs for up to 4 weeks
Registered with the environmental protection agency
Must be kept dry, even after applied to remain effective (not great for more humid environments)
Some users complained of a distinct smell where they've applied the product
Drione Dust
Drione Insecticide Dust contains a combination of powerful active ingredients to knock out even the worst bed bug infestations. It also works on these common pests:
Ants
Cockroaches
Silverfish
Firebrats
Boxelder bugs
Drywood termites
Fleas
Scorpions
Use Drione Insecticide Dust in cracks, crevices, and furniture joints to eliminate bed bugs. Its residual action works for up to nine months. And it’s EPA-registered for mattresses, especially around the tufts, folds, and edges.
The Good And The Bad
Powerful active ingredients
Professional's choice for bed bug treatments
EPA-approved to spot-treat mattresses
Comes with an enclosed bellows duster
Not to be used in food areas
Professional grade, use caution around children and pets
HotShot Bed Bug Killer Powder
Contains silicone dioxide, but also contains 15% “other ingredients” that are not safe for pets and children.
While its uncertain what these other ingredients are, HotShot is shown to help prevent and kill bed bugs similar to other combination silicon dioxide powders.
The Good And The Bad
Value bottle saves you money
Has similar ingredients to other bed bug powders
Bottle applicator isn't bad if you don't want to invest in a powder applicator
Claims to kill bed bugs on contact
Indoor use only
Is not food grade and you should be cautious to avoid inhaling the product during application
Not safe around pets and children
Do home remedies for bed bugs work?
Before diving into home remedies for bed bugs, it's important for homeowners to understand that bed bugs are extremely difficult to get rid of. Despite best intentions and efforts, bed bug control is very complex, and not taking the proper steps for control will likely result in an unresolved or worsening problem.
home remedies to kill bed bugs
If you have any DIY experience, it may sound enticing to try home remedies to get rid of bed bugs. But bed bug control is just not something that should be DIY-ed.
The truth is, while some home remedies to kill bed bugs may sound effective, it's very unlikely they'll eliminate the problem. And most home remedies only treat the bed bugs you see - not the bed bugs you don't see, which is the real problem. To eliminate bed bugs, you have to be able to get to where the bed bugs are hiding, which is why you need professional help.
Before turning to home remedies to get rid of bed bugs, it's important to have all the facts. Let's start by gaining a firmer understanding of the signs of a bed bug infestation.
Signs you have a bed bug infestation
One of the most obvious and disconcerting signs of a bed bug infestation is waking up miserable and itching. You may notice small bumps that remind you of mosquito bites on areas of your skin that have been exposed. Some other signs of a bed bug infestation include:
Small blood-stain spots on your bed linens.
Dark or rusty spots on your sheets, mattress, blankets and walls around the bed.
Seeing actual bed bugs (small, brown, flat oval bugs the size of an apple seed).
Finding bed bug feces, bed bug eggshells and skin sheds.
Noticing a musty, foul odor coming from the bedding or furniture.
What to do if you suspect bed bugs
First, don't panic. Bed bugs are (unfortunately) quite common. They quite often hitch a ride home with us on luggage, clothing, used furniture and other fabric items. The good news is that a bed bug infestation can be treated and future infestations can be avoided.
What home remedies kill bed bugs?
Despite the ineffectiveness of the home remedies listed above, there are a few tips to help get rid of bed bugs, or at least reduce the population.
1. Crush and flush
If you see bed bugs, simply grabbing them with a tissue, crushing them and flushing them down the toilet can be a relatively effective short-term remedy. Admittedly, this approach will work better with a small infestation and is not suitable for a larger bed bug problem.
2. Hot water laundry
Frequent laundering with hot water and drying on a high heat setting in your dryer (as directed by manufacturers' guidelines) has been shown to effectively kill bed bug eggs and eliminate bed bugs hiding in linens and clothing.
3. Frequent vacuuming
Vacuuming your baseboards, carpet, mattress, bed frame and furniture such as sofas and chairs can also help remove live bed bugs that you see. However, it's very important to exercise caution when vacuuming bed bugs to help keep your vacuum from becoming infested. When finished, be sure to double-bag the vacuum bag and dispose of it in an outdoor trash bin.
4. Clean and declutter
Like other pests, bed bugs need dark spaces to hide. Get rid of any items that may hide bed bugs and keep the area around the bed, dresser and other bedroom furniture clear and clean.
Home remedies for bed bugs that do NOT work
There are many commonly-used home remedies out there for killing bed bugs. But some of these are simply unproven, and others can be dangerous. Let's break down these remedies and their issues.
How To Use Baking Soda to Kill Pests - COCKROACHES, BEDBUGS, ANTS, MICE, Etc
1. Dryer sheets
Many homeowners believe wiping down furniture and other infested items with dryer sheets will act as a repellent. However, there's simply no research data to support this as a proven method. Run your dryer sheets through your dryer cycle and enjoy the scent and softness, but don't expect it to help with bed bugs.
2. Mothballs
While efficient for killing or repelling insects interested in fabrics, mothballs are ineffective for combating bed bugs. In fact, after one week of evaluating two popular mothball products, the moth balls killed less than 50% of the bed bugs, according to Rutgers University's New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station. Not to mention, the mothballs had no significant effect on bed bug eggs.
Mothballs can also be dangerous. They are toxic and come with label instructions that must be followed, and using them for the purpose of bed bug control is not an intended use.
3. Rubbing alcohol
It may sound viable that rubbing alcohol could be a deterrent for bed bugs, but there's little proof that it works. According to the Rutgers University study mentioned above, available rubbing alcohol products usually contain 70% or 91% isopropyl alcohol. That same Rutgers University study showed that direct spray of either of these two products killed a maximum 50% of the bed bugs. However, rubbing alcohol only kills the bed bugs directly treated - not the many more hiding, which is the real problem.
Not only does it have low efficacy, but rubbing alcohol is also flammable. When improperly used, rubbing alcohol can be a fire hazard and should never be utilized to try killing bed bugs.
4. Ultrasonic pest repellers
Despite being readily available and in abundant supply from many distributors, these so-called "pest repellers" are completely unproven. They simply do not work on bed bugs. In fact, the Entomological Society of America says that bed bugs aren't repelled at all by these devices. The study reports that four pest repellers on the market were examined and not a single one affected bed bug behavior.
5. Essential oils
Essential oils have flooded the market recently, with people singing their praises for everything from stress relief to weight management. However, claiming that oils can kill bed bugs is incorrect and misleading. There are some essential oils for bed bug treatment available for purchase, but they require no efficacy testing and are not registered by the EPA. Another point of reference from the aforementioned Rutgers University study evaluated the efficacy of nine essential oils, revealing that they had no bed bug mortality. Similar to rubbing alcohol, essential oils have to be applied directly to the bed bugs, addressing only a small part of the problem.
6. Foggers or bug bombs
Although widely used as a home remedy to kill bed bugs, research conducted by Ohio State University indicates that foggers are completely ineffective. So while some consumers consider foggers a low-cost alternative to professional bed bug control services, they're actually a waste of money. Also, it's important to follow the label instructions, because foggers can be misused and become dangerous.
Hire the bed bug professionals
It's important to emphasize that even with the best tips for DIY bed bug control, they can only help with the bed bugs you can see. These remedies simply aren't enough to completely eliminate a bed bug infestation. Before attempting to kill bed bugs yourself, remember how difficult they are to control. Even if just a few survive your DIY efforts, the infestation can quickly rebound, making all those efforts seem pointless.
The only way to effectively kill bed bugs is to look to a professional exterminator service like Terminix®. We know where bed bugs hide, how to spot them and, most importantly, how to get rid of them. Contact us to schedule an appointment. To save yourself time, money and stress, let us help eliminate bed bugs where they live and breed. Get started today with a FREE inspection.
How do you bomb for bed bugs?
While we can't tell you whether or not to use a fogger, we can explain some things about foggers and how to use them safely to help you decide.
We register all pesticides to ensure they are safe to use, presuming you follow the label directions. This includes foggers (the full name is "total release foggers," to distinguish them from pesticide application equipment that is designed to emit a fog-like pesticide spray, but is under the control of the user).
When and How to Use a Fogger
To use a total release fogger, you place the canister in an appropriate location, activate it, and leave the room (perhaps even leave the building if directed by the label).
Total release foggers are approved for use against a variety of indoor pests, including bed bugs. Not all foggers are labeled for use against bed bugs, so you need to read the label before purchasing a fogger to ensure you are getting one that lists bed bugs on the label.
Effectiveness of Foggers
Questions have been raised about the effectiveness of total release foggers against bed bugs. Bed bugs often hide, especially during the day. Foggers should not be used as the sole source of bed bug control. The pesticides used in total release foggers must contact the pest to kill it. If the material does not reach the cracks and crevices where bed bugs are hiding, they will not be killed.
Fogger Safety Tips and Videos
If you are considering using a fogger:
Read the label before purchasing it to be sure to buy a product registered for use against bed bugs.
Read the label before using the product, to ensure you use it correctly.
Only use the number of foggers required for your space. More is not better and too much could cause an explosion.
Turn off pilot lights and unplug appliances to reduce the potential for an explosion.
Leave the room or the building as directed by the label and don't return until the amount of time listed on the label has passed.
View our videos on fogger safety for some tips.
Uh oh… you just found a bed bug. You probably trapped it and started looking around your pantry for something to kill it… baking soda? Can you use this simple household chemical to kill the bug? Will baking soda work to protect from a bed bug infestation?
While there isn’t any research into the topic I can find, I would not recommend using baking soda to try to kill a bed bug. There are more effective methods I will share with greater detail, but freezing the bug or killing it with heat will be much faster and more effective than trying to use baking soda to kill a bed bug.
Another thing to keep in mind, while one bed bug may not seem like much, a female bed bug can lay 2-3 eggs per day. That’s up to 90 new bed bugs per month that could infest your home.
You better be sure that little critter is dead before you dispose of it. This article covers how to baking soda to kill bed bugs (because it may be possible), as well as some alternatives that are more effective!
Does Baking Soda Kill Bed Bugs?
If you are trying to kill a single bed bug, baking soda may work but it’s not recommended. Baking soda is a gentle desiccant – meaning it slowly absorbs water.
So, if you put the bed bug in a sealed container filled with several tablespoons of baking soda, the bed bug is sure to dry up in a couple of days. This also works with salt, baking powder, sugar, flour, and other “baking ingredients” simply based on their ability to absorb water.
However, baking soda is not going to be an effective method of clearing bed bugs out of your bedroom. Bed bugs can easily avoid an area dusted with a small amount of baking soda. In order to create the powerful desiccant conditions created in a small, sealed container, you would need to literally coat your entire home in an inch of baking soda.
In other words, there are much easier and cheaper ways to rid your home of bed bugs.
Does Baking Soda Repel Bed Bugs?
Bed bugs do use scent to find their hosts – specifically the carbon dioxide given off by your body and exhaled as you breathe. Baking soda, when mixed with an acid like vinegar, gives off carbon dioxide. So, this could theoretically attract some bed bugs into falling into some sort of trap. But, bed bugs also use heat and a variety of other signals to find a human to bite.
Baking soda is definitely not going to repel bed bugs in any meaningful way. At best, the baking soda could attract some bugs into a trap. At worst, the extra carbon dioxide could actually help attract bed bugs to the areas that you treated. That is why it is not advised to use baking soda as a repellent or large-scale treatment.
Reasons to Not Use Baking Soda for Bed Bugs
Though baking soda is relatively innocuous, there are plenty of reasons to not use baking soda to kill bed bugs:
It would take massive amounts of baking soda to treat an entire home
There is no scientific evidence that baking soda kills or repels entire infestations of bed bugs
Baking soda will not kill bed bugs fast enough to provide population control
Using baking soda as insect dust could lead to skin irritation or even respiratory issues if large amounts were used.
Alternatives to Baking Soda for Killing Bed Bugs
The good news is that there are many alternatives to killing bed bugs – either single bugs or entire infestations.
Stuff You Already Have
First, let’s check out some low tech options for irradicating bed bugs. You likely have these tools in your house already, and they will definitely work.
Plastic Bags – you can place bed bugs in a plastic bag, seal the bag, and throw it away. If you really want to make sure the bugs are dead, place them in a freezer (<1°F) for at least 2 hours before you toss the bag in the garbage.
Boil them – much like you can kill a lobster by boiling it, bed bugs also have a very low tolerance for high heat. Place the bed bugs directly into boiling water, or place the bugs in a plastic bag and place the bag in boiling water for a few minutes. Water boils at 212° F, much higher than a bed bug’s heat tolerance of around 118° F. A handheld steamer can also kill bed bugs.
Vacuum – Most households in the US have a vacuum with an agitator brush. Bed bugs are relatively light and will be easily sucked up. The real trick comes with the disposal. Make sure that you place the vacuum bag inside a larger plastic bag when you are finished. This will seal the bed bugs inside, ensuring they do not escape and reinfest your home.
Wash Your Fabrics – bed bugs love to hide and lay eggs on loose fabric, including your clothes, bedsheets, and other linens. Wash everything you can, even if it was just in the closet in storage. Wash these things at a high temperature (if appropriate for the fabric), with plenty of soap. The combination of soap and hot water boils and drowns bed bugs quite effectively.
Insecticide Options
There are a plethora of options on the market for killing bed bugs, if you don’t mind making a trip to the store or buying online:
Insecticide Dust Options – An insecticide dust can work in one of a few different ways. All-natural insecticide dusts – like Diatomaceous Earth (DE) – work by destroying the insect exoskeleton, causing all insects to perish from dehydration a few days after being exposed. Other insect dust products combine the effects of DE with powdered synthetic insecticides to attack the nervous system of insects.
Pesticide Sprays – An absolute sure-fire method of eliminating bed bugs is to spray your entire home with a synthetic insecticide. To see it work, you can put a bed bug in a small container and spray a tiny amount of insecticide into the container. The bug should perish within an hour. While this is definitely not the most natural solution, most insect sprays are incredibly powerful, and bed bugs are no match. The one exception seems to be pyrethroid-based insecticides. Pyrethroids have been used to treat bed bugs for so long that many populations have become resistant to this specific type of chemical. So, look for a spray that contains a non-pyrethroid insecticide to avoid this problem. If one type of chemical does not seem to do the job, simply try another. Bed bug populations are rarely resistant to multiple types of insecticide.
Do Not Use These Methods to Kill Bed Bugs
While all of the above methods will certainly kill your bed bug infestation if implemented properly, there are many myths out there about how to kill bed bugs that will NOT solve your problem. Here are a few of the most common myths, and why they will not work!
Flushing Bed Bugs – whether you choose the sink or the toilet does not really matter. Bed bugs float – and quite well. If you try to flush bugs without killing them first, you risk the insect crawling out of the drain or toilet and reinfecting your home.
Placing Bugs Outdoors – while many insects can be happily returned to the outdoors, bed bugs are not one of them. Bed bugs have evolved specifically to feed on humans within our homes. So, if you put them outside they will just look for a way back in. Chances are they will find a crack to slip through and will be biting you again in no time.
Vacuum Bag Only – if you use your vacuum to battle bed bugs, you have to go the extra mile and seal the vacuumed contents into a plastic, sealable bag. Otherwise, the bed bugs will simply crawl out of the bag, out of your trashcan, and find their way back to your bed, couch, or other areas where they can bite you.
Burn Your House Down – while this method technically works to eliminate bed bug infestations, it will leave you without a home. If you are struggling to eliminate your bed bug problem and are considering this nuclear option – take a step back. Remember that eliminating the bugs is about being methodical and having a good strategy. Reassess your situation, and try again!
Bed bugs are indeed small but they are no doubt notorious in wrecking havoc inside your bedroom and even in your living room.
They are a serious household pest problem that can easily spiral out of control with economic as well as physical and mental health repercussions. Bed bug bites are irritating, and pest control companies can be expensive. But there is scientific evidence to support that this DIY home remedy is very effective.
In this guide, you will learn:
How baking soda affects bed bugs
If baking soda kills and/or repels bed bugs
What else you should consider when handling your bed bug problem
On the brighter side, bed bugs are not too hard to get rid of. In fact, there’s a plethora of DIY solutions that you can easily apply inside your home whenever you find yourself self deprived because of these stubborn and blood thirsty insects. And one popular choice is baking soda.
But does baking soda really kill bed bugs?
You’ll find out its effectiveness in getting rid of bed bugs and more with this quick and easy guide…
Reviewed By:
Ed Spicer
Ed has been working in the pest control industry for years helping 1,000's of homeowners navigate the world of insect and rodent management. He manages Pest Strategies now helping homeowners around the world!
Table of Contents
How Does Baking Soda Affect Bed Bugs?
Does Baking Soda Repel Bed Bugs?
Does Baking Soda Actually Kill Bed Bugs?
What Else Should You Consider Besides Baking Soda For Your Bed Bug Problem?
Essential Guides
How Does Baking Soda Affect Bed Bugs?
First and foremost, you need to know at least some important things about baking soda as well as bed bugs for you to know how the former affects the latter.
How to Kill Bed Bugs With Baking Soda Mixture
Baking Soda
Also known as sodium bicarbonate, baking soda has leavening properties which makes it a very popular leavening agent for a wide variety of baked products such as cakes, muffins, pancakes, and a variety of quick breads. Baking soda is an alkaline compound that can quickly produce carbon dioxide gas when mixed with acids like yogurt, vinegar, lemon juice, cream, of tartar, and buttermilk.
Apart from being a popular leavener, baking soda is also common in most households because of its many uses. It is reliable in absorbing erroneous odor in refrigerators, freezers, and cabinets. It is also used in cleaning stains on various surfaces, in solving clogged drains, and many others.
Bed Bugs
Bed bugs are among the most stubborn household pests. They live off on human blood and take refuge inside bedrooms and at times, in the living room.
Bed bugs grow to about 5-6 mm in length and are reddish brown in color. These tiny insects bite on any exposed skin. Each bed bug feed on human blood at least once or twice a week leaving red and itchy bumps or welts along the way.
Baking Soda on Bed Bugs
Some people would think the abrasive nature of the powder can cut through the skin of the bed bug that can lead to internal bleeding and and infection. Unfortunately, some people are just exaggerating. Baking soda powder is not abrasive enough to inflict significant damage on a bed bug’s tough and battle-hardened armor.
You might however want to consider diatomaceous earth over baking soda.
Click here to learn more about Diatomaceous Earth.
Another possible effect of baking soda on bed bugs that a lot of homeowners are rooting for is the said compound’s ability to absorb the moisture on the insect’s skin.
Although baking soda can indeed absorb erroneous odor from the environment, the compound easily breaks down when it comes in contact with water. In fact, baking soda only makes a significant chemical reaction on acidic compounds mentioned above.
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Does Baking Soda Repel Bed Bugs?
Baking soda may not be a viable solution in repelling bed bugs.
Why?
Unlike most insect repellents, baking soda doesn’t give off a strong scent that can shoo bed bugs away. You would be better off using certain essential oils such as lavender, tea tree, eucalyptus, and thyme instead.
Click here to learn more about Lavender Oil.
In fact, baking soda absorbs odors from its surroundings. This however, can prove useful in masking the alarm pheromones that bed bugs release whenever they’re disturbed.
Does Baking Soda Repel Bed Bugs?
Unlike most insect repellents, baking soda doesn’t give off a strong scent that can shoo bed bugs away. You would be better off using certain essential oils such as lavender, tea tree, eucalyptus, and thyme instead.
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Does Baking Soda Actually Kill Bed Bugs?
We have already established earlier that baking soda is an alkaline compound. Physically, it is a fine white powder and reacts with acidic chemicals.
Apart from leavening baked products, baking soda has a number of uses at home. It can be used to deodorize the inside of a refrigerator or any enclosed area. It can also be used to clean stains on various surfaces.
Baking soda has also been known to have anti-fungal properties. This means that it can be used to prevent the growth or development of mold or fungus. Unfortunately, baking soda doesn’t have any insecticidal characteristics and is therefore ineffective in killing bed bugs.
The following video will give you more explanation regarding the effectiveness of baking soda on bed bugs.
What Else Should You Consider Besides Baking Soda For Your Bed Bug Problem?
Bed bugs can easily infiltrate your home in various methods. They can hitch a ride on someone’s luggage or covertly invade your bedroom through second-hand furniture.
Now that we’ve already established the fact that baking soda is not that effective and reliable in solving your bed bug problem, it’s now time to consider other options.
Although calling in a seasoned exterminator is the best solution to the problem, there are still lots of other ways to make your home bed bug free without hurting your pockets.
Vacuuming
Vacuuming is perhaps the simplest and fastest way in dealing with your bed bug problem effectively. Just make sure that you do the vacuuming with a crevice tool and maximum suction power.
After vacuuming, secure the bag and seal with a tape before disposing it. It is also recommended to use a steam cleaning system for a sure kill on those nasty and stubborn blood-suckers.
Peppermint Leaves
This power herb offers a cool solution to a number of health issues such as headache, nausea, cold, flu, and various skin conditions. Furthermore, peppermint leaves also pack powerful bug repelling properties.
Simply crush these leaves and spread them evenly across areas infested by bed bugs. You can opt for more leaves if you have a more serious bed bug infestation issue. You can apply this method at least once or twice a week.
Vinegar
Another reliable home remedy against bed bugs is vinegar. Yes, vinegar is quite effective in killing bed bugs because of its acidic nature.
This acid based chemical is potent enough to inflict damage unto the pests’ nervous system. Furthermore, the chemical is considerably cheaper compared to other bed bugs solutions.
Vinegar is also safe to use inside homes with children and pets. Simply pour white vinegar into a spray bottle and spray away directly on the bed bugs.
The downside with this option is that vinegar has quite a foul and strong smell that can last for quite a while. This option is also not viable to apply on major or more serious bed bug infestations. Lastly, vinegar produces toxic chlorine gas when mixed with bleach.
How to Kill Bed Bugs: Does Baking Soda Work?
Have you ever tried kill bed bugs on your own before? Bed bugs in Indonesia are treated very seriously due to its bites and great number of female bed bug eggs lays. Each time a bed bug bites on humans, it is possible to develop an allergic reaction with itching and redness at the bitten area.
Are there DIY methods we can use to help us get rid of bed bugs? Baking soda for example, is often a popular home remedy. But does baking soda really works to prevent bed bugs infestation?
Further reading: The online article 'Myth Busting: DIY Bed Bug Treatment' first appeared on Rentokil UK deBugged, The Pest Control Blog.
The Baking Soda Method – One of the DIY method to deal with bed bugs in Indonesia is by sprinkling baking soda around the key hotspot areas bed bugs typically inhabit such as the mattress and around the bed. After a few days, you’re supposed to vacuum it up and repeat the process.
Why is Baking Soda Used? It is commonly believed that baking soda is able to absorb all the fluids on the waxy layer of a bed bug’s shell causing them to dehydrate. The small granules of baking soda can also cut into a bed bug shell and cause internal bleeding.
Does Baking Soda Works? There is no scientific evidence that baking soda works in getting rid of bed bugs successfully. In fact, baking soda breaks down when it comes into contact with water therefore the idea of it being able to absorb fluids is questionable. It is not guaranteed to fully remove a bed bug infestation completely.
Bed bugs in Indonesia are increasingly become one of the common pest problem. They are efficient hitchhikers and easily transported. An increase in global travel is also leading to an increase of bed bug cases as Indonesians are well-travelled. Bed bugs are often found in lodging areas and can be carried in on suitcases and personal clothing.
Further reading: Shocking facts about bed bugs infestation
Bed bugs may be tiny, but their impact to your home can be huge. Known to be challenging to treat as they shelter in the narrowest of gaps such as seams of mattresses, bedframes or behind furniture, bed bugs live by feeding on blood by injecting their saliva into your skin, then sucking out blood for 10 minutes.
Bed bugs are attracted to body heat and carbon dioxide that is evaporated from human skin. One meal can last each bug about 3 days, in warm temperature but by lying dormant, it can survive for up to a year without a meal.
Bed bugs are one of the most annoying pests that can infest your home, especially when they disrupt your peaceful slumber.
These tiny creatures hide in the smallest mattress seams, bed frames, or any furniture before coming out to attack.
Since these blood-sucking insects are nocturnal, you can expect them at night and plan the perfect trip. However, if you’re not a fan of traditional methods, you may opt to use DIY treatments to eliminate bed bugs.
Thankfully, there are many ways to get rid of bed bugs for good! In this article, we’ll get down to the bottom of the question: Does baking soda kill bed bugs?
What You'll Learn
Baking soda
Baking soda is believed to remove bedbugs by absorbing the absorbing moisture that reaches the outer layers of the insect shell. Also, it is believed that tiny grains may break up the inside shell of bed bugs and cause internal bleeding.
Does baking soda really help the bed bug? There is nothing known to prove the use of baking soda. Although it works for a few reasons, it is not a guaranteed solution for full infestation.
It isn't the only solution that can be repaired with baking soda after days of cleaning.
Why Do People Use Baking Soda?
Baking soda is one of the most popular home remedies for bed bugs since you can easily find it in stores. Furthermore, it is a safe alternative to pesticides for use around pets and children.
People hold onto the belief that baking soda absorbs every drop of fluid from a bed bug’s exoskeleton, which dehydrates them.
Other than that, it can also cut bed bugs’ shells, causing internal bleeding and death since it is used as a powerful cleaning agent.
Despite this, baking soda dissolves when in contact with water, so this may not be the case. However, there is no scientific evidence that baking soda can eliminate bed bugs in your home.
Is Baking Soda safe for bed bugs?
In combination with acid-like vinegar, baking soda releases carbon dioxide. This could theoretically induce bug-fawking to fall into a trap. Betting bugs sometimes use heat and other signals to find other insects to eat.
At least the extra greenhouse emissions could attract bed bugs in those areas. It should not be used as a repellent or a larger product for long-term purposes.
It won't certainly defeat bed bug infestation. It will, at best, trap bugs. At worst, it may be able to draw insects to treated areas.
How Is Baking Soda Used to Kill Bed Bugs?
Baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, is made from sodium and bicarbonate ions. These ions are commonly found in mineral springs.
With the naked eye, you can observe that baking soda is a fine and soft white powder.
However, with a microscope lens, each particle is shaped like a sharp crystal, even if it feels soft when put together.
So, with that out of the way, here are some ways you can use baking soda to kill those pests at home.
Pasting
You can paste water and baking soda, which will form a honey-like consistency.
Next, use a brush to apply the paste to some of the most common hiding areas of bed bugs, such as crevices, cracks, and holes in furniture, couches, mattresses, linings of cushions, and pillows.
Once the time arrives for the bed bugs to go to their hosts (humans), they will eventually come in contact with the paste.
However, dried remnants of the paste need to be vacuumed after a few days, and you’ll have to repeat the process until the infestation is gone.
Sprinkling And Piling
Since bed bugs hide in small spaces in furniture or walls, sprinkling a layer of baking soda around their access points to the room (cracks in walls) or furniture (legs of a bed or chair) would help your situation.
You can also use this method for treating carpets by spreading them across the fabric.
On the other hand, piling has a similar process to sprinkling but requires more amounts of baking soda.
Afterward, you would have to vacuum the remnants and repeat the process every three days until you are satisfied with the results.
Other DIY Treatment Methods Used For Bed Bugs
Rubbing Alcohol
One of the most famous home remedies for bed bugs is rubbing alcohol, as people believe that it kills and repels them effectively, but the results vary, but it comes as a bed bug treatment.
For example, a study at Rutgers University showed that half of the bed bugs that the scientists sprayed directly could still live after four days.
With this, the research team concluded that the results depend on the alcohol percentage. An alcohol concentration of 90% or higher will be able to kill bed bugs, but it also puts your health at risk and is a fire hazard.
Diatomaceous Earth
diatomaceous earth
Like baking soda, diatomaceous earth is famous for its sharp texture as individual particles. When it is present in the form of a pile, though, you will notice that it has a powdery finish.
The application methods are similar for bed bugs. However, its effectiveness depends on the amount you use.
This is because it is unhealthy for humans to inhale if too much is present. Furthermore, it is not as effective if you use it alone as a treatment for bed bugs.
Vacuuming
Vacuum is considered a successful house remedy against bed bugs. Unlike other ailment solutions, the procedure can remove bedbugs and nymphs.
The first thing you want to do before you remove vacuums from the bins is to empty emptied air in an external trash can to reduce the chance of them returning from the.
I clean to prevent bed bugs from forming and infesting our home, but vacuuming can reduce the number of bed bugs from growing.
The Judgement On DIY Treatments
Many other at-home treatments you can find online, such as talcum powder, tea tree oil, and ultrasonic devices, have different success rates in killing bed bugs.
Thus, you cannot rely on DIY treatments alone to exterminate every single bed bug that is hiding and lurking in your furniture and walls.
Therefore, experts must handle infestations as bed bugs feed, reproduce, and spread at an alarming rate throughout your home.
Conclusion: Advice For Bed Bug Control
In conclusion, does baking soda kill bed bugs? The answer seems like baking soda is a miracle worker when fighting bed bugs.
It’s cheap and safe for your family members, so you should definitely try this natural remedy if you have an infestation in the home!
When there are bed bugs, there is an infestation. The best way to solve it is to consult with a professional pest control company like 24H Pest Pros.
Owing to decades of experience and advanced equipment, these our experts can help you live comfortably as soon as possible.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Does baking soda work in killing bed bugs?
Yes, baking soda works in killing bed bugs, but only till a certain point. So although it is a popular home treatment for bed bugs, it is not a practical solution for home infestations.
However, we recommend using more effective products or consulting pest control to assess your problem.
This is to carry out the required professional treatments to eradicate the bed bug infestation and prevent it from happening again.
2. What else can I use to kill bed bugs?
Baking soda alone won’t solve your bed bug problem, but you can use other effective methods collectively.
Heat treatment is one of the most well-known methods for killing these pests. This is because bed bugs die at 140 °F or higher.
You can also use chemical pesticides since they have a longer-lasting effect than home remedies because of their proven lethal properties.
3. How long does it usually take to kill bed bugs?
With DIY treatments, it’s difficult to say when all the bed bugs are exterminated. This is primarily because female bed bugs often lay eggs in hard-to-reach areas.
However, with the proper equipment and treatment, pest control veterans will eradicate them faster.
4. Can baking soda get rid of bugs?
Bed bugs are a growing problem in America. They can infest homes and apartments, making it difficult to sleep comfortably at night.
You might ask yourself, "Does Baking Soda Kill Bed Bugs?"
The answer is yes it can be a good bed bug treatment! Baking soda has many uses around the house- from cleaning your oven to getting rid of ants.
People often use baking soda to get rid of bed bug problems. Baking soda may works in the following ways:
Scatter baking soda around infestation hot spots such as the mattress and surrounding your bed.
After a few days, vacuum the baking soda and repeat the process.
Although this may work occasionally, it will not get rid of an entire infestation.
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What Does Baking Soda do to Bed Bugs?
Bottom line, there’s no proof that baking soda is a completely effective way to get rid of your bed bugs. The theory behind this is that since baking soda breaks down when it comes into contact with water, it works to dehydrate a bed bug’s body. Supposedly, baking soda absorbs the thick fluids found on a bed bug exoskeleton, causing them to dehydrate. The small granules of baking soda are also said to cause internal bleeding within the bed bug. It’s important to note that baking soda will not kill off an infestation.
Other At-Home Treatments for Bed Bugs
A simply search on the internet will give you many ways that supposedly work to get rid of bed bugs. But do they actually work? Although all may have varying degrees of success in killing off several bed bugs, getting rid of an infestation requires professional treatment. Some of these include talcum powder, moth balls, rubbing alcohol, tea tree oil, diatomaceous earth, and even ultrasonic devices. A bed bug problem needs to be handled quickly and effectively by an exterminator.
Why Baking Soda Cannot Get Rid of Bed Bugs
If you’re successful in using the above methods, you may not be free of bed bugs just yet. Without professional bed bug treatment, it can be extremely hard to kill all bed bugs from your home. Anyone who has bed bugs wants to get rid of them as soon as possible. Teaming up with an exterminator is your best way to achieve this.
What can I put on my body to prevent bed bug bites?
This guide will show you how to stop bed bugs from biting. You’ll find out five things that you can put on your skin to prevent bed bug bites while you’re sleeping.
CHEAP BED BUG SOLUTION - Rubbing Alcohol - DOES IT WORK?
The best part? All of them are skin-friendly with no side effects!
Plus, this guide also reveals the secret way to prepare your bed that will bring the chances of getting bed bug bites to almost zero.
Let’s dive in.
Table Of Contents
5 Things To Put On Your Body To Prevent Bed Bug Bites
How To Keep Bed Bugs Off Of You While You’re Sleeping?
Can You Get Rid Of Bed Bugs Bites Overnight?
Toothpaste On Bed Bug Bites
7 MYTHS That Claim To Prevent Bed Bug Bites
Conclusion
5 Things To Put On Your Body To Prevent Bed Bug Bites
You can use any one of the five things on your skin to repel bed bugs from biting you –
Vicks Vaporub
Essential oils
White vinegar
Bed bug repellents for skin
Coconut oil
They keep bed bugs off of your body. And all of these are bed bug repellents.
Let’s find out how you can use them in a right way for maximum effect.
What Can You Put On Your Body To Prevent Bed Bug Bites
#1 – Vicks VapoRub
Vicks VapoRub repels not only cough and cold, but also bed bugs.
To stop bed bugs from biting you, use Vicks VapoRub on parts of your body that are prone to bed bug bites, like the neck, knees, lower back, belly, and elbows.
Ever wondered why Vicks VapoRub is a good bed bug repellant?
The pungent smell of eucalyptus and methanol in Vicks VapoRub repels bed bugs and many other bugs.
But you must keep in mind that you need to apply a generous amount of Vicks VapoRub on the bite prone areas of your body.
These areas are your neck, shoulders, the undersides of the knees and elbows.
#2 – Essential Oils
Research has proved that essential oils have insecticidal properties. But essential oils are not insects or bed bug killers.
Bed bugs don’t like the smell of essential oils. The strong smell of essential oils is highly pungent for bed bugs.
There are four types of essential oils that work best- Eucalyptus essential oil, Tea tree essential oil, Peppermint essential oil, and Lavender essential oil.
Essential oils can be tricky to buy unless you know how to buy a genuine essential oil.
If you use a poor-quality essential oil, you won’t protect yourself from bed bug bites while sleeping.
Choosing the right essential oil is a big topic. But to keep things short and simple, here’s what you should look for while buying essential oils –
Essential oils are available in dark glass bottles. Avoid buying essential oils that are sold in plastic bottles. Plastic bottles degrade the essential oil.
Always purchase 100% plant extract and cold condensed essential oil. There should be no additive like vegetable oils in the essential oils.
Pure essential oils are expensive and very thick.
Natural essential oils have the biological name of the element extracted from on the bottle. The country of origin is also mentioned on the bottle.
The University of Minnesota has this informative post on how to choose the right essential oils without getting duped.
There are two ways to use an essential oil on your body.
The first way, and the most effective way, is to directly apply the essential to the places of your body where bed bugs bite.
But, if you do it daily, you’ll soon run out of essential oil.
Quality essential oils are expensive. You’ll create a big hole in your pocket if you use this method every night before sleeping.
So, the second way is to make a spray of by mixing essential oils with water.
Mix ½ an ounce of essential oil with ½ a gallon of water, and spray it around your bed, on the mattress and bed frame.
Spraying it on your body and on the bed frames will certainly keep bed bugs away from your bed and skin.
#3 – White Vinegar
White vinegar is a cheaper, yet effective, alternative to essential oils.
The acidic nature and pungent smell of vinegar repel bed bugs and many other bugs like ants, roaches, and centipedes.
But you don’t have to pour a bottle of vinegar on yourself.
All you need to do is take a piece of cotton, wet it in vinegar, and rub it on the parts of your body where bed bugs bite.
To keep bed bugs away from your bed, you can spray a mixture of vinegar and water around your bed too.
The only adverse effect of spraying vinegar too often on your bed is that your mattress will start to smell like vinegar if you use it daily.
#4 – Wear Bug Repellents For Skin
There are some excellent bed bug repellents for skin that you can use before sleeping.
We highly recommend Avon Bug Guard. It’s water-resistant, PBA free, and it’s non-greasy, making it perfect for everyday use.
Use the bug repellent spray on your forearms, at the back of knees and elbows, neck, back, and on your feet. These are the common areas where bed bugs bite.
As we mentioned earlier, even if you use creams or essential oils, always wear clothes while sleeping.
If you don’t, then the bed sheet and blankets will remove the creams and oils from your skin, exposing you to bites from bed bugs.
#5 – Coconut Oil
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, coconut oil has bug repellent properties that are stronger than DEET. (source)
The study showed that coconut oil has fatty acids that repel flies, ticks, mosquitoes, and bed bugs.
So, if you’ve mosquitoes in your home and bed bugs, then using coconut oil on your skin will stop them from biting you.
Just like the essential oils, the more natural the coconut oil is, the better.
Coconut oil is sticky, and it smells too. So, you, your clothes, and bedsheets might smell coconut-ty.
But there is some excellent quality coconut oil like COCO & CO that are non-greasy, non-smelly, and 100% pure. They work well in keeping bed bugs away.
How To Keep Bed Bugs Off Of You While You’re Sleeping?
You can sleep without bed bug bites despite a bed bug infestation in your home.
To make the five things that repel bed bugs work even better, you’ll need to prepare your bed a bit before sleeping.
But don’t worry. It’s not a whole lot of work.
There are three things that you can do within minutes before going to bed. Let’s find them out.
#1 – Sleep With Less Exposed Skin
Bed bugs can bite you on your neck, shoulders, legs, on the folds of knees, and elbows. Bed bug bites appear in a zig-zag fashion as itchy red welts.
The more your skin is exposed, the more bed bug bites you’ll get.
So, sleep with your clothes on covering most parts of your body. Before that, use the five things that you learned that prevent bed bug bites.
Bed bugs can’t bite through clothing. So, a night suite with pajamas is essential to deny bed bugs access to your skin.
Do not wear any shorts and tank tops while sleeping till you’ve gotten rid of bed bugs.
If you wear the bed bug repellents and sleep with most of your skin exposed, the repellents will rub off against the bedsheet.
That’ll lead to bed bug bites.
#2 – Do Not Forget To Steam Clean Your Mattress Before Sleeping To Kill Hidden Bed Bugs
Steam cleaning your mattress is a godsend method to prevent bed bug bites and kill bed bugs.
Why?
It’s because heat is a highly effective bed bug killer. And steam cleaners produce heat.
Bed bugs can’t survive temperatures more than 140 degrees Fahrenheit.
Any heat more than that will kill bed bugs and baby bugs and even destroy their eggs on your bed.
So, take a steam cleaner and use it on your bed mattress. Slowly clean along the edges, corners, and folds of the mattress.
Bed bugs hide in these folds. You can also clean the headboard and bed frame of your bed with the steam cleaner.
#3 – Use Bed Bug Repellent For Clothes On The Clothes That You Wear While Sleeping
It’s an optional step. But it works wonders.
Spraying bed bug repellent on clothes and wearing bed bug repellents on your skin add double-layered protection that prevents bed bug bites.
When there’s a severe bed bug infestation in your home, bed bugs in dresser drawers are also possible.
Bed bugs will take refuge in the clothes and linen that you keep in the dresser drawers, especially when they’re close to your bed.
Also use bug repellent sprays on the fabric that you keep in the dresser drawer, closet, or wardrobe.
Can You Get Rid Of Bed Bugs Bites Overnight?
No, you can’t. Bed bug bites cause zig zag itchy red welts on the skin. These welts last for at least 1-2 weeks before they go away.
If you’re not allergic to bed bug bites, then you won’t even get these welts despite getting bitten by the bed bugs.
Toothpaste On Bed Bug Bites
Applying toothpaste on bed bug bites is a great way to soothe the itching that bed bug bites cause.
The toothpaste contains methanol which is an anti-itching agent.
Apply toothpaste on the bite wounds. Within a few minutes you’ll get a relieving cooling sensation on the bitten portion.
There are other products like calamine lotion, peppermint essential oil, fresh aloe vera gel, and a mixture of lemon juice and baking soda that also provide relief from the itching of bed bug bites.
7 MYTHS That Claim To Prevent Bed Bug Bites
Bed Bug Remedies That Don't Work
There are many unproven and mythical rumors that float around claiming to prevent bed bug bites.
You must not waste your time and money on them.
Here are the top 7 rumors and myths about preventing bed bug bites and to kill bed bugs.
#1 – Vaseline Prevents Bed Bug Bites
Not at all. It’s the biggest bed bug myth around. Vaseline, and any other kind of petroleum jelly, won’t stop bed bugs from biting you.
Many believe that if you use generous amounts of Vaseline on your body and around your bed frame, then the bed bugs will get stuck and won’t be able to bite.
That’s wrong.
Vaseline doesn’t have any insecticidal properties like essential oils and coconut oil, which can repel bed bugs.
Bed bugs can easily bite through the layer of Vaseline on your skin and suck your blood.
#2 – Burning Sulfur Inside Your Home Repels Bed Bugs
Please don’t do it. Burning sulfur doesn’t have any effect on bed bugs.
And burning sulfur is dangerous. Smoke from sulfur causes shortness of breath, sinus, and it can even damage your eye.
#3 – Bug Bombs Will Kill Bed Bugs
When it comes to getting rid of bed bugs, there’s one thing that you should never waste your money on, and that’s bug bombs.
Bug bombs are ineffective because they can’t seep into the gaps where the bed bugs hide.
Once you use the bug bomb, the bed bugs will escape and hide in tight corners and gaps.
You might be successful in killing a few them, but not the entire population.
Also, bug bombs don’t have residual toxicity that can stick on the bed bugs’ skin and spread to other bugs.
That’s why it’s always a wise thing to do to contact a reliable pest controller to get rid of bed bugs.
#4 – Fire Extinguishers Will Freeze The Bed Bugs
It’s another rumor or myth. The CO2 from the fire extinguisher will not freeze the bed bugs to death.
In fact, CO2 attracts bed bugs.
So, don’t waste the gas inside your fire extinguisher to kill the bed bugs. Well, you can use the canister to smash the bed bug to death.
#5 – Sleeping With The Lights On Will Fool The Bed Bugs
The laughable belief is that bed bugs bite only when the lights are off. Therefore, many people sleep with the lights on, thinking that it’ll trick the bed bugs.
Unfortunately, it doesn’t!
Bed bugs bite when you’re stationary. So, it doesn’t matter to them if the lights are on.
#6 – Olive Oil On Your Body Will Stop The Bed Bugs From Biting You
No, it doesn’t. Even if you use virgin olive oil, it won’t.
It’s better to use olive oil for cooking rather than putting it on your skin to repel bed bugs. It simply doesn’t work.
#7 – Turning Off The Heat During Winters Will Freeze The Bed Bugs
No, it won’t. Bed bugs, like termites and roaches, are tough and hard to kill pests.
Bed bugs love the humid and tropical climate, but that doesn’t mean they’ll die in winters.
Bed bugs can go without a blood meal by laying low for 400 days.
So, if you think that if you freeze yourself during winters and it’ll keep the bed bugs away from biting you, then you’re unfortunately wrong.
Cold temperatures inside your home will not kill bed bugs. Bed bugs will be back when temperatures are normal.
But if you put bed bugs in a plastic bag and keep them in a freezer, then they will freeze to death within a couple of days.
Conclusion
The five things that prevent bed bugs from biting you, naturally, at night while you’re asleep are –
Vicks Vaporub
Essential oils
White vinegar
Bed bug repellents for skin
Coconut oil
This guide also reveals the preparatory steps to take before going to bed that keeps bed bugs off of your body.
They’re sleeping with your clothes on, cleaning your bed mattress with a steam cleaner, and using bed bug repellents for clothes.
There’s also a dedicated section exposing the myths that don’t work at all to prevent bed bugs from biting.
Bed bugs are tough pests to kill. The methods that you’re learned are not a solution to get rid of bed bugs.
You’ll need the help of a bed bug exterminator to eliminate bed bugs from your home.
And getting rid of bed bugs is an expensive affair.
If your finances are tight, and if the bed bug infestation is at the early stages, then you can get rid of bed bugs under a tight budget.
How much baking soda do you put in a mattress?
Your mattress is exposed to a lot: sweat, drool, shed skin flakes, hair and skin oil, and various bodily fluids. Add allergens, dust mites, and pet dander that is found in most homes, and your mattress is ripe for a cleaning.
Despite using it daily, most people show their mattress little love, never giving it a proper cleaning. But just as you wash your sheets on a regular basis, you need to clean your mattress, although fortunately not nearly as often.
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How to Wash a Foam Mattress Pad
When it is mattress-cleaning time, you might already have everything you need at your disposal. While it is very important to keep the space where you spend up to a third of your life clean and fresh, you can use natural methods and simple ingredients (such as baking soda and vinegar) to freshen and clean your mattress, remove stains, and leave your sleeping space pleasantly scented and ready for dream time.
Click Play to Learn How to Clean Your Mattress Naturally
What You'll Need
Equipment / Tools
Vacuum
Bowl
Small strainer
Clean cloths and/or towels
Spray bottle(s)
Fan or blow dryer (optional)
Materials
Baking soda
Lavender essential oil
Salt
3-percent hydrogen peroxide
A few drops liquid dish soap
White vinegar
Water
Instructions
materials for cleaning a mattress naturally
The Spruce / Letícia Almeida
Strip the Bed
Strip all the bedding from your mattress, and toss it into the washing machine while you work.
Proof! How to Get Rid of Bed Bugs in 24 Hours GUARANTEED!
putting dirty bed linens into the washing machine
Vacuum the Mattress
Vacuum the top of your mattress, the sides, and underneath the bed. Now lift the mattress (get someone to help if it’s difficult), and vacuum between the mattress and the box springs.
person vacuuming a mattress
Sprinkle Baking Soda
Mix 1 cup of baking soda with a few drops of lavender essential oil in a bowl, and then put the mixture in a strainer. Shake the fragranced baking soda evenly over the entire mattress. Leave the baking soda on the bed until your bedding is finished washing and drying. Vacuum the baking soda off the mattress.
person sprinkling baking soda onto a mattress
Treat Stains
Spot-clean any stains on the mattress by mixing a paste of baking soda, salt, and water. Rub the stain with the paste, and let it sit for 30 minutes. Wipe away with a damp, clean cloth.
person wiping off baking soda paste
Remake the Bed
Remake your bed with clean linens.
remade bed
Removing Urine and Sweat Stains
Bedwetting happens plus sweat produces similar yellowish stains, and over time, it’s common for mattresses to become discolored and musty smelling from sweat.
Create a Cleaning Solution
Mix together 1 cup of 3-percent hydrogen peroxide, 3 tablespoons of baking soda, and just a few drops of liquid dishwashing soap. Stir until the baking soda dissolves.
preparing a cleaning solution
Soak the Mattress
Pour the mixture into a spray bottle, and then spray the entire stained area of the mattress, letting the solution soak into the mark.
spraying the mattress
Let the Mattress Dry
Leave the solution to air dry for at least an hour. If you want to speed things up, set a blowing fan near the mattress, or use your blow dryer on the cool setting.
Letting the mattress air dry after cleaning
Removing Blood Stains
If your mattress gets stained with blood, treat the stain as quickly as possible with the following steps.
Prep the Cleaning Solution
Fill a spray bottle with 3-percent hydrogen peroxide.
Hydrogen peroxide in a spray bottle
Spray the Mattress
Spray the bloodstain, and then blot with a clean towel. Repeat spraying and blotting the stain until it is gone.
Spraying the mattress with peroxide
Let It Dry
Let the mattress air dry, or use your blow dryer to speed up the process.
Allowing the sprayed mattress to air dry
Removing Vomit Stains
Acting quickly is key to eliminating the odor and stain from vomit. Here's what to do.
Prep the Cleaning Solution
Mix a 50/50 solution of water and white vinegar in a spray bottle.
Mixing a 50/50 vinegar and water solution in a spray bottle
Treat the Mattress
Spray the soiled area of the mattress, and then blot with a clean towel. Continue spraying and blotting until the mark is gone.
person spraying a mattress
Apply Baking Soda
Sprinkle a little bit of baking soda over the treated area. After an hour, vacuum away the baking soda, and let the mattress air dry.
person vacuuming baking soda off of a mattress
Tips for Keeping Your Mattress Clean Longer
At a minimum, you should clean the mattress every six months. However, if you have the time, clean it thoroughly every three months. If there's a stain, treat it immediately to avoid setting.
Change the sheets at least once a week to prevent dead skin—and its ramifications, such as dust mites—from building up on the bed.
Invest in a mattress cover. This will protect moisture from getting into the mattress, which will help prevent the growth of mold and mildew.
Regularly use a vacuum with a HEPA filter on the mattress to suck up dust mites, using the crevice tool to get into tight spots. To get rid of odors, sprinkle baking soda on the mattress first and let it sit for 10 minutes.
Flip your mattress every three months. If it's a pillowtop mattress, rotate it from top to bottom every six months.
Does baby powder kill bed bugs?
WHAT ARE THE SIGNS OF BED BUGS?
Bed Bug Bites
Given their small size and tendency to hide in the daytime, bed bugs can be hard to detect. Your most obvious sign of bed bugs will be rashes on your skin after sleeping.
If you want to see them for yourself, look around the suspected infestation area. For beds, look between the mattress and the box spring. Check in the cracks of the bed frame or any object that could harbor them within 8 feet.
You can even catch them in action if you wake up early enough. Bed bugs are nocturnal, and most active between midnight until a little after 4 a.m. Flip on the light any time during this period and begin your search – just be aware that they’re fairly fast moving.
Another sure sign of bed bugs is that they will leave black or dark brown spots on infested surfaces. These spots are actually the dried excrement they expel before going into hiding each night.
Particularly heavy infestations can also be detected by the smell of rotted raspberries in a room. This sickly, sweet smell is a combination of several bed bug activities, including mating pheromones, discarded exoskeletons and their excrement.
HOW CAN I CONTROL BED BUG INFESTATIONS?
Bedbug Control
As the bed bug problem re-emerged in New York City, a Bed Bug Advisory Board was established in 2009 to help guide residents there. The board’s goal was to provide clear advice on preventing infestations in homes, businesses and public buildings. Further, it aimed to limit the spread of bed bugs.
That last point is an important one. If your neighbor or workplace has bed bugs, how can you keep them from getting into your home? You will want to institute these safeguards:
Survey the Area: Inspect your home for signs of bed bugs. If your neighbor has bed bugs, check any area that connects your home with theirs. Electrical lines, plumbing and vents should be inspected. Also, regularly inspect any communal areas, such as a hallway, for signs of bed bugs.
Vacuum Daily: Regular vacuuming can make a huge difference to stop and slow an infestation. Doing so can pick up any stray bed bugs before they have a chance to hide.
Launder Immediately: If you’ve been exposed to a place that’s infested with bed bugs, your best bet is to launder your clothes as soon as possible after leaving the infested area. Don’t give any bed bugs that may be clinging to you a chance to slip in between the seats of your car or escape into your house. Running any infested item through the wash and/or a dryer on high is enough to kill bed bugs -- they die when their internal temperature climbs to or above 113 degrees.
HOW CAN I GET RID OF BED BUGS?
Bed Bug Control
Bed bug infestations can be difficult to address because the insects are able to slip into the tiniest spaces to avoid detection. Eradicating a bed bug infestation requires a thorough effort, but with persistence, they can be controlled.
Quarantine the Infestation: Inspect your home for signs of bed bugs. If your neighbor has bed bugs, check any area that connects your home with theirs. Electrical lines, plumbing and vents should be inspected. Also, regularly inspect any communal areas, such as a hallway, for signs of bed bugs.
Quarantine Clean Items: As you clean items in your home, quarantine them in a clean room or seal them in a plastic bag to keep them from being re-infested while you continue to clean other items and areas. Once you’re satisfied that all the bed bugs have been destroyed, you can return them to their normal areas.
Washing in Hot Water: Clothing, bedding and anything else that can go through the clothes washer should be put in at high heat for at least 45 minutes. Water temperatures must be above 113 degrees, the maximum internal temperature a bed bug can withstand.
Drying on High: Small items that can’t go through the washing machine can also be placed in the dryer on the hottest setting possible.
Heat or Cold Traps: Bed bugs cannot survive temperature extremes, so you can also expose infested items to temperature extremes to kill off these bugs. In the summer, seal up infested items in a plastic bag and leave it in direct, hot sunlight (at least 90F) for two days to let the heat kill them. In the winter, a similar “cold trap” will kill them if temperatures are at freezing or below.
Vacuum: With all your linens, clothes and smaller household items cleared from a room (and being cleaned in their own right), thoroughly vacuum the infested room, the furniture and mattress. Your effort should focus on any area where these tiny bugs can hide; cracks in the floor, ceiling tiles, baseboards, closets, vents, heating elements, moulding, electrical outlets and light fixtures should all be addressed.
Steaming: Along with vacuuming, steam cleaning is another excellent way to attack a bed bug infestation. The heat in steam kills bed bugs instantly and is especially good at infiltrating cracks, crevices and other hard-to-reach areas.
Seal Your Mattress: Once your mattress has been cleaned, you may also want to purchase a bed-bug proof bag. These giant bags are sealed with zippers and can be left on to prevent bed bugs from entering or escaping. Eventually, any bed bug trapped inside will starve to death.
Bed Bug Traps: Set up bed bug “interceptors.” These simple traps allow bed bugs to fall into tiny containers as they leave their hiding spots. Usually, these cups are set under bed posts, but can only be used when your bed doesn’t touch walls or nearby furniture. TERRO® Spider & Insect Traps are also effective if placed in their typical nightly pathway.
Baby Powder or Alcohol: Two other common substances will kill bed bugs. Baby powder can be used to smother and suffocate bed bugs. A 70% isoprophyl solution will also kill bed bugs and their eggs on contact. Both of these methods, however, may require multiple applications to fully eliminate an infestation.
Spray: As a final infestation control effort, spray the interior of your house with TERRO® Home Insect Killer. Focus this spray on the places bed bugs hide to completely eradicate any surviving bed bugs. This non-staining, indoor/outdoor spray keeps killing for up to 12 months after it dries. To apply, remove linens and fabrics where possible and launder them. Lightly spray your mattress, focusing on crevices and seams where bed bugs can hide. Spray the entire frame, paying special attention to crevices and joints. Allow the mattress to dry before remaking your bed.
HOW CAN I STOP BED BUGS FROM ENTERING MY HOME?
Bed Bugs In Home
The best way to keep bed bugs from entering your home is to recognize when you may have been in contact with bed bugs. If you’re returning from business or vacation travel, bringing in used furniture, or having recently visited a place you suspect of having an infestation, then it’s important to take steps to stop bed bugs from entering your home.
Check Furniture: Prior to bringing used furniture into your home, inspect it thoroughly. Look for signs of infestations, including excrement stains, residue from dead bed bugs, eggs and live bugs. Make sure to check in all the possible hiding places a bed bug can hide. Also remember that new furniture should be inspected as well, since bed bugs can be active anywhere, including that fancy furniture store!
Check Luggage: Vacations and business travel may inadvertently expose you to bed bugs while staying in a poorly maintained hotel room. Prior to settling into a hotel room, it’s always advisable to check the bed for signs of an infestation. Look for all of the tell-tale signs: excrement stains, remnants of bed bug shedding and live bugs on the bed frame. Upon returning home, isolate your luggage and treat it for a possible infestation before bringing it into your home. It’s best to treat all the contents, not just the luggage itself.
Check Yourself: If you’ve visited a place you suspect or know has bed bugs, it’s best to isolate yourself in a clutter-free, brightly lit area. Strip off your clothes and deposit them in a sealable plastic bag. In another bag, put all your personal items. Inspect the area and yourself for any bed bugs that may be trying to flee to safety. You’ll probably want a hot shower at this point, though it’s not necessary. Next, change into loose fitting clothing and get those suspect clothes into the washer on hot. Finally, inspect any personal belongings for any bugs – check anything that could harbor a bed bug including your purse, wallet, books or laptop.
Check the Vehicle: If you, your luggage or even the furniture you just bought has been exposed to bed bugs, then chances are a few of those bugs have escaped into your car. That can result in bed bugs spreading into your home even after you’ve already addressed the problem there. In your vehicle, they can hide under floor mats, in your seats or any of the numerous cracks and crevices inside a vehicle. To stop the cycle from repeating itself, clean your vehicle and its contents thoroughly after you’ve had any bed bug exposure.
Can peroxide kill bed bugs?
Bed bugs: they’re the stuff of nightmares. They hide not only in your bed but throughout your home, coming out at night to bite you in your sleep. Finding just a single bed bug can be enough to send you into a panic, looking for any and all remedies to get rid of this disgusting, creepy pest. You can find all manner of “home remedies” online that promise to get rid of bed bugs quickly and inexpensively. But can you really DIY your way out of a bed bug infestation? Let’s look at some of the most common DIY bed bug treatments. We’ll let you know which are effective, which are useless, and which are actually dangerous.
COMMON BED BUG HOME REMEDIES
WILL COLD WEATHER KILL BED BUGS?
Extreme cold—in specific circumstances—will kill bed bugs. Bed bugs will not survive if exposed to temperatures of 0 degrees Fahrenheit (or below) for at least four days. The problem with this tip is that it’s almost totally ineffective. Even if you find a bed bug infestation during the winter, there’s no guarantee that the weather will reach 0 degrees Fahrenheit for four days straight. That means that turning off your heat and opening your windows won’t cause your home to get cold enough to kill the bugs, and placing items infested with bed bugs outside during the winter won’t kill all the bugs. You might try using your freezer for some small items. Still, given the amount of time it takes to freeze out bed bugs and the limited freezer space homeowners have (certainly not enough to fit a mattress!), this tip isn’t a very good one.
WHAT HOUSEHOLD CLEANERS KILL BED BUGS?
The idea of using household cleaners to kill bed bugs is an attractive one: after all, it seems simple enough, and it only requires items you already have in your home. You’ll find many articles online recommending bleach, Lysol, vinegar, and other household cleaners to kill bed bugs. Unfortunately, there are a number of problems with using cleaners. The first problem is that many cleaners—like vinegar and dish soap—don’t actually work (unless you were to somehow find and drown all the bed bugs hiding throughout your home). The next problem is that the cleaners that do work—like bleach and Lysol can ruin your upholstered furniture and carpeting. This is one DIY beg bug remedy that you should skip in favor of one that will actually work without destroying your possessions.
CAN YOU KILL BED BUGS IN THE DRYER?
This is one of the few bed bug treatments found online that can be effectively used by homeowners. Bed bugs cannot survive high temperatures: this means washing and drying bedding, clothing, stuffed animals, and other items that can be laundered on your machine’s highest setting will kill bed bugs hidden inside. (It’s important to note that this treatment won’t work for items that are not able to be laundered, like furniture, books, electronics, and other common bed bug hiding places.) We recommend that homeowners do this treatment in conjunction with a comprehensive bed bug elimination plan.
DOES RUBBING ALCOHOL KILL BED BUGS?
We’ve mentioned rubbing alcohol in a number of other blog posts, but it’s worth repeating: rubbing alcohol should never be used as a treatment for pests. Rubbing alcohol is poisonous when swallowed, harmful if inhaled, and extremely flammable. (Several residents in Cincinnati alone have actually burned down their homes by using rubbing alcohol to get rid of bed bugs!) On top of all this, rubbing alcohol is not even very effective at killing bed bugs. Bottom line: for your health and safety, avoid this “remedy” at all costs.
DOES STEAM KILL BED BUGS?
Like the dryer tip mentioned above, this is an effective bed bug treatment that most homeowners can do. Steam is hot enough to kill bed bugs when applied correctly. A steamer can be used to kill bed bugs hiding in carpets, baseboards, and the cracks of furniture; however, it can’t kill bed bugs out of reach of the steam: this means bed bugs hiding in walls and inside items that can’t be steamed (like electronics) will survive. Steaming can’t eliminate a bed bug infestation by itself, but it can be an effective part of a comprehensive treatment plan.
DOES CEDAR KEEP BED BUGS AWAY?
This tip is an ineffective one: the scent of cedar won’t prevent your home from getting an infestation. There is simply no scientific evidence that cedar deters bed bugs from entering your home and setting up camp. In fact, The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has recently cracked down on several companies selling cedar oil-based products; the FTC found that the companies had misled consumers by making “scientifically unsupported product claims.” Don’t be deceived: buying cedar furniture or cedar-based products is a waste of your time and money.
DOES BAKING SODA KILL BED BUGS?
The claim that baking soda will kill bed bugs (whether by dehydrating them, cutting them, or poisoning them) is widespread. It’s also false. We’re not sure why this home remedy has taken off despite being totally ineffective: it might be that baking soda has been confused with diatomaceous earth (DE), another white powder. Unlike baking soda, DE does have limited success at killing bed bugs. (It’s made of tiny fossilized organisms that do cut and eventually kill bed bugs who cross its path.) Better to use baking soda in your fridge.
CAN PEROXIDE KILL BED BUGS?
Hydrogen peroxide, like bleach, can kill bed bugs. But this tip has the same problems as using bleach: hydrogen peroxide is a bleaching agent, which means that spraying it will discolor (and ruin) your bedding, carpet, and other items in your home. There are definitely better ways to get rid of bed bugs! (See the dryer and steaming tips above.) We also want to mention that we have seen “tips” online recommending that you spray peroxide on your skin to get rid of bed bugs. This is both ineffective and hazardous: bed bugs do not live on your skin, so spraying hydrogen peroxide on your skin will not kill or deter them. Hydrogen peroxide is also harmful if accidentally ingested. We do not recommend this!
WILL BORIC ACID KILL BED BUGS?
One of the most important things to remember in pest control is that what works to kill one pest might not work on another. This is the case with boric acid. Boric acid has limited effectiveness as a cockroach remedy: this is because cockroaches groom themselves (surprising as that may be from such a gross pest!). After walking through boric acid, cockroaches clean it from their legs and abdomen, ingesting it in the process, and the boric acid poisons them. Because boric acid can be used for cockroaches, many articles recommend using it for bed bugs. But bed bugs don’t groom themselves and don’t eat anything but blood. This means boric acid is useless as a bed bug treatment.
WHAT YOU CAN DO
When it comes to pest control, the health and safety of you and your family is paramount. No matter the circumstances, always avoid bed bug “remedies” that are proven to be unsafe, like rubbing alcohol and peroxide. Instead of using unreliable or dangerous home remedies, it’s a good idea to get the help of a professional exterminator—someone who has the knowledge, experience, and tools to safely, quickly, and effectively deal with the problem. A pest control expert will assess your situation and help you develop a treatment plan that includes treatments that you can do—like drying and steaming—along with professionally applied treatments.
Will bleach kill bed bugs?
We use it to clean our kitchens and bathrooms, but does bleach kill bed bugs, too? While it’s a common household item, it is not an effective method for eliminating bed bug infestations in your home. Harsh chemicals like bleach pose many health hazards when misused. In cases like this, it may not be worth the risk. To answer the question “Can bleach kill bed bugs?,” let’s first understand how the chemical works.
bleach kill bed bugs
If you're looking for a solution to your bed bug problem, you may consider turning to household chemicals. One such chemical is bleach - it's readily available in homes and is known for its sanitizing properties, but will bleach kill bed bugs and their eggs?
What is chlorine bleach?
Bleach is a common solution for destroying bacteria in our homes. By combining water and a chemical called sodium hypochlorite, bleach creates hypochlorous acid. This acid can break down proteins to make them defective. But, will bleach kill bed bugs, too? To achieve any amount of success, bleach must make direct contact with the bed bugs.
Even then, though, the bleach may fall off their bodies before it can be absorbed. In that case, the solution is likely to be ineffective at killing them. And if the spray itself is too forceful, it may cause the bed bugs to scatter to other areas of your home without even killing them. Similarly, bed bugs may disperse if bleach is used in conjunction with other treatments. If the infestation migrates or divides, treatment will become even more difficult.
Bed bug infestations should not be minimized, either. Spraying one location in your living space doesn't mean that the infestation is resolved. Bed bugs can live in the cracks and crevices of furniture, in mattresses, on baseboards, and under carpets, just to name a few places. The application of bleach in these areas may put you at an increased risk of chemical exposure, as well as damage certain fabrics or materials. Even a small amount of misapplied bleach can increase the risk of causing bodily harm.
HOW TO KILL BEDBUGS | #Using Baking Soda Ep.2!
What chemicals does bleach contain?
Household bleach (i.e the kind you can buy for your laundry) is actually a combination of a few different chemicals. It's mainly made from a solution of between 5.25 and 6 percent sodium hypochlorite (NaClO) in water, mixed with small amounts of hydrogen peroxide, sodium hydroxide and calcium hypochlorite.
How bed bugs react if contacted by bleach
If bleach comes directly into contact with bed bugs or their eggs, it will oxidize their shell's outer layer. It will also oxidize the body of the nymph and the adult due to the power of sodium hypochlorite. Keep in mind, though, that the bleach must make direct contact to be effective. Bed bugs are not attracted to bleach and will avoid it at all costs, which makes direct contact difficult.
Considerations if using bleach to kill bed bugs
While bleach may kill a few bugs, the risks of using it will outweigh the benefits. Since bleach is a toxin, it can be corrosive to your skin if mishandled. Common symptoms of bleach exposure include irritation of the eyes, mouth, throat, skin and respiratory system. More serious risks include blurred vision and bronchospasm – a condition that includes having tightened lungs and airways. Bleach products can cause an even more severe impact on your pets' lungs, stomach and intestines.
Why people use bleach
There are a few reasons why people turn to bleach to try to take care of bed bug infestations. Here are some of the perceived benefits:
Easily available: You can find bleach at most grocery stores and drug stores.
Cheap: A large bottle of bleach typically only costs a few dollars.
Works on direct contact: If you're able to get bleach directly on the bed bugs, it can kill on contact. This can be tricky because bed bugs tend to hide in difficult-to-reach cracks and crevices.
Bleach may help to curb your infestation, but it won't take care of it completely.
Why people shouldn't use bleach
While bleach may be easy to get your hands on, there are also a number of reasons why you may not want to use it to take care of your bed bug problem. Here are a few of the most common drawbacks to consider:
Toxic: Bleach is harmful if swallowed or if it comes into contact with your skin. This means it isn't a great option if you plan to use it around busy family areas or when you have kids or pets.
Harsh odor: Bleach has a harsh, unmistakable odor that lingers for a while after use.
Ineffective without direct contact: If you aren't able to put the bleach directly onto the bugs, it's unlikely to do anything.
Alters dyed fabric: If you're using bleach on bed sheets, mattresses or other fabrics it can easily discolor them.
Harmful to cloth surfaces: When not properly diluted, bleach will break down certain surfaces, especially many fabrics and cloth surfaces.
Ineffective on eggs laid within mattresses: Bed bugs lay eggs deep within the crevices of your mattress. If they don't get touched by the bleach, you're out of luck.
Won't eliminate infestation: While bleach may kill a few bugs, it won't wipe out an entire infestation.
Overall, using bleach is a complicated process that results in little reward.
Is bleach effective at eliminating bed bug infestations?
So, does bleach kill bed bugs? Is handling a bed bug infestation yourself with a bottle of bleach your best option?
No. Unfortunately, there's simply no guarantee or scientific evidence that this method will work, especially for serious infestations. Though bleach may kill one or more bed bugs, it will not eliminate the bed bugs that are hiding, therefore it won't get rid of an infestation. In this case, the possibilities of danger outweigh the likelihood of success. With some DIY pest control solutions, there is no harm in trying them. But bleach is not one of these low-risk solutions.
Take action with Terminix®
For a more effective and thorough solution, schedule an appointment with Terminix. We can help to identify how big your infestation is, and find all the places they're hiding in your home. When it comes to treatment, our trained technicians will handle the solutions, so you don't have to turn to harsh chemicals to find relief from your pest problems. Reach out to Terminix today for a quote!
Bedbugs measure just 5 millimeters across, which is smaller than a pencil eraser. These bugs are smart and tough, and they reproduce quickly. Bedbugs know where to hide to avoid detection and can live for months between meals. A female can lay 500 eggs in her lifetime.
It’s no surprise that these tiny bloodsuckers can cause a lot of trouble in your home. If they get into bed with you, they can leave red, itchy welts all over your body.
Can you get rid of bedbugs on your own?
You can get rid of bedbugs. Try to be patient, as removing bedbugs often takes some time and effort. You may have to try a few different chemical and nonchemical approaches, especially if you have a large infestation.
Certain factors can make bedbugs harder to remove. You may have a tougher time ridding your home of them if you have a lot of clutter or you travel often and bring new bedbugs home in your luggage.
If you cannot get rid of them on your own, you may have to call in a professional exterminator. Read on for a step-by-step guide on getting rid of bedbugs.
Step 1: Identify all infested areas
If you’ve got bedbugs, you want to find them early before they start to reproduce. It’s much easier and cheaper to treat a small infestation than a big one. But smaller infestations can be harder to detect.
Search for bedbugs yourself or hire a professional to do an inspection. Some inspectors use specially trained dogs to hunt down bedbugs by scent.
Bedbugs’ small and narrow bodies enable them to squeeze into tiny spots, like the seams of a mattress or couch and the folds of curtains.
Also, look for them:
near the tags of the mattress and box spring
in cracks in the bed frame and headboard
in baseboards
between couch cushions
in furniture joints
inside electrical outlets
under loose wallpaper
underneath paintings and posters on the walls
in the seam where the wallpaper and ceiling meet
Use a flashlight and magnifying glass to go over all of these areas.
You can spot signs of bedbugs by the following:
live bedbugs, which are reddish and about 1/4-inch long
dark spots about the size of a period — these are bedbug droppings
reddish stains on your mattress from bugs that have been crushed
small and pale yellow eggs, egg shells, and yellowish skins that young bedbugs shed
Once you find a bedbug, put it in a sealed jar along with 1 teaspoon of rubbing alcohol. Other types of bugs can look a lot like bedbugs. If you’re not sure what type of bug you’ve found, bring it to an exterminator or entomologist to identify.
Step 2: Contain the infestation
Once you know you have bedbugs, you need to keep them contained so you can get rid of them. A quick and easy way to trap bedbugs is with your vacuum. Run the vacuum over any possible hiding places.
This includes your:
bed
dresser
carpets
electronics, like TVs
Seal up the vacuumed contents into a plastic bag and throw it away. Then thoroughly clean out the vacuum.
Seal up all your linens and affected clothes in plastic bags until you can wash them. Then put them on the highest possible temperature setting in a washer and dryer. If an item cannot be washed, put it in the dryer for 30 minutes at the highest heat setting.
Anything that cannot be treated in the washer and dryer should be placed in a plastic bag. Leave it there for a few months, if possible, to make sure all the bugs die.
If you cannot clean furniture, throw it away. Tear it up first and spray paint the word “bedbugs” on it so no one else tries to take it home.
Step 3: Prep for bedbug treatment
Before you start treating your home, do a little prep work to maximize your odds of success. Make sure all your linens, carpets, drapes, clothing, and other hiding places have been cleaned or thrown out (see step 2).
Next, get rid of bedbug hiding places:
Pick up books, magazines, clothes, and anything else that’s lying on your floor and under your bed.
Throw out whatever you can.
Do not move items from an infested room to a clean one — you could spread the bugs.
Seal up any open areas:
Glue down loose wallpaper.
Caulk cracks in furniture and around baseboards.
Tape up open electrical outlets.
Finally, move your bed at least 6 inches away from the wall so bedbugs cannot climb on.
Step 4: Kill the bedbugs
How to get rid of bedbugs at home
You can first try to remove bedbugs without chemicals. These bugs are pretty easy to kill with high heat at 115°F (46.11°C) or intense cold at 32°F (0°C).
Here are a few ways to treat bedbugs using these methods:
Wash bedding and clothes in hot water for 30 minutes. Then put them in a dryer on the highest heat setting for 30 minutes.
Use a steamer on mattresses, couches, and other places where bedbugs hide.
Pack up infested items in black bags and leave them outside on a hot day that reaches 95°F (35°C) or in a closed car. In cooler temperatures, it can take 2 to 5 months to kill sealed-up bugs.
Put bags containing bedbugs in the freezer at 0°F (-17.78°C). Use a thermometer to check the temperature. Leave them in there for at least 4 days.
Once you’ve cleaned all visible bedbugs, make the area inhospitable for the rest of them. Place bedbug-proof covers over your mattress and box spring. Zip these covers up all the way. Bugs that are trapped inside will die, and new bugs will not be able to get in.
If these methods do not wipe out all the bugs, you may need to try an insecticide.
Nonchemical and chemical treatments
Insecticides can help rid your home of bedbugs. Look for products that are registered with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and are specifically marked for use on bedbugs.
Here are a few types of insecticides you can try:
Pyrethrins and pyrethroids are the most common chemicals used to kill bedbugs. However, some bedbugs have become resistant to them.
Pyrroles, like chlorfenapyr, kill bedbugs by disrupting their cells.
Neonicotinoids are versions of nicotine. They damage the bugs’ nervous system. This type of chemical works on bedbugs that have become resistant to other pesticides.
Dessicants are substances that destroy the bugs’ protective outer coating. Without this coating, the bugs dry out and die. Two examples of dessicants are silica aerogel (Tri-Die and CimeXa) and diatomaceous earth. The advantage to dessicants is that bedbugs cannot become resistant to them, but they work slowly. These products can take a few months to kill off all the bugs.
Foggers or bug bombs kill bedbugs, but they cannot get into cracks and crevices where these bugs hide. They can also be toxic to humans if you use them incorrectly. Read the label carefully. Leave the room before you set off a fogger.
Plant oil-based products, like EcoRaider and Bed Bug Patrol, are less toxic than chemical insecticides, and they work well against bedbugs.
Step 5: Evaluate and prevent future bedbugs
Bedbugs can take some time to wipe out. Before you can ensure that your treatment has worked, you need proof that the bugs have moved on. Check the infested areas about once every 7 days for signs of activity.
To make surviving bedbugs easier to spot, place bedbug interceptors under each leg of the bed. These devices will trap bedbugs before they can climb up into your bed. You may need to keep checking the interceptors for a full year.
Bedbugs are hardy creatures. Just when you think you’ve wiped them out, you might spot them again. You may have to try a few different treatment methods to control the infestation. And if they still do not go away, you’ll want to call in a professional exterminator.
Step 6: Get the pros involved
If you cannot wipe out bedbugs on your own, it’s time to get the pros involved.
Pest control companies have the advantage of using chemicals and other treatments that are not available to you. They have insecticides that both kill bugs on contact and that stay inside furniture and cracks to kill bedbugs in the long term.
Pest control companies can also use whole room heat treatments. They bring in special equipment that heats up the room to a temperature between 135 and 145°F (57.22 and 62.78°C) — high enough to kill bedbugs.
Before the pest control company arrives, they should give you instructions for prepping your home. Follow their directions carefully and you’ll have the best chance of wiping out the bugs.
Professional treatments take two to three visits to start working. After each treatment, you may have to stay out of the treated rooms for a few hours until the insecticides have dried.
Keep reading: What’s the difference between flea bites and bedbug bites? »
Step 7: Keep the bedbugs out
Once the bedbugs are gone, you’ll want to make sure they stay gone for good:
Clear up any clutter. Do not leave papers, magazines, clothes, or other items on the floor.
Cover your mattress and box spring with a bedbug cover and zip it up all the way.
Vacuum and wash bedding, furniture, curtains, and carpets often.
Seal cracks around light sockets, baseboards, and electrical outlets so bedbugs cannot sneak in.
Check for bedbugs in hotel rooms when you travel to avoid bringing them home with you.
What kills bed bugs and their eggs?
Getting rid of bedbugs is a daunting task. They’re fiendishly good at hiding, they’re nocturnal, and they’re quickly becoming resistant to chemical pesticides — which leaves a lot of people wondering if a simple solution like rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol) could be a better way to kill off the bloodsuckers.
Isopropyl alcohol can kill bedbugs. It can kill the bugs themselves, and it can kill their eggs. But before you start spraying, you should be aware that using rubbing alcohol on a bedbug infestation is inefficient and can even be dangerous.
Why alcohol may not be your best choice
Alcohol works two ways to kill bedbugs. First, it acts as a solvent, which means it eats away the bug’s outer shell. The dissolving action might be enough to kill some bedbugs, but alcohol delivers a one-two punch. It also acts as a desiccant, a substance that induces drying out.
With the outer shell dissolved, the alcohol dries out the bug’s insides, finishing the job. It kills eggs in the same way: dissolving and drying out the egg and preventing it from hatching.
Alcohol is inexpensive, it’s readily available in every drugstore in the nation, and it can be effective. So why isn’t everyone opting to end their bedbug problem with it?
It requires direct contact
Here’s the tricky part: Alcohol only kills on contact. That means you have to spray the bugs directly, and it can be extremely difficult to find and expose bedbugs if you have an infestation.
Bedbugs can hide in very small amounts of space — cracks in furniture, electrical outlets, between books on shelves. Getting alcohol into these spaces can be almost impossible.
Bedbugs often gather in out of the way spaces (called “harborages”), so killing the bugs you can see won’t eradicate the ones you don’t see.
It’s not 100 percent effective
Researchers at Rutgers University studied two different products with high concentrations of isopropyl alcohol. One product contained 50 percent alcohol and the other 91 percent alcohol. Neither product killed more than half of the bugs.
Bedbugs infestations spread quickly — the average female can lay up to 250 eggs in her lifespan, so a product that kills just half of the accessible population isn’t going to resolve the problem.
It’s flammable
The most important reason to avoid using alcohol to kill bedbugs has nothing to do with the bugs themselves. Isopropyl alcohol is extremely flammable.
Though it dries quickly, spraying it on upholstered furniture, carpets, fabrics, clothing, and mattresses creates a fire hazard. Vapors that linger in the air are also highly flammable.
In 2017, a Cincinnati woman tried to rid her home of bedbugs by dousing furniture in alcohol. A nearby candle or incense burner ignited the flames, and the resulting fire left 10 people without homes. The Washington Post reported at least three other similar cases.
What does the EPA recommend?
Most researchers who study bedbug infestations recommend that you hire a professional exterminator. While this approach can be costly, it will probably save time and frustration in the long run.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends what it calls the integrated pest management approach, which combines chemical and non-chemical methods.
EPA RECOMMENDATIONS TO FIGHT BEDBUGS
Wash your clothes, bedding, and fabrics and dry them on a high heat setting.
Subject each room in your home to high heat — over 120°F (49°C) — for 90 minutes or longer (bedbug removal specialists provide this service).
Freeze — below 0°F (-18°C) items you cannot wash, dry, or heat, like shoes, jewelry, and newer books.
Encase your pillows, mattresses, and box springs in zippered, bug-proof covers.
Place bedbug interceptors on the legs of your bed to keep bedbugs from being able to climb up.
If you aren’t able to dry your belongings on high heat, place them in strong garbage bags, tie them up, and place them somewhere it’s likely to be very hot for prolonged periods, such as in a car during summer.
Bedbugs are notoriously hardy, and they can live for months without a blood meal. If possible, leave the infested belongings in sealed containers for several months to year.
The EPA also recommends treating your home and belongings with pesticides to help rid your home of bedbugs:
Find the bedbug pesticide that best meets your needs using the EPA’s interactive list.
Follow the dosage amount and timetable on the product label. If you don’t use enough of the pesticide, the bedbugs could become resistant to it. If you don’t dose at the right intervals, you could miss the egg hatching cycle.
If you aren’t able to control the infestation on your own, reach out for professional help before you re-apply the pesticide. A 2014 studyTrusted Source noted that people tend to over-apply pesticides when trying to control bedbug populations, and the levels of pesticide residue on places where adults, children, and pests sit or sleep can reach dangerous levels.
Be sure you’re using a pesticide that specifies bedbugs on the label. General pesticides won’t do the trick.
How to Prevent and Detect Bed Bugs
Pesticide resistance
Another reason you may want to consult with a professional service is that bedbugs in many regions have developed resistanceTrusted Source to the most widely available pesticides.
In some areas, pesticides containing pyrethrins, pyrethroids, and neonicotinoids no longer have any effect on bedbugs. To find out if bedbug populations in your area are resistant to these chemicals, call your county extension service.
Natural remedies
Big box home stores, hardware shops, and grocery stores stock a plethora of products claiming to kill bedbugs, but there is little scientific evidence to support many of their claims.
One 2012 study found that a products containing essential oils, EcoRaider and Bed Bug Patrol, killed more than 90 percent of bedbugs under lab conditions. It’s important to note that killing bedbugs in a petri dish is vastly different from finding them and killing them in your home.
Strong concentrations of oregano essential oil (40 percent and 99 percent) were found in a 2018 studyTrusted Source to repel bedbugs in lab conditions for more than nine hours — a sufficient amount of time for a good night’s sleep.
In the study, oregano essential oil repelled better than a traditional pesticide (DEET) in stick form. Again, lab conditions and home conditions might not yield the same results.
Your first step
Before you begin treating your dorm room, office, home, vehicle, or belongings, make sure what you’re dealing with is actually a bedbug infestation. According to the National Pest Management Association, these are reliable indicators that you have a bedbug problem:
tiny reddish smears on your bedding (blood and fecal matter)
white or yellow molted shells
itchy red bites on the parts of your body that are exposed during sleep
a sweet smell in the area of a heavy infestation
You may also notice the bugs themselves — flat, reddish brown bugs less than a quarter inch long. One common place to find them is clustered near the piping on your mattress.
It’s possible to have a bedbug infestation without noticing any bites on your body. It’s also possible to have an allergic reaction to a bedbug bite. If you’re not sure whether the bite you have is due to a bedbug, mosquito, or flea, see your doctor for a definitive diagnosis.
The takeaway
While isopropyl alcohol, known as rubbing alcohol, can kill bedbugs and their eggs, it isn’t an effective way to get rid of an infestation.
Alcohol has to be directly applied to the bugs, which can be hard to accomplish since bedbugs hide in cracks and crevices. Even if you manage to spray or douse some bedbugs with alcohol, it doesn’t always kill them.
Because rubbing alcohol is so flammable, spraying it around your house could present a serious fire hazard. You’re better off taking an integrated approach to the problem, using pesticides carefully and isolating or removing infested items from your home.
If you aren’t successful ridding your home of the pests on your own, work with a professional exterminator to correct the problem.
How can I get rid of bed bugs fast naturally?
When you lie down in bed each night, the last thing you want to think about is bed bugs.
Unfortunately, bed bugs are very common.
In fact, one out of five Americans has had a bed bug infestation in their home or knows someone who has experienced bed bugs either at home or in a hotel.
Here at Smith’s Pest Management, we provide bed bug control services to customers in and around the Francisco Bay Area.
In this post, we’ll share a few of our top tips for getting rid of bed bugs on your own–without an exterminator–and when to call in the pros.
Let’s dive in.
how to get rid of bed bugs
What are Bed Bugs?
Bed bugs (scientific name cimex lectularius) are small, flat, invasive insects who rely on the blood of sleeping people and animals as their only food source.
Wondering how to identify bed bugs?
These unattractive insects are red-brown in color, and are about 1mm-7mm in length. While they rely on blood to keep them alive, they can go several months between meals.
Since a healthy female bed bug can lay up to 500 eggs in her lifetime, you can wind up with a serious infestation in a matter of just weeks.bed bug on mattress
What Attracts Bed Bugs to Your Home?
Many people believe bed bugs love dirty conditions, and that they’re attracted by filth. This is why many people believe that sleeping in a cheap hotel is a surefire way to get bed bugs.
As it turns out, though, that’s just a common misconception.
Bed bugs are not drawn to dirt or decay. In fact, they can live in any environment, as long as they have access to the one thing they need to survive:
Blood.
Unlike mosquitoes and ticks, which are also blood-eating insects, bed bugs can’t fly or live on their hosts. Instead, they must hide near their food source and wait for a meal to become available to them.
As such, bed bugs are highly adaptable. They can live anywhere from the cushions of a sofa to the carpet of a library, as long as they can access regular blood meals.
If you have bed bugs in your apartment, that’s why!
With that in mind, here are a few main causes of bed bugs:
Purchasing used furniture and bringing it into the home. Bed bugs can enter your space via luggage, purses, backpacks, used couches, and more.
Cross-contamination in a multi-unit environment. Bed bugs can travel between rooms in apartment complexes and hotels.
Contamination from a hotel, resort, or hostel. Bed bugs may get into your clothing or luggage and come home with you.
New people staying in your home. Guests may come to stay at your home, bringing bed bugs with them without knowing.
4 Signs of a Bed Bug Infestation In Your Home
bed bug bite
Bed bugs are tiny–usually no larger than the point of a pen–so it can be hard to spot them at first. If you think you may have a bed bug infestation, keep an eye out for these signs:
Evidence of the bugs themselves, such as shed skins or black droppings in mattress seams or other items.
Bites, welts, or bumps on your body in the morning after you get out of bed.
Tiny blood stains on your sheets or pillowcases.
An offensive musty odor in your room or around your bed, which some people say reminds them of “locker room smell.”
While realizing you have bed bugs can be alarming, identifying them is the first step to treating them.
How to Get Rid of Bed Bugs: 5 Steps To Take Right Now
bed bug removal mattress
Once you’ve identified a bed bug infestation, it’s time to act. Follow these steps to get rid of the pests:
Step 1: Identify infested areas
Since bed bugs multiply quickly, it’s essential to find them before they start to reproduce. With that in mind, inspect the following areas for signs of bed bugs:
The seams of your mattress and box spring.
Cracks between your bed frame and headboard.
Between the cushions of your sofa, and along the seams of the cushions.
Along the seam of your carpets, where the carpet meets the wall.
In the joints of furniture like couches, accent chairs, and futons.
Use a flashlight and check each area carefully. Look for tiny dark or rust-colored droppings, live bedbugs, or small pale yellow eggs.
If you find signs of bedbugs in any of these places, you’ll also want to check your nightstand, dresser drawers, and closet.
Step 2: Contain the bugs
Once you’ve identified an active bed bug infestation, you have to contain it so it doesn’t spread. One quick and easy way to contain live bed bugs is by sucking them up with your vacuum.
To contain live bedbugs, thoroughly vacuum your mattress, the insides of your dresser, the seams and joints of your furniture, your carpets, and any other place you’ve noticed signs of bed bug infestation.
When you’re finished, seal the contents of your vacuum canister in a plastic bag and throw it away. Keep in mind that this will not get rid of the bed bug infestation–it will only pick up live bed bugs. If there are eggs left behind, they may still hatch and cause a secondary infestation.
Once you’ve vacuumed all affected areas, wash and dry affected linens, clothing, and other textiles in hot water and on a high-heat setting in your dryer. If you cannot wash and dry an item (a couch cushion, for example), use steam to kill bed bugs instead.
More on both approaches in the next section.
Step 3: Kill the bed bugs
Now it’s time to actually get rid of the bed bugs once and for all. Here’s how:
3 Natural Home Remedies
1. Get rid of bed bugs naturally with heat or cold
Temperature is an effective way to get rid of bed bugs in a mattress or other important area. With that in mind, gather affected bedding or clothing and wash it in very hot water for 30 minutes. Once the wash cycle is done, dry the items in your dryer on the highest possible heat setting for at least 30 minutes. Alternately, put affected items in a freezer that is at least 0 degrees Fahrenheit. Leave them there for four days to make sure all bed bugs are dead.
Pros: Non-toxic, easy, effective
Cons: Not possible for all items or materials
2. Use steam
To kill bed bugs without an exterminator: Use a steamer on mattresses, couches, and other places where bed bugs hide.
Pros: Safe, easy, effective, can be used as both a preventative treatment and a bed bug killing treatment
Cons: Requires a steamer, which not everyone has, may damage certain materials or fabrics
3. Cover mattresses
Purchase bed bug-proof covers to place around your mattress and box spring. When zipped all the way up, these covers will prevent bed bugs from entering, and will kill bed bugs trapped inside: They also form a protective barrier that prevents the bed bugs from biting you while you sleep.
Pros: Effective, affordable, non-toxic, simple
Cons: Does not remove bed bugs from the mattress
Conventional Bed Bug Treatments
1. Use an insecticide
If home remedies don’t appeal to you to get rid of bed bugs, you can turn to insecticides. Pyrethrins and pyrethroids are two common insecticides used to kill bed bugs. As far as pesticides go, these have a relatively low toxicity to pets and people, and are fast-acting.
They also require a low dose to kill insects. The drawback, however, is that some bed bugs are resistant to these chemicals. In that case, you (or your exterminator) may need to use an alternate insecticide, such as pyrroles like chlorfenapyr, or neonicotinoids, which are synthetic versions of nicotine.
Pros: Effective and fast-acting, ideal for killing bed bugs in homes and hotels
Cons: May contain harsh chemicals that some people do not want in their home
2. Use a desiccant
Desiccants are substances that kill bugs by destroying their protective coating. Without this coating, the bugs dry out and die. Two popular desiccants are silica aerogel and diatomaceous earth. Bed bugs cannot become resistant to desiccants, and these substances have a high kill rate.
Pros: Relatively safe, effective, easy to deploy
Cons: Can be messy, require more regular reapplication than insecticides
3. Deploy a bug bomb
What kills bed bugs instantly? Bug bombs. Foggers and bug bombs both kill bed bugs and are good broadcast solutions. They are, however, highly toxic to both people and pets, and will require you to vacate your home while they go to work.
Pros: Effective and fast-acting
Cons: Dangerous, highly toxic, cannot get into cracks and crevices where bed bugs hide, so may be less effective than direct-application insecticides
Step 4: Monitor affected areas
Bed bug infestations can take weeks or even months to wipe out. To make sure your treatment is working, check the infested area once a week for a few months. If you notice new signs of bedbug activity, treat the area again.
Step 5: Hire a pro
The fastest and most effective way to get rid of bed bugs is to hire a professional exterminator, like Smith’s Pest Management in San Jose, CA.
Our team will evaluate your bed bug infestation and make a plan to remove all bugs and restore the peace and tranquility of your home.
How do Pest Control Experts Get Rid of Bed Bugs?
bed bug exterminator
If DIY bed bug control isn’t an option, you can hire a professional exterminator like Smith’s. Here’s the process our team follows to get rid of bed bugs:
1. Inspect the property and develop a management plan
Every pest control job we conduct starts with an inspection and consultation. We first inspect the affected areas of your home and property to locate bed bugs and identify inspections.
Based on that inspection, our techs will develop a management plan to get rid of the bed bugs permanently. We’ll also discuss bed bug treatment costs with you so you can budget for removal.
2. Deploy treatment
Next, our pest control experts will get to work actually treating your bed bug infestation. We offer a selection of bed bug treatment options, including the following:
Heat Treatment
Heat treatment is ideal for large infestations in homes or hotels. These treatments are non-toxic and safe for people and pets, and will get rid of the entire infestation in just one visit. During heat treatments, we raise the internal temperature of your home to a level that bed bugs cannot survive. This method penetrates walls as well, which means it’s excellent for killing bed bugs in a couch or other hard-to-reach places.
Steam Treatment
Steam treatment is similar to heat treatment, but it works on a smaller scale. These treatments are a good fit for less extensive infestations, and for customers who want a non-toxic solution.
Chemical Treatment
Chemical treatments are effective for minor infestations that are caught early, or for infestations that require spot treatment. These treatments often require one to two follow-up visits to eliminate all bed bugs.
Preventative Options
We offer preventive products like mattress encasements, which will help you prevent bed bug infestations. When used in conjunction with other methods, preventative methods can help keep your houses bed bug-free.
How to Keep Bed Bugs Away from Your Home
When it comes to pest control, preventing an infestation is always easier than controlling it later. With that in mind, here are a few ways to keep bed bugs from invading your home:
To prevent bed bugs on clothes, be vigilant. When you stay in a hotel, keep your suitcase on a suitcase stand rather than on the floor. Wash all your clothing when you return home and put them in a hot dryer.
Be careful acquiring used furniture. Check all new and used furniture before you bring it inside, including inspecting all seams, joints, tufts, and under cushions.
Purchase a plastic or hypoallergenic cover for your mattress, box springs, and furniture to prevent bedbugs from entering the textiles.
Get rid of clutter that could help bed bugs hide in your home. Paper, magazines, clothes, and other items should be picked up off the floor and nightstands and dressers should be cleaned regularly.
Vacuum your mattress and floors often. Wash all sheets, clothing, and textiles at least once a week in hot water.
Use caulk to seal cracks around baseboards, electrical outlets, light sockets, and furniture, so bed bugs can’t hide in them.
Check for bed bugs in hotels, hostels, and guest rooms you sleep in.
Are Bed Bugs Invading Your San Francisco Bay Area Home or Business? We’re Here to Help!
Nobody wants to live with bed bugs. Fortunately, you don’t have to!
Here at Smith’s Pest Management, we help residential and commercial properties (including single-family homes, commercial facilities, hotels, and more) in Northern California—from Marin to Monterey—get rid of bed bugs once and for all, and help you understand how to beat bed bugs on your own.
What is the most effective bed bug treatment?
We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best products—learn more about our process. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.
HARRIS Black Label Bed Bug Killer
The Spruce / Jay Wilde
These days, an effective bed bug spray is an essential tool to have in your pest control arsenal.
We researched dozens of the top bed bug sprays and powders available online, evaluating effectiveness, ease of use, formulation, and value. Our best overall pick, the Ortho Home Defense Max Bed Bug Killer, is an effective solution that targets bed bugs, fleas, and ticks and comes with a wand for easy application.
Here are the best bed bug sprays.
Our Top Picks
Best Overall: Ortho Home Defense Max Bed Bug Killer at Amazon
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Best Spray Bottle: HARRIS Black Label Bed Bug Killer at Amazon
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Best Powder: Rockwell CimeXa Insecticide Dust at Amazon
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Best Natural: Eco Defense Bed Bug Killer at Amazon
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Best for Mattresses: Bedlam Plus at Amazon
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Best Budget: Trapper Max Glue Boards at Amazon
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Best for Travel: rest easy Bed Bug Spray at Amazon
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Best Overall: Ortho Home Defense Max Bed Bug Killer
Ortho Home Defense Max Bed Bug Killer
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Who else recommends it? Bob Vila also picked Ortho Home Defense Max Bed Bug Killer.1
Use Baking Soda to Get Rid Of Bed Bugs Naturally and Permanently In One Day
What do buyers say? 84% of 16,000+ Amazon reviewers rated this 4 stars or above.
The Ortho Home Defense Max Bed Bug Killer is our best overall choice for treating the earliest signs of these pests in your home. This product stands apart from others for its low price and effectiveness. Its battery-operated wand sprays more evenly than other methods, allowing you to cover hard-to-reach areas like curtain edges, behind mattresses, and under furniture.
When you're ready to apply it, this stain-free, unscented spray is easy to use and doesn't linger, and can be sprayed directly on bugs or in spaces where their eggs may be. It kills on contact, so make sure to clear the room before using it since it can be harmful if ingested by pets or children. This product works for up to two weeks on bed bugs, fleas, and ticks (including pyrethroid-resistant bugs).
One thing to note is that while the wand design is key to this product's usability, it's best to read the instructions thoroughly to get the best results with the correct application.
Best Spray Bottle: HARRIS Black Label Bed Bug Killer
HARRIS Black Label Bed Bug Killer
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If you want a handy, ready-to-go bottle of bed bug spray at your side, Harris’ Pyrethroid Resistant Bed Bug Killer is a great option. This highly effective formula is designed to eradicate even the most stubborn of bed bugs that have become resistant to pesticides containing pyrethroids. What sets this bed bug spray apart is the fact that it offers residual protection to kill remaining bugs for up to 16 weeks.
While Harris Pyrethroid Resistant Bed Bug Killer is available by the gallon, order the convenient 32-ounce spray bottle to keep handy and spritz bed begs at first sight. As with most bed bug products, this spray is most effective when used in conjunction with thorough cleaning and multiple treatment options.
The 5 Best Bug Repellents of 2022 to Keep Insects Off
Best Powder: Rockwell CimeXa Insecticide Dust
Rockwell Labs Cimexa Dust Insecticide
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For a bed bug powder that is long-lasting and effective, skip diatomaceous earth and head straight for CimeXa Insecticide Dust. CimeXa is a bed bug powder made from a manufactured silica powder, unlike diatomaceous earth which is a naturally occurring substance. Both products work to dry out the exoskeleton of bed bugs, which eventually kills them. The silica in CimeXa essentially acts like a sponge to absorb water from the bugs, whereas diatomaceous earth scratches the cuticle protecting the exoskeleton—making it hard to retain water. CimeXa has been found by many people to be vastly more effective as a bed bug powder.
For long-term control, it’s hard to beat CimeXa’s staying power—simply apply the powder, keep it dry, and it can keep working for up to 10 years. A suggested usage is to take a paintbrush and apply a thin layer along baseboards or in cracks and crevices where bed bug activity has been noticed. You’ll only need a little because the fine particles of silicon dust will attach to passing bed bugs using electrostatic charge.
Best Natural: Eco Defense Bed Bug Killer
Eco Defense Bed Bug Killer
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If you’re concerned about harsh chemicals and are looking for a natural bed bug spray, try Eco Defense Bed Bug Killer. This bed bug spray has a natural formula and is also non-staining. Many people with small children or pets appreciate the fact that Eco Defense Bed Bug Killer doesn’t have any harsh chemicals. The formula does have a noticeable scent due to plant oils, but most users didn’t find it to be too offensive—especially because it's all-natural.
While the Eco Defense Bed Bug Killer is an effective, natural bed bug spray, it only kills on contact and doesn’t have residual effects. So for serious infestations, best results are seen when this product is used along with other treatment methods.
The Best Ant Killers to Defend Your Home
Best for Mattresses: Bedlam Plus
Bedlam Plus
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If bed bugs have invaded your space, you need to treat your mattress with a bed bug spray. While there are a lot of suitable bed bug sprays for mattresses, Bedlam Plus is a popular option. This water-based spray is safe for most surfaces, including your mattress if you don’t want it to become stained by pesticides. The Bedlam Plus spray will kill bed bugs on contact and also has up to two weeks of residual killing power.
A common question is whether you can spray the entire surface of your bed with this bed bug spray for mattresses. The answer is yes, but you don’t necessarily need to. Because bed bugs prefer to hide rather than be exposed in the open, they’re most likely to be live and breed in enclosed spaces and crevices. For that reason, it’s recommended to spray Bedlam Plus along the tufts, seams, and folds of your mattress.
Deter Pesky Bugs With the Best Bed Bug Mattress Covers
Best Budget: Trapper Max Glue Boards
Trapper Max 11 Catcher's Maximum 6 Glue Board Trap Toxic
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For a budget bed bug solution, try glue boards. While it isn’t a bed bug spray and may not be the fastest way to eradicate the problem, Trapper Max Glue Boards can prevent bites and provide peace of mind. These glue boards can be folded flat and then taped around the legs of bed frames or other furniture. Because bed bugs crawl up to the top of the bed, a tightly secured glue board will stop the bugs from reaching their destination.
You’ll still need to eradicate any bed bugs and eggs from your mattress or furniture, and it’s also suggested to move furniture away from the walls to prevent bed bugs from accessing your bed by another route. But for a few dollars, the Trapper Max Glue Boards are super sticky and will collect any bed bugs that are trying to make their way to your mattress.
Get Rid of Pests With the Best Roach Traps
Best for Travel: rest easy Bed Bug Spray
Rest Easy - Environmentally Friendly Bed Bug Spray
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Relieve vacation worries by getting a bed bug spray for travel. The Rest Easy Bed Bug Spray is a perfect way to ward off an infestation when you’re on the road.
This travel-size bed bug spray comes in a convenient 2-ounce bottle that will easily pass TSA-safety requirements and won’t take up a lot of space in your luggage. It has a cinnamon scent that's a nice contrast to some of the harsher smelling travel bed bug sprays available.
Use the Rest Easy Bed Bug Spray to treat mattresses and furniture when you’re traveling. While it isn’t designed to treat a home infestation, it can create a barrier that will keep you from picking up bed bugs when you travel. It is a great idea to use this bed bug spray for luggage also.
Final Verdict
If you're looking for a versatile way to fight an infestation, our top pick is Ortho Home Defense Bed Bug Killer (view at Home Depot). Its battery-operated wand allows for easy, continuous spraying to help you reach your whole space. For a long-term solution to prevent infestations, consider CimeXa Insecticide Dust (view at Amazon), which will continue working for years.
What to Look for in Bed Bug Sprays
Type
Bed bug sprays are usually either water-based or oil-based. The advantage of water-based spray formulas is they generally won’t stain soft surfaces, making them the more common option on the market. In addition to bed bug sprays, there are also powder treatments made from silica. These work by drying out the exoskeleton of bed bugs and are often used along baseboards of infested rooms.
Use
Most bed bug sprays can be used on a variety of surfaces. But if you have a specific application in mind, then look for a formula and applicator that are best suited for your purpose. Bed bug sprays are generally designed to be used in treating the nest site, along with baseboards, furniture, draperies, and other places the insects may be hiding. Bed bug sprays for mattresses are also popular. It's worth noting that many of these formulas can also be used on other furnishings as well, but not all bed bug sprays can be used on mattresses due to the potency of various insecticides.
Ingredients
To get the upper hand on a bed bug infestation, most sprays are formulated with powerful insecticides, such as pyrethroids. You should always take precautions to protect children and pets. Natural bed bug sprays exist as well, using the power of plant oils such as geranium oil. But be forewarned that a bed bug infestation can be very hard to eradicate without the help of insecticides.
FAQ
How do bed bug sprays work?
After application, the insecticides within a bed bug spray act to kill bed bugs on contact, reducing their population and preventing reproduction. Most sprays also are effective at killing bed bug eggs, which is one of the keys to preventing a resurgence and shortening an infestation.
How often do you have use bed bug spray?
Most bed bug sprays will offer treatment effects for at least two weeks, with some products extending protection for as long as 16 weeks. Silica-based bed bug powders can continue working for years as long as the powder remains dry.
Where is it safe to use bed bug spray?
To combat a bed bug infestation, you should generally treat your mattress, bed frame, baseboards, furniture, and any other areas where you’ve noticed being bitten. Bed bugs prefer concealed areas rather than open, visible locations, so covering every inch of surface area on your furniture is generally not required.
Most bed bug sprays are safe for use on general household objects, but you should read the label for any warnings or indicators of possible staining. It’s especially important to note whether a specific spray is safe for use on items that you will be in very close contact with for an extended period of time, including mattresses, bedding, or clothing. Not all insecticides are considered safe for such purposes.
What kills bed bugs instantly and permanently?
So, you’ve got bed bugs. It’s OK. Bed bugs have been part of human society from the beginning. They have been found in Egyptian tombs and were mentioned in texts dating back to the time of Aristotle. However, in the fight against bed bugs, you have something that Aristotle didn’t have… the internet! Today, you can learn about bed bugs and the most effective treatment methods from experts in the pest management industry. Let’s dive right in… Closeup of an adult bed bug Bed bugs have enjoyed a resurgence in recent years. Bed bugs were nearly eradicated in the United States due to the widespread use of pesticides such as DDT. Besides, general pest management practices have shifted to only using pesticides indoors only when necessary. In the past hotels would routinely treat guest rooms with pesticides, and this would prevent a bed bug infestation. Bed bugs have also become resistant to many of the pesticides they encounter in their travels. However, using scientific advancements and a biological understanding of bed bugs, it is possible to get rid of bed bugs and sleep peacefully again. In this guide, we will explore the best methods for getting rid of bed bugs. We will discuss why they are notoriously hard to get rid of and how long you should expect the extermination process to take. Now: There are many different treatment methods utilized to kill bed bugs and you can weigh the benefits and negatives of each method. We all want a healthy home for our family; with a little boost of knowledge, you can feel confident in the bed bug elimination method that you choose. Whether you are trying to get rid of bed bugs from a single-family residence, an apartment, or even a hotel or nursing home, with the treatment options available today, it is possible to get rid of bed bugs.
How to Check for Bed Bugs
Do you wake up to mysterious bites on your shoulder or legs? Do you suddenly see reddish-brown spots on your sheets? If you suspect that bed bugs may be the cause, a thorough inspection and prompt treatment can be the difference between an introduction and a full-blown infestation. Finding and treating a minor bed bug infestation is less costly and simpler than dealing with a bed bug in every nook and cranny of your bedroom. However, a minor bed bug infestation can be hard to find. You need to know how to check for bedbugs.
Bed bugs are small, flat, oval-shaped insects. Adults are about the size and shape of an apple seed. Although they are not known to spread diseases, they crawl from their daytime hiding places to feed on resting humans. Bed bugs are small, but visible with the naked eye; an adult bed bug measures between 6 to 9.5mm. Bed bugs are usually brown in color, but after a fresh feeding, their body becomes swollen and more red. Like other insects, they have 6 legs and 2 antennae.
Bed Bug Behavior
Bed bugs are excellent hitchhikers. They are often brought into your home in a purse, a bag, a backpack, or a suitcase. Bed bugs are most commonly found on and around the bed, but they can be located anywhere that has human contact for prolonged periods of time. Bed bugs can crawl into your bag on an airplane or train, while at the movie theater, or during a ride with a friend or rideshare service. You then bring your bed bug contaminated bag into your bedroom, and voila, the bed bug nightmare has begun.
Although they cannot fly or jump, bed bugs are capable walkers and climbers. They can easily climb the metal or wooden legs of furniture to access a blood meal if there is even a slight texture to the finish. Bed bugs have been observed to walk 3-4 feet per minute! They hide in tight harborages during the day, and happily travel between 5-20 feet from their hiding place to feed upon their host. They locate a potential host by homing in on the carbon dioxide exhaled when we breath and the heat that emanates from our bodies. Once they locate a potential host, bed bugs pierce the skin and feed for between 3-12 minutes. Most people do not wake up when bed bugs are in the act of feeding, and every person responds differently to a bite.
What to Look for when Checking for Bed Bugs
Bed bugs are so small and flat that they can hide anywhere that a credit card can fit. They are generally found close to the bed, where their food source is located, but as an infestation grows the prime hiding places become overcrowded and they expand their reach. When checking a room for bed bugs, carefully inspect cracks and crevices on or near the bed. Have a strong flashlight, a flat edged object like a paint scraper or credit card and perhaps a magnifying glass as well. To adequately check for bed bugs you may have to take apart the headboard or the bed frame.
When checking for bed bugs, look for every life stage. By locating and acknowledging the presence of eggs, immature bed bugs, and adults, you can gauge the severity of the infestation.
Live adult bed bugs – visible to the naked eye, about the size of an apple seed
Bed bug nymphs (immature) – smaller than the adult (between 1.5mm – 4.5mm), translucent to tan in color, especially if unfed
Bed bug eggs – Very difficult to see with the naked eye, about the size of a pin head (1mm) and pearly-white in color
Molted Skin – As nymphs progress to adulthood, they shed their skin 5 times. This skin is left behind in harborages and crevices.
Feces – small dark spot which may bleed and smear into the fabric
Where to Check for Bed Bugs
Some common bed bug hiding places include:
Seams and tufts of the mattress and boxspring
Near the piping or tag on the mattress and boxspring
Cracks and crevices of the headboard, footboard, and bed frame
Joints (crevices) of drawers and other bedside furniture
Seams of couches or chairs in the room
Behind electrical outlets on the wall
Inspect wall hangings and picture frames
Inspect the folds of curtains
Inside of electrical appliances such as an alarm clock or docking station
Inspect where the carpet meets the wall
Check behind baseboards and other trim pieces
While checking your home for bed bugs it is important to determine the breadth of the infestation. Continue to check areas further away from the source of the infestation until you find no evidence of bed bugs. As you check your home for bed bugs, be sure not to cross-contaminate rooms and actually introduce bedbugs where they did not exist before. As you check your home for bed bugs, make notes of where and what you find. Save samples too. Larger specimens can be scooped up and placed in a ziplock bag. For smaller eggs and nymphs a piece of packing tape is great to “stick” it to the insects. Then place the tape in a ziplock bag to secure.
Now that you know how to check for bed bugs, test your skills the next time you check into a hotel room. Do this before you unpack any clothing and situate into the room. Lift the sheets and perform a cursory check of the mattress and bed frame. If you find any evidence of bed bugs, capture them and report the incident to management immediately.
If you think you may have bed bugs, call Nextgen Pest Solutions. Our professionals can thoroughly inspect your home for bed bugs and our treatments give you the peace of mind to rest easy again.
Are Bed Bugs Hard To Get Rid Of?
The short answer is yes. This is not a problem that can be solved by reaching for the can of roach spray you keep under the kitchen sink. Even professional pest control companies generally expect at least two treatments to completely get rid of the bed bugs from your home. Why are bed bugs so hard to get rid of? There are several reasons that bed bugs are notoriously hard to eliminate. Here’s the deal:
Pyrethroid (Pesticide) Resistant – Pyrethroids are a class of chemicals that are commonly used in pest management applications. Most pyrethroids have low toxicity to mammals (people and pets) and birds, are fast-acting and require low doses of active ingredients to kill insects. However, some bed bugs have developed resistance to this class of chemicals. Entomologists have compared the death rates of bed bugs reared in the laboratory for 30 years (no exposure to pyrethroids) vs bed bugs collected from homes around the country. The lab-reared bed bugs had a 100% death rate when a pyrethroid insecticide was introduced. The field-collected bed bugs showed near immunity from the pyrethroid pesticides. There are varying degrees of resistance depending on the bed bug population, but all the experts agree that pyrethroid resistance contributes to the difficulty in getting rid of bed bugs.
Bed Bugs Multiply Quickly – Another factor making it hard to get rid of bed bugs is how quickly they multiply. The number of eggs a female bed bug will lay in her life depends upon her access to blood meals. The average lifespan of a bed bug is about one year. Bed bugs usually feed every 3-7 days if a meal is available. One female can lay about 113 eggs in her lifetime. Under optimal conditions, a present host, and comfortable air-conditioned temperature, bed bug populations can double every 16 days.
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Bed Bug Behavior – The activity, habits, and behavior intrinsic to bed bugs make them hard to get rid of. Bed bugs have a secretive lifestyle; they are active at night and congregate together in small cracks and crevices during the day. Their flat bodies enable them to fit into a crevice no wider than a toothpick. They prefer to stay close to their next meal (your bed or sofa) and often gather in the tufts and folds of mattresses, box springs, bed frames, headboards, and side tables. They are also often found behind wall plates and baseboards. Bed bugs do not have a central “nest” like ants or termites. They are prone to wandering. If a single pregnant female remains after a bed bug treatment the infestation process can begin again. Bed bug behavior coupled with their life cycle makes them a very hard pest to get rid of.
The current bed bug outbreak in the United States began in the 1990s. It is not yet ingrained in our culture to be vigilant when staying at hotels or vacation rentals, or thoroughly inspecting used furniture that you bring home. One night’s stay in an infested room is enough to bring bed bugs home with you in your bags. Once introduced, it often takes several months to realize the itchy welts on your skin are from bed bugs. They hide during the day, and the bite itself is painless. An introduction quickly becomes an infestation. Resistance to chemical treatments, their cryptic lifestyle, and rapid rate of reproduction combine to create a situation where bed bugs are hard to get rid of. Stay with me here while we see how quickly we can get rid of bed bugs:
How Long Does It Take to Get Rid of Bed Bugs?
Getting rid of bed bugs is a process, no way around that. How long it takes to get rid of bed bugs depends upon which elimination method you choose, the severity of the infestation, and the thoroughness of the treatment. A bed bug treatment using heat kills bed bugs immediately, but there is no residual. A chemical bed bug treatment can take a few weeks, but it leaves a residual which provides continued protection from bed bug re-infestation. The size and severity of the initial infestation is also a factor in determining how long it will take to get rid of bed bugs. From the time you realize you have bed bugs to sleeping worry-free, do not be surprised if it takes at least 4-6 weeks. Regardless of the treatment method, you select, finding the right licensed and insured pest control company to partner with can take time. Interview multiple professionals and ask detailed questions regarding their experience, procedures they use, and their success rates. Before you commit or sign any contract, find out when they are available to do the initial treatment and ask about their practice for follow-up appointments if they are needed. Another factor that affects how long it takes to get rid of bed bugs is understanding that you will be responsible for preparing the room for treatment. Bed bugs hide in the smallest of crevices including the joints in your bedside table. Your pest control company will give you a prep sheet of things you need to do before they can treat the room. Allow yourself plenty of time to accomplish this before they come to treat you. Not only does proper preparation increase the effectiveness of the treatment, but insufficient preparation may also cause the company to reschedule/delay the treatment.
Traditional Insecticide Treatment – If you choose a traditional insecticide bed bug treatment, how long it takes to get rid of the bed bugs can vary. Bed bug eggs hatch between 6 and 9 days after they are laid. For this reason, multiple treatments are often necessary which extends the timetable for fully getting rid of bed bugs. Also, be realistic with the scope and severity of the problem. If you are concerned about killing bed bugs fast, do not under-represent the locations that you have seen bed bugs to your Pest Management Professional. If you have seen them in both the living room and the bedroom, treat both of these rooms at the same time. This prevents reinfestation and allows you to quickly get rid of the bed bugs.
Heat Treatment – Heat treatments are the quickest way to kill bedbugs. This is not a turn up the heater and goes out to lunch solution, but it can be accomplished in one appointment from the pest control company. Licensed professionals with specialized equipment will heat your room to between 135°F (57.2°C) and 145°F (62.7 °C). Thermometers are placed around the room and watched closely to ensure the air is heated enough to kill bed bugs but not hot enough to cause damage. Bed bugs and bed bug eggs die immediately at 122°F (50°C). This treatment generally takes between 6 to 8 hours and requires careful monitoring by the technician and preparation from you the homeowner. If waiting 2-3 weeks to get rid of bed bugs is not an option for you, successful heat treatment can get rid of bed bugs in as little as an afternoon.
Do-It-Yourself (DIY) – If you are inclined to treat bedbugs yourself, you can buy almost everything the professionals use, but it will inevitably take longer to get rid of the problem. There are excellent guide videos online to show you how to inspect and treat, but this treatment method may take longer to fully eliminate bed bugs from your home. You must take the time to discern between various products to learn how to safely and properly apply them. Pest management professionals often have years of in the field experience and high-level training. They have personally observed bed bug behavior for years and successfully gotten rid of bed bug infestations. If you are tackling this job yourself, regular and thorough inspections and prompt re-treatments are necessary to successfully get rid of bed bugs. Remember, if you miss one spot during your bed bug treatment, you may have to start the battle over from the beginning. A DIY approach to bed bug elimination is not fast or easy, but it certainly can be done.
How to Get Rid of Bed Bugs Fast
Once you have determined you have bed bugs creeping into your bed at night, you need to act fast. The longer you allow the infestation to proceed untreated the more expensive and time-consuming it becomes to get rid of the bed bugs. But don’t panic and throw out your mattress thinking your problem is solved; it is not. Here’s the deal: Educate yourself on the various treatment options and determine which method aligns with your priorities and budget. Generally speaking, getting rid of bed bugs completely is not a fast, easy, or inexpensive process.
DIY First Steps to Control – If you need to make some bed bug killing progress fast while waiting for your treatment appointment try these remedial measures. Clear all clutter, put it in a plastic bag, and dispose of it outside. Vacuuming alone will not solve a bed bug infestation, but it can help keep their numbers down. Be sure not to move items from room to room as that will spread your problem to other areas of the house. Clutter and trash should be sealed in a bag and immediately taken outside. After vacuuming bed bug-infested areas, immediately clean the vacuum outside. Scrub infested areas with a stiff brush to dislodge the eggs and vacuum with a powerful vacuum.Using the crevice attachment, vacuum along all bed seams, cracks, crevices, and baseboards. If you have a strong heat steamer, you can kill bed bugs quickly making slow passes on your bed and bed frame with steam. Stay away from the wall outlets with steam!Launder all the bedsheets and linens and dry on the hottest setting your dryer has. To quickly kill bedbugs toss shoes, stuffed animals/plush toys, blankets, pillows, seat cushions, and fabric bags in the dryer for at least 1 hour.Consider placing a mattress and box spring encasement on your bed and bed bug traps on the feet of your bed. Each of these actions will get rid of some bed bugs quickly, but will not solve the problem without other intervention.
Heat Treatment – If your main concern is killing bed bugs fast, heat treatment may be a good option for you. Heat treatments can kill bed bugs in one day by a licensed pest control company. The affected room is heated to between 135°F (57.2°C) and 145°F (62.7 °C). Some experts believe the rising temperature in the room lures the bed bugs from the daytime hiding spots. When a bed bug (and bed bug eggs) reaches 122°F (50°C) they immediately die. A successful bed bug heat treatment requires a highly skilled technician. Mattress, furniture, drywall, and concrete are excellent insulators. If any bed bug refuge doesn’t quite make it to bed bug-killing temperature the treatment will fail.Likewise, too much heat can destroy electronics and sensitive items. The appointment for this service will take about 8 hours to complete. Although heat kills bed bugs quickly and efficiently, there is no residual effect.Unless a residual pesticide is applied in conjunction with the heat, any bed bug that may hitchhike from another part of the house can begin the infestation again.
Traditional Chemical Bed Bug Treatment – An insecticide-based treatment is a much more affordable option than heat treatment, but it does require patience. Bed bugs that are accessed directly during your treatment will die quickly. However, most of the time bed bugs contact the insecticide indirectly, meaning they walk on it during their evening search for a meal. Bed bugs only come out of hiding for a meal every 3-7 days. Most insecticides do not kill the bed bug eggs either. A follow-up pesticide application is may be necessary to kill the nymphs that have hatched from the eggs since the first application. The goal of this application is to kill the nymphs before they become adults that are capable of reproducing. Although chemical control for bed bugs is effective, it is not the fastest way to kill bedbugs.
Can You Get Rid of Bed Bugs on Your Own?
Yes, you can get rid of bed bugs on your own. With patience, perseverance, knowledge, and the right products, you can get rid of bed bugs without an exterminator. Do it yourself bed bug control can fit nicely into your budget and schedule, but it is a large undertaking. Be warned though, if you make mistakes during a DIY bed bug treatment you will find yourself in a cycle of continual treatment. This means you will spend quite a bit of money repurchasing pesticides and applying more pesticides to your bedroom and mattress than if you had called a professional. There are many products very cleverly marketed for bed bugs that will not solve your problem. As all DIY homeowners know, success is found in the planning and learning phase. Know the products you are purchasing and how and if they interfere with one another. Have realistic expectations, but with diligence and consistency, you can get rid of bed bugs yourself. Here are the steps we recommend if trying to get rid of bed bugs yourself.
Identify and Inspect for Bed Bugs by a service technician or DIY
Identify – If you are treating bed bugs yourself, you have to verify that what you are seeing is indeed a bed bug. Bed bugs are small, but they can be seen with the naked eye. Once you catch a specimen many counties offer extension services that can positively identify the specimen. Treating your sleeping area with pesticides without confirmation of active bed bugs can lead to unnecessary pesticide exposure.
Inspect – To successfully get rid of bed bugs yourself, you must know the locations and severity of the infestation. As a general rule, a recent infestation will be confined to areas in or around the bed. A severe infestation may have spread to other bedrooms or the living room. Use a bright flashlight and paint scraper or even a credit card to carefully inspect the tufts and seams of mattresses, turn the box spring and nightstand upside down, and carefully inspect all the cracks and crevices. Disassemble the headboard and bed frame checking carefully for live bedbugs, skins from molting nymphs, and blackish fecal spots. The edges of baseboards should always be closely examined as well. If an upholstered sofa or recliner is used for sleeping, check the folds of the fabric and underneath thoroughly.Once you have determined an active bed bug infestation and the severity and locations of the infestation, you need to order your chosen pesticides and prepare the room to get rid of bed bugs yourself.
Treatment – A successful Do It Yourself bed bug treatment will use a combination of a few different products. You will choose a product for the mattress, a product for cracks and crevices other than the mattress, and pesticide-based dust for around electrical outlets and other inaccessible areas. When deciding which products to use, ALWAYS READ THE LABEL. The label is the law. The allowable placement and application of each product are described on the product label. Most insecticides are not allowed to be applied to mattresses, but a few are. Some products leave a residual while others do not. Some products are fast-acting while others are not. We recommend encasing your mattress and box spring with a bedbug-proof cover to prevent future infestations. The key to a successful do-it-yourself bed bug treatment is you must be thorough. Leave no crevice in the room untreated.
Monitor – After you put your freshly laundered sheets back on your bed, you must still actively monitor and retreat. Bed bug eggs will hatch after about a week and they need to be killed so they do not become adults capable of reproducing. Place bed bug traps under the feet of your bed and furniture. Bed bug traps prevent bed bugs from crawling from the floor up into your bed or furniture, they also serve to monitor the infestation. Repeat the treatment every 7-10 days until there is no evidence of bed bugs in the home.
As Youtube has shown us, we can do anything, including getting rid of bed bugs ourselves. With thorough inspections and applications, and re-treatments as soon the need arises, expect 6-8 weeks to a bedbug-free home.
How To Get Rid of Bed Bugs Naturally
When treating a bed bug infestation, it is understandable to be concerned about the chemicals being sprayed on and near your bed. How to kill bed bugs naturally is a very common question with a somewhat complicated answer. Bed bugs are hard to kill; if the answer was as simple as spritzing lemongrass oil around your bed, the professional bed bug industry would not exist. A study conducted in 2018 found that professional pest control companies performed over 1 million bed bug exterminations in the United States with gross revenue of over $600 million. Bed bugs reproduce very quickly in the ideal environment of a temperature-controlled bedroom with a blood meal available nightly. A bed bug population can double every 16 days. They are small, elusive, and hide during the day, making it impossible to physically remove or kill every individual bed bug. Natural products like essential oils and other home remedies cannot kill bed bugs as quickly as they reproduce.
Home Remedies for Bed Bugs
There are many natural ways to kill bed bugs, some work, others do not. Completely getting rid of bed bugs naturally will take a combination of products and treatments. If you don’t eliminate the bed bugs, the infestation will continue and become more difficult to control. Before you attempt any natural home remedy for bed bugs remember that even “natural” and organic substances can cause skin irritations and reactions, especially if used in excessive quantities. We do not recommend using any products to kill bedbugs that are NOT approved by the EPA.
Vacuum – An easy and accessible way to naturally kill and remove bed bugs is with your vacuum cleaner. This will not eliminate your bed bug problem but helps to greatly reduce their numbers. Vacuum cracks and crevices including tufts, seams, zippers, and the trim of beds and upholstered furniture where bed bugs can hide. Be sure to throw away the vacuum bag outdoors to avoid spreading bed bugs to other areas of the house.
Steam – Bed bugs and their eggs die at 122°F (50°C). The high temperature of steam 212°F (100°C) immediately kills bed bugs. Apply steam slowly to the folds and tufts of mattresses, along with sofa seams, bed frames, and corners or edges where bed bugs may be hiding. Be careful though, steam may damage some finishes and keep steam away from electricity. Steaming every few days is a natural way to kill bed bugs, but may not provide 100% relief.
Protect Your Bed – It is not necessary or advisable to throw out your mattress at the first sign of bed bugs; the bed bugs will infest your new bed. Instead, invest in a bedbug-proof mattress and box spring encasement. These completely encase your mattress and the zipper is so small that even the smallest of nymphs can not escape. Bed bugs can neither come out of your bed to bite you, nor get into your mattress and box spring. Installing these natural bed bug barriers greatly helps in your fight against bed bugs.
Dryer Sheets – It is circulated online that rubbing dryer sheets on your bed and furniture will repel bed bugs. There is simply no data to support this. Bed bugs are drawn out from their hiding spots from the heat of our resting bodies and the CO2 we exhale. They will not choose to starve to avoid the scent of a dryer sheet.
Essential Oils – There are many essential oil recipes online claiming to repel bed bugs. If you have an infestation, you need to do much more than attempt to repel them; you need to kill them. Entomologists at Rutgers University have conducted experiments with various oils. In a pristine laboratory setting where the oils were directly applied to bed bugs, many of the essential oils had very low mortality rates in bedbugs. The oils with the greatest promise are silicone oil and paraffin oil. Researchers theorize that silicone oil and paraffin oil suffocated the bedbugs, but much more research is needed before this can be an effective home remedy for bedbugs.
Alcohol – Spraying alcohol on your mattress and furniture is not a natural remedy for bed bugs. Studies show that directly spraying a bed bug with rubbing alcohol will kill it only 50% of the time. Keep in mind the cryptic lifestyle of the bedbugs; they are congregating out of sight and out of reach when you are awake. They only become active at night. You can not get rid of bed bugs by only killing the ones you easily see walking across your bed. Besides, rubbing alcohol is a flammable material and could cause a fire hazard.
Ultrasonic Pest Repellers – The Journal of Economic Entomology published a study that tested whether bed bugs were either repelled or attracted by these ultrasonic noise devices. The study found that these devices had no impact on the bed bugs; they were neither attracted to nor repelled from the noise.
Natural Pesticides for Getting Rid of Bed Bugs
Silica Dust or Diatomaceous Earth – Diatomaceous Earth, or DE, is not a repellent but it is not a traditional pesticide. It is finely ground-up remains of fossils of small aquatic animals called diatoms. The skeletons of diatoms are made up of silica which has sharp edges. When bed bugs and other insects come into contact with the diatomaceous earth the sharp edges cause abrasions and cut the bed bug’s exoskeleton. Eventually, the bed bug dehydrates and dies. This natural dust can be spread around the perimeter of the room, in cracks and crevices, and the mattress and box spring. It kills bedbugs slowly, but it remains effective so long as it is left undisturbed.
Natural/Botanical Pesticides – Pesticide products must be registered with the EPA unless they are natural and generally regarded as safe. Natural or botanical pesticides receive a 25B registration from the EPA. There are many 25B products available marketed as natural bed bug treatments. They contain mixtures of plant oils and often have strong odors when applied. Because they are not tested by the EPA, the manufacturers are not required to show data that they work! Before buying any of these products you should look for independent laboratory testing to determine the efficacy. If you choose this route, please remember that even all-natural and organic products can cause skin irritations.
Aprehend™ – Aprehend™ is a natural biopesticide that has proven highly effective against bed bugs. It is comprised of Beauveria bassiana fungal spores. Beauveria bassiana is a natural fungus that is harmless to humans but causes disease in insects. Researchers at Penn State University developed a delivery method for applying these spores to surfaces to treat bed bugs. The formulation is applied with a proprietary sprayer and the spores remain dormant on the surface until a bed bug walks through them. The fungal spores attach to the bed bug’s skin and germinate after about 20 hours. After the spores germinate, the fungus gains access to the bed bug’s bloodstream and within 3-7 days the bed bug dies from a fungal infection.Research on Aprehend™ also suggests that bed bugs transfer the disease-causing spores to other bed bugs that have not yet come into contact with Aprehend™.Bed bugs live together in tightly packed harborages which facilitates the spread of the fungal spore. A significant advantage of Aprehend™ is the long-lasting residual effect.An Apprehend™ barrier remains active for up to 3 months if it is left undisturbed. An Aprehend™ bed bug treatment is a natural bed bug remedy that should be considered. Something like Ortho Home Defense Max may also work.
Natural Bed Bug Control with No Pesticide
There are natural ways to get rid of bed bugs without chemicals, however for the most part it requires the assistance of a licensed pest control company. These methods utilize specialized equipment and are not considered home remedies for bed bugs.
Cryonite Treatment – One way to kill bed bugs without using chemicals is by freezing them. A Cryonite machine converts liquid carbon dioxide into particles of dry ice. The dry ice snow comes out of the machine at -110°F. This treatment is non-toxic, contains no chemicals, and is effective for the bed bugs that it reaches. It is safe for most surfaces including electronics. This makes it useful for treating bed bugs inside of cars, trucks, trailers, and other vehicles where high heat or chemicals would not be recommended. However, as with all bed bug treatments with no chemicals, it provides no residual. Cryonite is not intended to be used as a stand-alone treatment. It should be used in conjunction with other bed bug elimination procedures such as mattress and box spring encasements, active monitoring and trapping, vacuuming, and if circumstances allow, a chemical treatment for a residual effect.
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What Is Cryonite?
Cryonite is the brand name of the newest bed bug treatment. It uses special equipment to turn liquid carbon dioxide (CO2, one of the same elements we breathe in and out) into dry ice particles, similar to snow.
A technician will then use a special nozzle to spray the dry ice on any surface where bed bugs may be. The dry ice has a temperature of approximately -110 degrees Fahrenheit, well below what bed bugs can withstand. It kills insects on contact and gets into the small crevices where bed bugs hide.
Benefits of Freeze Treatments for Bed Bugs
Insecticides have their place, and we still use them for many households or combine them with a heat or freeze treatment. But temperature based treatments tend to be more reliably effective, especially for severe bedbug infestations. Some of the many reasons that people appreciate temperature based treatments is that they involve no chemicals, and leave no residue behind, making them safe to use around your children and pets. Since many bed bug infestations are often centered around high contact areas like beds and sofas, avoiding chemical treatments on these surfaces can give you extra peace of mind.
Temperature treatments also have a greater success rate and reduce the chance that bed bugs will remain behind and enable the infestation to grow back.
Both heat and cold treatments are effective. But, when compared with heat treatments, Cryonite offers many additional advantages:
Less Costly – The equipment, power, and time needed to heat up an entire room is expensive and slow. Cryonite is targeted, so we can offer it at a fraction of the cost of heat treatments while providing the same results.
Adaptable to Your Space – Cryonite works well in larger spaces where it would be impossible to raise the temperature enough to kill bed bugs. With freeze treatments, we can easily get to every area where bed bugs are hiding around a room.
Safe for Belongings – As long as electronics are turned off, Cryonite will not cause any damage to them. It is also safe around furniture and other belongings. With heat, it is often necessary to take electronics out of the room first so the high temperatures do not melt delicate components. Bed bugs can hide in electronics as well, making cryonite more effective.
Faster – Depending on the size of the room to be treated, heat treatments can take more than 6 hours. Cryonite works immediately.
Cleaning Benefits – The freezing CO2 will also loosen dirt that may accumulate on surfaces. When you sweep up dead bed bugs after treatment, this dirt is easily swept up as well.
No Need to Leave Your Home – Since freeze treatments are targeted to a small area, your family and pets can stay at home throughout treatment. You can also use any treated rooms almost immediately.
All of these benefits make bed bug freezing treatments better for residential properties, as well as many commercial properties. Only when a bed bug infestation is severe and in a small space that can be heated – like a hotel room – does a heat treatment make more sense.
In most infestations, the benefits of Cryonite make it the method of choice, but our bed bug specialists are experienced in all of the various bed bug control methods, including heat treatments and traditional pesticide based treatments. After an inspection of your property, we can provide recommendations for which technique will be best. We are also excited to explain more about the benefits of Cryonite bed bug treatments and the science behind this method. If bed bugs have been biting or have become an irritation on your property, call Nextgen Pest Solutions to take advantage of the industry’s most advanced treatment methods.
Heat Treatment – Whole room heat treatments are a very effective natural bed bug treatment. A whole room bed bug heat treatment can be done by a Pest Management Professional in one day with specialized heaters. The room is monitored with temperature sensors then heated up to between 135°F (57.2°C) and 145°F (62.7 °C). If necessary, fans are strategically placed in the room to aid with the distribution of the heat. If done correctly, the slowly rising temperature lures the bed bugs from the nooks and crannies where they hide and instantly kill both the bed bugs and their eggs when the temperature reaches 122°F (50°C). If the room or a particular hiding place does not reach the target temperature the heat treatment can fail. This natural method of killing bed bugs can take 6-8 hours for the service. A whole room heat treatment offers no residual protection.A bed bug heat treatment is most successful when used with other bed bug elimination procedures such as mattress and box spring encasements, active monitoring and trapping, vacuuming, and if circumstances allow a chemical treatment for a residual effect. Without a chemical residual barrier, your room is not protected from a reintroduction of bed bugs.
How to Get Rid of Bed Bugs at Home
Many people choose to try and treat bed bugs themselves. While this can work for a time, often bed bugs will not be completely exterminated and will reappear and the infestation will grow. After multiple unsuccessful DIY treatments, we find that people often spend as much money on treating bed bugs themselves as if they had called a pest management professional early on. We recommend speaking to professional pest control companies and getting quotes for the service. Some companies even offer to finance a bed bug treatment. Successful bed bug treatments require a combination of multiple products, methods, and reapplication. If you choose to get rid of bed bugs yourself, take your time, treat thoroughly, and retreat as often as necessary until there are no signs of bed bugs for at least 30 days.
How To Get Rid of Bed Bugs In A Mattress
Live and dead bed bugs on the outside of a mattress
This image shows live and dead bed bugs both adult and nymphs. Some have recently fed on human blood and are darker.
When you realize you have a bed bug infestation, a very normal reaction is to want to toss your mattress and box spring out the front door. Unfortunately, that will not solve your problem. Bed bugs are not only living in your mattress and box spring, but they are also living in your furniture, behind your baseboards, and in your walls behind the electrical outlets. They congregate in small crevices and come out for a meal every 3-7 days. You have to treat not only your mattress but any other area where they may be hiding. With perseverance and the right tools, these tips can help get bed bugs out of your mattress.
Eliminate Bed Bugs on the Mattress – If you decide to use a chemical spray on your mattress, make sure you read the label. Most EPA registered pesticides are not labeled for mattresses at all. Many of the products that the EPA has allowed for mattress bed bug use are labeled for use on tufts and seams of the mattress only. They can not be used as a broadcast spray on your mattress. There are very few products that allow for a broadcast application to the mattress. You must read the label on any product you plan to use.You can successfully get bed bugs out of your bed by carefully vacuuming, steaming, or freezing (Cryonite treatment) bed bugs rather than applying a pesticide. After any treatment to your mattress, you should immediately encase it in a bed bug proof mattress encasement. By keeping pesticides off your sleeping surface, you limit your exposure to pesticides.
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Eliminate Bed Bugs from the Box Spring – A box spring has many nooks and crannies where bed bugs can hide. If your box spring has a fabric liner on the bottom, you will need to tear that off to fully access the underside of the box spring. Since your body does not come into contact with the box spring, you can be more liberal in applying chemicals to the box spring than the mattress. Of course, follow the label when treating your box spring with any chemical. In addition to chemicals sprays, you can vacuum, steam, or freeze any bed bugs that you can access. Once the box spring is dry, we recommend placing a bed bug proof encasement over it as well.
Insecticide Dust – In addition to spraying, steaming and vacuuming the mattress and box spring, you can apply insecticide dust as well. Dust products are great for hard-to-reach areas and last as long as they are undisturbed. There are great products on the market for bed bugs that are simply non-toxic silica dust. Silica causes abrasions on bed bugs’ exoskeleton eventually causing them to dehydrate and die. Carefully read the label on the silica product you choose, but generally, silica dust can be used to treat the interior joints of the bed frame, the tufts and folds of the mattress, and the interior framework of the box spring.Do not treat sleeping or contact surfaces with this dust as it can cause skin and lung irritations.Silica-based dust is a vital tool in treating a mattress and boxsprings for bedbugs but they should be reserved for inaccessible areas.
Encasement – Once you treat your mattress for bedbugs and the treatment is dry, we recommend encasing the mattress and box spring. A bed bug proof encasement fits tightly around the entire mattress and zips securely. Bed bugs can not get out of the mattress to bite you, and additional bed bugs can not get in to infest the bed. Once you carefully treat your mattress and box spring for bed bugs and securely encase them, you will not need to treat them again. Next, you may make the bed with freshly laundered sheets and blankets that have been dried on the highest dryer heat setting.If you chose not to encase the mattress and box spring, you should complete the treatment process every 7-10 days until there are no signs of bed bugs.
Trap and Monitor Bed Bugs – One of the most important parts of getting rid of bed bugs from your mattress, is monitoring bed bug activity to make sure they are 100% gone. The last step of treating your mattress and box spring for bed bugs is placing bed bug traps under the feet of the bed. These traps will capture and detain any bed bugs traveling across the floor attempting to get access to your bed. They also capture any bed bugs leaving your bed via the foot of your bed. Not only does this kill some bed bugs and prevent them from biting you, but bed bug traps also allow you to continually monitor the room for the presence of bed bugs.Treating your mattress and box spring for bed bugs is an important part of the bed bug removal process, but you must treat the other areas of the room as well.By integrating chemical treatments with encasements, and vigilant monitoring, you can save your mattress and box spring from bed bugs.
How To Get Rid of Bed Bugs In Furniture
Bed bugs are excellent hitchhikers and they can go months without a meal. Bed bugs can infest furniture, especially sofas and recliners where people tend to sleep, and bedside tables, and dressers. Be especially careful when bringing a used piece of furniture into your home, bedbugs can hide in the smallest of cracks in furniture. If you have bedbugs in your living room sofa or recliner that is usually a sign of a more severe infestation. With careful inspection and treatments, you can get rid of bed bugs in furniture; follow these tips to succeed.
Sofa and Chair – Sofas and chairs tend to get infested with bed bugs because people often go from their bed to a sofa or recliner to sleep. Understand that treating the sofa or recliner is a small part of the bed bug extermination process; you must treat the bed bugs’ daytime hiding places to achieve control. Getting rid of bed bugs from a couch or living room recliner is similar to getting rid of bed bugs from a mattress. Follow the steps listed above in the mattress section. You can start by using the finest attachment on your vacuum and vacuuming as many bed bugs as you can access. To get rid of bed bugs in a couch or upholstered chair, treat the furniture including the folds, pleats, and seams of the upholstery.If you choose a ready-to-use aerosol product make sure to use the crack and crevice straw that comes with it. This straw is a valuable tool for applying chemicals to the deep folds of the fabric where bed bugs like to hide. Give the furniture time to fully dry before applying insecticide dust for bed bugs to the inaccessible areas.If the dimensions of your couch or recliner allow for it, we highly recommend purchasing a bed bug proof encasement for your couch or recliner. If the design of your furniture allows for it, place bed bug traps/monitors under the feet of the sofa and recliner.By checking the traps to monitor the infestation, you will know and when you need to retreat. A heat chamber is also a viable bed bug treatment option for sofas and chairs (see below). With a thorough inspection, treatment, and monitoring you can get rid of bed bugs in your couch and recliner.
Bedroom Furniture – Research has shown that bed bugs prefer to congregate near the host (near your bed). They are attracted to the CO2 released from your exhalations as you sleep.As the bed bug infestation progresses there may not be enough room for them in your nightstand or headboard and they have to wander further. Bed bugs are very mobile. Getting rid of bed bugs in your bedroom furniture is an integral part of eliminating the infestation. The first step to getting rid of bed bugs in your furniture is to clear the clutter.You can use our bed bug prep list as a guide for this part of the process or watch our video that we send to our bed bug customers to help them prepare for a professional treatment:Anything that can be thrown away, should be sealed in a plastic bag, and taken immediately outside.Anything that can go through the laundry should be washed and dried on the highest heat possible. Carefully check laundry bins for bed bugs so you don’t accidentally spread them and make your problem worse. Vacuum the inside of drawers and the underside of the furniture with the finest crevice attachment you have. Immediately clean the vacuum bin outside or throw away the vacuum bag. Treat the inside of drawers and all the cracks and crevices with a residual spray.
Bed Bugs Between Bed Frame
Bed bugs between a bed frame and where it attaches to the headboard.
Pay special attention to the legs, posts, any casters or wheels, and where these pieces connect. You may have to disassemble some pieces of furniture to thoroughly treat for bed bugs. Apply insecticide dust if you are able and place traps or monitors under the feet of any furniture.
By regularly checking the traps you can monitor the infestation and confidently know when the bed bugs are out of your furniture.
Bedroom Accessories and Picture Frames – In a bed bug treatment much attention is given to your mattress and furniture, but bed bugs hide in your bedroom decorations and knick-knacks as well. Pest Management Professionals report that bed bugs seem to favor laying their eggs in the felt backing that is often found underneath lamps and behind picture frames. The cardboard matte often found inside of picture frames is another favorite bed bug hiding spot. The small tight joints of picture frames and lamps offer bed bugs a sense of security and easy access to your bed.Carefully inspect all picture frames and take them apart to clean and treat them if necessary. Attention to detail and thorough inspection and treatment as detailed above is the only way to get rid of bed bugs from furniture and beds.• Consider Using a Heat Chamber for Furniture – The design and construction of many types of furniture renders bed bug harborages inaccessible. If you can not access areas of the furniture to treat with chemicals, steam, vacuum, or Cryonite, consider a heat chamber. Heat chambers are available in various sizes.Some smaller ones are designed for homeowner use; they fit your luggage. Some pest control companies have larger heat chambers that they can put a piece (or multiple pieces) of furniture in. The heating chamber is then heated to a temperature at which bed bugs die. This is an excellent option for particularly difficult-to-access pieces of furniture.
How To Get Rid of Bed Bugs in Carpet
Bed bugs do not prefer to burrow and congregate in carpet, but they are very adept wanderers. If you see a bed bug walking on your carpet, they are more than likely traveling in search of a blood meal. Getting rid of bed bugs in the carpet is challenging because you can not simply spray a chemical on the carpet wall to wall. Pesticides that are labeled for use indoors usually have “crack and crevice” or “spot treatment (not to exceed 2 square feet)” on their label. For example, when you treat the room for bed bugs, you can spray the crevice where the baseboard meets the carpet. This is very commonplace for bed bugs to congregate. But, the label states that you can not apply the product to the entire floor. It is a violation of federal law to use pesticides in a manner other than how the label allows.
Vacuum – For getting bed bugs out of the carpet, your vacuum will be your best tool. Empty the room and slowly and methodically vacuum every square inch of carpet. Use the baseboard attachment to thoroughly clean the edge of the carpet. Immediately discard the bag from the vacuum or clean the canister with boiling water outside.
Steam – Heat kills bedbugs. You can rent or purchase a steam cleaner to get heat into the carpet. The steamer should emit steam of at least 212℉ to ensure the heat penetrates the carpet. Make very slow methodical passes with the steamer, one inch per second is the recommended speed to kill bedbugs.
Insecticide Dust – Please be cautious, dusts such as Silica dust and Diatomaceous Earth are only labeled for crack and crevice treatments. We can not recommend that you cover your carpet with these products as it goes against the label.
Laundering – You can get bed bugs out of a small area rug quite simply, wash it, and dry it on high heat. As part of a more complete bed, bug treatment protocol, thorough and regular vacuuming and steaming of carpets will get rid of bed bugs in your carpet.
How to Get Rid of Bed Bugs in Clothes
Frequent laundering of clothes and sheets will not get rid of a bed bug infestation on its own, but it is an important step in gaining 100% bed bug elimination. Washing and drying your clothes on high heat will kill any bed bugs in your clothing. By taking a few precautions, you can get rid of bed bugs and their eggs in your clothes.
Keep bed bug contaminated laundry separate. Place the laundry in a sealed plastic bag before taking it to the washing machine. You want to avoid spreading bed bugs to other areas of your home. Once you put the clothes in the washing machine throw away the plastic bag outside. Make sure you check the laundry bins for any bed bug stragglers.
Wash and dry on the highest heat setting your washer and dryer has. Bed bugs and their eggs are instantly killed when they reach 122℉.
Store the clean clothes in a sealed plastic bin while the bed bug infestation/treatment is ongoing.
If you have dry clean only clothes, talk to your dry cleaner. We recommend calling them and asking if they handle bed bug contaminated laundry and ask them their procedure for bringing it in. Dry cleaning can kill bed bugs but not because of the heat used in the dry cleaning process. The most common chemical used in dry cleaning is Perchloroethylene or PCE. Bed bugs exposed to PCE will die in the dry cleaning process.
How to Get Rid of Bed Bugs in Luggage
Bed bugs are frequently introduced into your home after a stay at a hotel or with a friend. Once you have fought a bed bug battle and won, you are pretty motivated to prevent a future infestation! Savvy travelers are becoming more aware of ways to prevent and get rid of bed bugs in their luggage. If you suspect you encountered bed bugs on a trip or want to prevent a bed bug infestation, follow these tips to get rid of bed bugs from your luggage.
Always inspect the mattress and headboard in a hotel room before bringing your luggage inside the room.
Never put your luggage on the bed in a hotel room; use the luggage rack for your baggage.
When you get home immediately place your luggage outside in the bright light so that you can see well. Place your clothes in a sealed plastic bag. Clothing should be placed directly from this sealed plastic bag into the laundry. Wash and dry on the highest heat settings available.
Use a flashlight to carefully and fully inspect your luggage for bed bugs. Check the seams, the folds, the pockets, and the zippers. Thoroughly vacuum every nook and cranny of the suitcase using a crevice tool. Make sure you dispose of the vacuum bag or thoroughly clean the vacuum canister outside. If you have a steam cleaner with a crevice attachment, steam clean all the edges, surfaces, cracks, and crevices. Move the steamer very slowly (1” per second) to ensure the bed bugs are killed. You can also use a scrub brush with hot soapy water along the seams and folds. If you are a frequent traveler consider purchasing a heat chamber. With a home heat chamber, you can quickly and easily heat luggage and its contents to a temperature that kills bed bugs and their eggs.
How to Get Rid of Bed Bugs Permanently
Getting rid of bed bugs permanently takes patience, thorough inspections, and often multiple treatments. Working with an experienced Pest Control Company that specializes in Bed Bug Treatments and incorporates the principles of IPM, or Integrated Pest Management, you can permanently get rid of your bed bug infestation. The IPM Institute of North America defines Integrated Pest Management as, “a sustainable, science-based, decision-making process that combines biological, cultural, physical and chemical tools to identify, manage and reduce risk from pests and pest management tools and strategies in a way that minimizes overall economic, health and environmental risks.” A quality pest control company implements IPM practices into their bed bug procedures to ensure you get rid of bed bugs safely and permanently. An IPM approach to bed bugs means low-risk pesticides will and should be used but in minimized amounts. IPM bed bug procedures recognize the value of vacuuming, steam, heat treatments, Cryonite or freeze treatments, trapping and monitoring to permanently get rid of bed bugs. Another foundation of effective IPM is communication with your PMP and customer education. Bed bug IPM relies on the homeowner to be vigilant in checking bed bug traps and communicating their findings to their Pest Management Professional. In turn, the PMP will ask questions and investigate how the infestation may have been introduced into your home. In determining the source of your bed bug infestation you can make adjustments to your routine and avoid a future bed bug infestation. Successful bed bug IPM requires a relationship with excellent communication between PMP and the homeowner; that is why your choice of pest control company is very important. Using these principles, you can get rid of bed bugs permanently.
How Exterminators Get Rid of Bed Bugs for Good
The best exterminators get rid of bed bugs for good by using a variety of methods. Bed bug elimination is never accomplished by simply spraying one time and expecting 100% elimination. The best approach includes an evaluation of the construction and structure of the room to be treated, the history of the infestation, and the customer’s concerns and expectations. There are many tools in an exterminator’s toolbelt for battling bedbugs, including chemical treatments, heat treatments, and steam, Cryonite or freeze treatment, and mechanical treatments such as vacuuming and laundering bedding, curtains, and clothing. You will see the best results when the various treatment tools are combined to attack the bed bugs from all sides. When interviewing potential pest control companies, ask direct questions about the bed bug treatment options. They should be able to answer your questions about how they incorporate IPM (discussed above) into their bed bug treatments. Professional exterminators get rid of bed bugs permanently because they utilize scientific advancements, biological understanding of bed bugs and their behaviors, technology with specialized equipment, and their years of dedicated experience.
Chemical Bed Bug Treatment – Pros and Cons
The most common bed bug treatment is a chemical treatment. Before your exterminator begins the treatment, you will be required to prepare the room for treatment. The pest control company will give you a prep sheet, but it includes things such as removing the bedding, clearing the clutter, emptying drawers, etc. During the treatment, your bed and headboard will be disassembled. Depending on the Pest Management Professional, or PMP, they should first utilize some form of non-chemical removal. Some Pest Management Professionals will just thoroughly vacuum the seams, tufts, and folds of your mattress and other areas where bed bugs are present. The goal here is to kill as many bed bugs initially, therefore, relying on pesticides less. For a more thorough initial kill, we recommend searching for a company that kills bed bugs with either extreme cold or extreme heat. Bed bugs and their eggs die immediately when exposed to extreme temperatures. By significantly reducing the population with either Steam (heat) or Cryonite (cold) before the chemical treatment, you set yourself up for success. The next step of chemical treatment is applying the chemical to areas where bed bug activity is present. By federal law, certain products can be applied to sleeping areas while others can not. Your PMP will utilize a low-risk pesticide that is labeled for mattresses, box springs, and the cracks and crevices of your bedroom furniture and baseboards as appropriate for your infestation. Bed bugs can hide in the smallest of cracks, so a slow and methodical approach should be used. This chemical will kill bed bugs after they come into contact with it. The product chosen by your PMP should be a residual insecticide. A residual insecticide means that it will remain effective where it is sprayed for weeks after it is applied. For example, if a bed bug egg hatches 1 week after your bed bug treatment and walks across the residual, it will die. Having an active residual is an extremely important feature of a successful bed bug treatment. The next step your exterminator will use to get rid of bed bugs is applying dust to inaccessible areas. The silica-based dust attacks bed bugs differently than the pesticide that was sprayed. This silica dust clings to the bed bug’s exoskeleton and absorbs its waxy coating. After about 14 days the bed bugs will die of dehydration. The dust may be placed in wall voids, behind electrical outlets, and along baseboards. Chemical treatments are the least expensive bed bug treatment option and are highly effective if performed carefully and thoroughly. They work best if combined with other measures such as mattress and box spring encasements and traps for monitoring. However, there are drawbacks to traditional chemical treatment. For severe infestations, a second or third chemical application is sometimes necessary. Research has shown that some bed bug populations have become resistant or immune to the chemicals being sprayed. With the resistance issue in mind, any chemical bed bug treatment should utilize multiple methods of extermination such as described in this article. In the last 20 years, bed bugs have emerged as a public health crisis. Much research has been conducted and innovative new chemicals and treatments have been brought to the marketplace that is proving highly successful against bed bugs.
Freeze (Cryonite) Bed Bug Treatment – Pros and Cons
Cryonite is a non-toxic bed bug treatment that kills pesticide-resistant bed bugs and their eggs by rapid freezing. Using specialized equipment, CO2 is transformed into cold, dry ice snow, and freezes the pests to death. The Cryonite machine sprays CO2 snow at -110º F. Cryonite leaves no residue, is safe to use in or near most electronics, and is non-chemical and non-toxic. Since chemicals are not used, there is no risk of experiencing chemical resistance. Cryonite treatments are especially popular in sensitive accounts such as schools, nursing homes, and hospitals. With specialized attachments, the operator can apply the -110º F snow deep into crevices. The CO2 snow penetrates the underside of the furniture, bedding, box springs, mattresses, freezing the bed bugs to death where they hide. The main benefit of Cryonite is that it is a pesticide-free bed bug treatment. However, that same benefit also becomes its major disadvantage. A Cryonite treatment alone leaves no residual protection against bed bugs. If a bed bug is reintroduced hours after a Cryonite treatment alone, it will not die. Cryonite is best used in conjunction with other treatment methods such as applying a residual spray and actively monitoring the infestation.
Heat Bed Bug Treatment – Pros and Cons
Whole house heat treatment is another non-chemical method professionals use to kill bed bugs. Bed bugs and their eggs die when exposed to temperatures of 122℉. With a conventional chemical bed bug treatment, you will wait weeks before the infestation is under control. If the heat treatment is done correctly, you can be bedbug-free that same day. The service takes approximately 8 hours and requires specialized heaters, fans, and temperature sensors. Your pest control technician will slowly heat the rooms of your house to a temperature of between 135°F (57.2°C) and 145°F (62.7 °C). Hot air rises; fans are used to circulate the air to ensure the entire room that they are treating inside the house reaches the bed bug killing temperature. A benefit of this treatment is you don’t have to seek out the bed bug hiding space and risk overlooking part of the infestation. All of the bed bugs exposed to this extreme heat will be killed. Heat treatments are a fast, effective non-toxic treatment for bed bugs, but they are not without shortcomings. Generally, a whole home heat treatment is the most expensive option for a bed bug treatment. Just as with a Cryonite bedbug treatment, heat treatments offer no residual against reinfestation. Most pest control companies highly recommend incorporating a residual spray, mattress and box spring encasements, and active monitoring in conjunction with heat treatment for maximum protection. While the vast majority of heat treatments are successful, sometimes heat treatments fail. What causes bed bug heat treatments to fail? Generally, heat treatments fail to 100% eliminate bed bugs because of technician error. Many factors go into deciding whether heat treatment is appropriate for the infested space. Heat treatments work better in small spaces with low ceilings. Concrete absorbs an enormous amount of heat which affects the heat distribution to other areas of the room. If these factors are not accounted for properly the room will not reach the temperature necessary to get rid of the bed bugs. Some researchers believe that the rising room temperature draws the bed bugs out of their hiding spots. However, it has been documented and observed that improper heat treatment can drive bed bugs further away, such as into the attic, making them much more difficult to treat.
Steam Bed Bug Treatment – Pros and Cons
Many professional pest control companies incorporate steam into their bed bug procedures. Most professional-grade steamers used by pest control companies emit steam at a temperature of greater than 212℉. Bed bugs and their eggs die at 122℉. The heat from the steam penetrates a few inches into soft surfaces like your mattress and box spring, cracks and crevices of furniture, and baseboards. Slow methodical passes with the steamer are necessary to effectively kill bed bugs; a 1” per second rate is recommended. Only bed bugs that are directly exposed to the steam will be killed. If steam is your only treatment method, it will have to be methodically performed multiple times until you go 30 days with no evidence of bed bugs. As with all other non-chemical bed bug treatments, a steam-only treatment offers no residual. You have no protection against future bed bug infestations with a steam-only treatment. Caution should be used with steam around electrical outlets, electronics, and it may damage the finish on some furniture. For these reasons, we recommend using steam in conjunction with a residual chemical treatment, mattress and box spring encasements, and placing traps/monitors under the legs of your furniture. As you now know from reading this article, there is more than one way to kill a bed bug. Each treatment method has pros and cons as described above. For the DIY up for a challenge, we hope we have provided you with fair and unbiased information to be successful. If you want to team up with professionals, we hope we have given you enough information to ask the right questions when you interview pest control companies. If you are located in Atlanta, Georgia, West Palm Beach, Florida, or the Tampa/Clearwater, Florida areas and would like a free estimate or have additional questions for our technical team, please call Nextgen Pest Solutions today at (866-498-1641. You can fill our form for a free quote, or chat with us live by clicking the chat bubble on this page. Our bed bug experts have experience eliminating bed bugs and would be happy to walk you through the process. Through customer education and IPM best practices, we have helped hundreds of people get rid of bed bugs from apartments, single-family homes, hotels, cars, and offices.
Why is Cryonite is Better Than Heat for Your Bed Bug Treatment? Bed bugs are survivors. Once you have bed bugs, they are not easily removed, and cannot be eliminated with DIY methods alone. Even insecticides from professional pest control companies are not always enough to eliminate them. Bed bugs can build up a chemical resistance, making them immune to some of the common treatments. If bed bugs are well hidden, traditional treatments may not be able to reach them at all. Because bed bugs are do difficult to eliminate, pest control companies like Nextgen may choose to use treatments that involve temperature. Bed bugs cannot develop a resistance to heat or cold, making it an effective solution for both bed bugs and their eggs. At Nextgen Pest Solutions, we offer two types of temperature-based treatments for bed bugs:
How Do You Use Baking Soda to Kill Bed Bugs Fast, and From Your Entire Home
Heat Treatments
Freeze Treatments Heat treatments have been around for years, and have been successful for treating bed bugs at certain types of properties. But, typically, our recommended bed bug treatment is Cryonite, also called freeze treatment. Most of the time, it is Cryonite, not heat treatments, that is best for your property.
Can Salt Kill bed bugs?
No one wants to have pests, but some are worse than others. When it comes to pest species you may find sharing your house with you, bed bugs are one of the worst. These tiny parasites feed only on blood, and they prefer human blood to any other kind. To get that blood, they bite and leave you with itchy welts – that’s what makes them so annoying.
Bed bugs have been a fact of life for thousands of years. However, back in the mid-twentieth century, they almost vanished. They became so rare that many people lived their whole lives without ever encountering one. That all changed in the last few years of the 20th and the first few years of the 21st centuries. Bed bugs made an astonishing recovery worldwide, to the point that they have created a $650 million a year industry in the US alone.
With all this money devoted to bedbugs, it’s not surprising that people are forever trying to come up with new methods to treat them. The chemicals and heat treatments that are traditionally used to kill bed bugs can be expensive and take time to work.
bed bugs on mattress
If you just found a few bed bugs, you’re probably scrambling around your house for a remedy and have found yourself with a salt shaker asking yourself, “can salt kill bed bugs”?
Does Salt Kill Bed Bugs?
Unfortunately, regular table salt will not kill bed bugs.
Salt can be effective at killing creatures such as slugs by causing them to dry out. However, bed bugs are built differently. Their bodies are supported by a hard shell or exoskeleton made of chitin, the same material crab shells are made of.
Salt can’t get past this exoskeleton to dehydrate the bedbugs internally. Grains of salt are just too big to cause problems for bed bugs.
Does Epsom Salt Kill Bedbugs?
You may see online articles claiming that Epsom salts will kill bed bugs. Epsom salts, sometimes also called bath salts, dissolve more easily in water than table salt will. Therefore, some people think it may be more effective at dehydrating bedbugs. However, this is not the case – epsom salt will not kill bed bugs.
In fact, Epsom salts are not really salt at all but are a naturally occurring mineral combining magnesium and sulfate. Just like regular salt, Epsom salts won’t harm the chitinous exoskeleton of the bedbugs and therefore won’t dehydrate them.
Also, it’s important to remember that bedbugs only eat blood. Therefore they won’t consume the salt and be poisoned by it either.
Does A Salt Water Spray Kill Bedbugs?
You might think that dissolving salt and water would help to make it effective against bedbugs. It certainly makes it easier to apply to the places where bed bugs hide, such as seams along the mattress and cracks and crevices in your furniture. However, saltwater doesn’t harm bed bugs either!
Dissolving salt in water doesn’t make it any more effective at damaging the bedbug’s shell, which is what you need to do if you want to dehydrate them. Therefore, don’t rely on saltwater to solve your bedbug problems.
Does Salt Repel Bedbugs?
If salt doesn’t kill bedbugs, maybe you’re hoping it can help keep them away. Unfortunately, that’s not really true, either.
Bedbugs are attracted by the carbon dioxide we breathe out. Other smells don’t particularly interest them or repel them. They will live in both dirty and clean environments and aren’t much affected by the smell of salt or anything else.
There’s nothing special about salt that will drive bedbugs away. If you used enough of it, you could create a barrier that bedbugs would find difficult to cross. However, that’s true of any granular or dustlike material. When it comes to repelling or even killing bedbugs, there are far better options to kill bed bugs than salt available.
What Does Kill Bedbugs?
If you’re disappointed to find that salt isn’t an effective bed bug killer, don’t worry. There is a substance that can be used in the same way that is also great at killing bedbugs.
It’s called diatomaceous earth and it kills bed bugs. Like salt, diatomaceous earth is a naturally occurring mineral. But unlike salt, it’s able to kill bed bugs that come into contact with it.
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Diatomaceous earth (also called “DE”) does this by piercing and cutting their hard exoskeletons. Diatomaceous earth comes in the form of a fine powder that appears soft and smooth, but viewed at a microscopic level, it is made up of tiny points and sharp edges.
It’s fine enough that bedbugs will crawl right over it, but it will scratch up their exoskeleton. This allows water to escape their body, causing the bed bugs to dehydrate and die. While salt crystals are too large to do this, diatomaceous earth’s structure is perfect for the job.
It’s important to note that diatomaceous earth does not repel bed bugs (when applied properly) and you don’t want it to. You want them to crawl over it and get scratched up by it so that they dehydrate. If the bed bugs avoid the DE and walk around it instead, that defeats the purpose of it!
The best way to use diatomaceous earth is as a perimeter treatment in a room where you have bedbug problems. You can use a duster or a small paintbrush to apply it to cracks and crevices, such as underneath baseboards and in wooden furniture.
Resist the temptation to think that more is better and apply it in deep piles. You want only a faint dusting that can just about be seen with the naked eye. Bed bugs won’t crawl through a deep pile of dust, but they will walk over a light coating, and that’s what kills them.
Diatomaceous earth is safe to use. You can even get food grade diatomaceous earth which is added to animal feed, and some people consume it for its health effects. However, because it’s so fine, it’s a good idea to wear a painter’s mask while applying the dust so that you don’t breathe it in.
Diatomaceous earth is a great option for a natural substance that kills bed bugs. However, no method of bed bug eradication is perfect. Diatomaceous earth is great at creating a perimeter barrier that kills bed bugs that try to cross it. But it doesn’t kill the eggs and can’t be applied to mattresses, which is often where bedbugs live. So diatomaceous earth is best used as part of a wider treatment program that targets both adult bed bugs and their eggs. A combination of targeted heat, chemicals, and diatomaceous earth is a good way to solve any bedbug problem.
How do you make homemade bed bug killer?
Does the thought of bedbugs give you the creeps? Same! You never think that dealing with an infestation of bedbugs can happen to you, until it does. Today we’re going to talk about how to make homemade bedbug spray (in case it happens to you) and how to prevent bedbugs from spreading.
How to make bed bug spray
HOW DO YOU GET BEDBUGS?
It’s important to know that you could be the cleanest person in the world and still get bedbugs. An infestation of bedbugs doesn’t just happen to houses or places that are dirty. Think of the last time you bought a used piece of furniture or article of clothing from a second hand store.
Chances are, these little buggers got into your house through something you purchased.
“How can bed bugs get into my home? They can come from other infested areas or from used furniture. They can hitch a ride in luggage, purses, backpacks, or other items placed on soft or upholstered surfaces. They can travel between rooms in multi-unit buildings, such as apartment complexes and hotels.”
Source Department of Health NY
See? It’s not you. They hitchhike!
Well now that we know where they come from and how they got in, let’s talk about how to prevent bedbugs from spreading and how to make homemade bedbug spray.
DEALING WITH AN INFESTATION OF BEDBUGS
Needless to say, it won’t be pretty. It’s time consuming and frustrating but you must be diligent in cleaning the entire house and all your belongings. Make sure that all the other members of the family understand how serious this problem is and that they do their part in cleaning their rooms and things.
I would advise against inviting people over to the house until the infestation of bedbugs is completely obliterated. Remember they are hitchhikers! It only takes one person who sits on the couch and one bedbug to attach to them to spread these buggers!
HOW TO PREVENT BEDBUGS FROM SPREADING
Here are a few simple tips to help you prevent bedbugs from spreading and then we’ll move on to the homemade bedbug spray.
Keep your living space clean and free of clutter-(keep in mind these little guys can also nest in your living room furniture and carpets, not just your bed).
Vacuum often (carpets and furniture) and make sure to clean out your vacuum filter/bag too!
Refrain from buying used furniture or clothing (at least for a while)
Use a washable mattress cover if possible
If traveling, store your clothes in vacuum sealed bags
Use essential oils liberally (more on this later)
Depending on how bad your infestation of bedbugs is, you may or may not have to call in the professionals.
There is so much to know about bedbugs and so many different ways to kill, prevent and treat them. This article from scientificamerican.com dispels 10 myths about bedbugs. It has some interesting information in there you should know.
Supplies to make bed bug spray
HOW TO MAKE HOMEMADE BEDBUG SPRAY
I’m going to share three different natural remedies for bedbugs with you:
Bedbug spray with alcohol
Bedbug spray with essential oils, and
Dryer sheets for bedbugs
All three techniques are super easy, made with things you probably already have on hand, affordable and effective.
First I’ll show you how to make homemade bedbug spray with alcohol. Two simple ingredients and bedbugs be gone!
Rubbing alcohol
Water
Spray bottle
Mix equal parts of water and rubbing alcohol and spray all the areas the nasty little critters are hiding and have made their new home. This will stop them from spreading and laying eggs.
Step by step instructions to make homemade bed bug spray
Can it get any easier than that?
Sure can. With dryer sheets! While the dryer sheets don’t actually kill them, they work very well in repelling them.
Simply take your dryer sheets and tuck them in the sheets in all 4 corners of your bed. Place them anywhere you have furniture throughout the house to keep them buggers away. You can also wipe down the items in your house with the dryer sheet.
Dryer sheet tip! Instead of throwing them out too soon, spray them with essential oils and place them wherever bedbugs are hiding. This brings us to the last of the natural remedies for bedbugs, essential oils.
An interesting FYI for you: essential oils have been used since 4500 BC. The ancient Egyptians made ointments and cosmetics from essential oils. These oils not only have healing properties but are powerful in keeping away critters of all kinds, even bedbugs.
Blue spray bottle spraying mattress with solution.
HOW TO USE ESSENTIAL OILS FOR BEDBUGS
There are a few different types of essential oils that can be used to stop the spread of bedbugs.
Peppermint Oil- This is one of the most effective oils in repelling all critters, including bedbugs. A lovely fresh crisp scent, you won’t mind spritzing this to keep the bugs at bay.
Tea Tree Oil- This oil has amazing strength best known for its healing properties for all skin ailments. Its strong smell will repel bugs instantly.
Lavender Oil- While we love lavender oil for its soothing scent and the way it seems to calm us down, it’s also pretty darn good at repelling bedbugs.
Eucalyptus Oil- Who doesn’t love the smell of fresh eucalyptus? This oil is fantastic for keeping bedbugs (and other critters) away.
Since each of these oils do their jobs well, it’s up to you to decide which fragrance you prefer and don’t mind smelling in your house all day. I’m a huge fan of lavender and eucalyptus.
Don’t be afraid to mix your favourite ones and come up with your own blend!
Fill a spray bottle with water and add about 30 drops in total of whichever oil you decide to use. Liberally spray the items in your house, your bed, your carpet and anywhere else you think bedbugs are hiding.
Another tip! You can also add some alcohol to this mixture for an extra dose of prevention.
Whichever homemade bedbug spray you decide to use, I hope you get them under control and make sure they know they are not welcome to come back!
Can you leave baking soda on a mattress?
Baking soda is a simple but versatile cleaning agent that can remove odors on furniture effectively. Sprinkling just a bit of baking soda on your bed can reduce any smells and keep it clean. Start by stripping the bed and then applying the baking soda. You can then vacuum up the baking soda once it has done its job so you are left with a clean, fresh smelling bed.
Part
1
Preparing the Bed
Image titled Clean a Bed with Baking Soda Step 011
Remove the bedsheets and wash them in the washing machine. Start by stripping the bed of any sheets, blankets, or duvets. Put the bedding in the washing machine and clean them with detergent on the hottest water setting to kill germs.[1]
You should then dry them on the high heat setting to ensure there are no germs or bacteria on them.
Image titled Clean a Bed with Baking Soda Step 022
Vacuum up any dirt, dust, or debris on the surface of the mattress. Use the upholstery attachment on your vacuum or a powerful handheld vacuum. Make sure the nozzle is clean, as you do not want to transfer any debris onto the mattress. Vacuum the crevices, seams, and folds in the mattress to remove any surface dirt or dust.[2]
Make sure you also vacuum the sides of the mattress, as dirt and dust can collect in this area as well.
Image titled Clean a Bed with Baking Soda Step 033
Apply spot cleaner on any stains on the mattress. Use upholstery cleaner or make your own by mixing 1 teaspoon (4.9 ml) mild dish detergent and 1 cup (240 ml) of water in a spray bottle. Apply the spot cleaner to any stains and dab the area with a wet cloth.[3]
Most stains that are protein-based, like sweat, urine, and blood, should come off with a regular spot cleaner. Stains like red wine or coffee may be more difficult to remove and require stronger spot cleaner.
Part
2
Applying the Baking Soda
Image titled Clean a Bed with Baking Soda Step 041
Sprinkle 1-3 cups (208-624 g) of baking soda on the mattress. Give the mattress a liberal dusting of baking soda, especially if it has not been cleaned in awhile or has a strong smell. Cover the entire surface of the mattress with an even layer of baking soda.[4]
If there is a particular area that has a strong smell, sprinkle more baking soda on it to neutralize it.
Image titled Clean a Bed with Baking Soda Step 052
Put the mattress in direct sunlight. Moving the mattress next to a window that gets direct sunlight is ideal, as the heat from the sun can help the baking soda work more effectively.[5]
If you really want the baking soda to kick into high gear, you can place the mattress outside in direct sunlight. Make sure there is no rain the forecast so the mattress does not get wet overnight.
Image titled Clean a Bed with Baking Soda Step 063
Let the baking soda sit for 24 hours. Give the baking soda time to settle in and do its job. Keep others away from the bed so it is not disturbed. Make arrangements to sleep elsewhere for the night so the baking soda can sit.[6]
Part
3
Vacuuming up the Baking Soda
Image titled Clean a Bed with Baking Soda Step 071
Use the upholstery attachment on your vacuum. This attachment will be powerful enough to remove the baking soda without damaging the surface of the mattress.[7]
You can also use a handheld vacuum with a smaller attachment head.
Image titled Clean a Bed with Baking Soda Step 082
Remove the baking soda with the vacuum. Make sure you run the vacuum over the seams and crevices in the mattress to ensure all the baking soda is removed.[8]
3
Flip the mattress over and repeat the process. Once you’ve finished the top of your mattress, flip it upside-down and clean the other side. Sprinkle another 1-3 cups (208-624 g) of baking soda and let it sit in the sun for 24 hours. Vacuum up the baking soda when you’re finished your mattress is completely cleaned.
Image titled Clean a Bed with Baking Soda Step 094
Clean the bed with baking soda 1-2 times a year. Get in the habit of cleaning your bed with baking soda so it stays fresh and odor-free. Do a clean with baking soda at the beginning and end of the year so dirt and dust does not build up on the surface of your bed.[9]
Community Q&A
Question
Can I leave baking soda on my mattress?
Drew Hawkins1
Drew Hawkins1
Community Answer
While it won't really hurt your mattress, you probably want to remove the baking soda so it doesn't get everywhere. Besides, after about 24 hours, the baking soda will have absorbed all of the odors it can. It's also super easy to remove. Take a vacuum cleaner and use an upholstery attachment to suck up the baking soda without damaging the mattress. You could also use a handheld vacuum if you have one. Make sure you run the vacuum over the seams and crevices in the mattress to ensure all the baking soda is removed.
Not Helpful 1Helpful 4
Question
What happens when you pour baking soda on your bed?
Drew Hawkins1
Drew Hawkins1
Community Answer
Baking soda naturally absorbs moisture and odor-causing particles. That makes it a great natural cleaner for your mattress. Take 1-3 cups (208-624 g) of baking soda and sprinkle it liberally over the entire surface of your mattress, especially if it hasn't been cleaned in a while or has a stong smell. Leave the baking soda to sit for a full 24 hours to work it's magic. While it sits, the baking soda will get rid of smells by drawing out dirt and moisture. You can then vacuum it up to leave your mattress clean and smelling fresh.
Not Helpful 3Helpful 6
Question
How long do you leave baking soda on mattress?
Drew Hawkins1
Drew Hawkins1
Community Answer
It depends on how bad the mattress smells or how long it's been since it was cleaned. Mattresses collect dust, dust mites, and odors easily, so they need to be cleaned regularly. Baking soda is a really simple and effective cleaning agent for mattresses. Sprinkle enough baking soda over your mattress to cover it in an even layer. For minor odors, leave the baking soda to sit for at least half an hour. However, the longer you leave it, the more it absorbs moisture and odor-causing particles. In fact, you can leave it for a full 24 hours for the best results. Then, use an upholstery attachment or a handheld vacuum cleaner to vacuum up all of the baking soda, leaving your mattress clean and refreshed.
Does vinegar and baking soda kill bed bugs?
Bed bugs are a frustrating parasite as they’re difficult to kill off. Not everybody has the budget to hire a professional pest control expert. Furthermore, many people are cautious about using chemical insecticides in their home, around children and pets. But can baking soda and vinegar kill bed bugs?
Baking soda doesn’t have any insecticidal properties. Making a difference to your bed bug infestation is unlikely. Vinegar, on the other hand, could kill bed bugs on contact, as long as it’s strong enough. However, it’s unlikely to eradicate an infestation on its own.
Let’s look into this topic in more detail. We’ll explore whether baking soda and vinegar have any insecticidal properties, and how you can use them. We’ll also recommend some alternatives.
Table of Contents: [show]
Why Use Baking Soda or Vinegar for Bed Bugs?
Usually, when you’ve got a bed bug problem, the advice you’ll receive is “call an exterminator!” Exterminators use potent insecticides and extreme heat-treatment to rid a home of bed bugs.
While this may be the most sure-fire way of tackling an infestation of bed bugs, it isn’t realistic for everyone. Some people may choose not to call an exterminator because:
They’re expensive. If you only have a small problem in one room, it could cost as little as $300. But for a large, highly-infested house, it could set you back up to $10,000. Though different exterminators will charge different amounts, it will be somewhere in this region. Simply put, a lot of people don’t have this kind of money.
You may have to leave your home. Many companies require you to vacate the property while they carry out the work. This is because of the intensive nature of the extermination process. Fumigation and heat-treatment can render the home unlivable for a short while.
There’s no guarantee it will work. A lot of bed bug exterminator companies only provide a 30-day guarantee. After that, if the bed bugs come back, you have to shell out the cash again. Many people aren’t willing to take that risk with such a large amount of money.
Of course, you can always purchase insecticides and do the work yourself. However, some people are hesitant to use such harsh chemicals in their home.
Many of them are toxic to pets, according to the ASPCA. Their Animal Poison Control Centre receives around 30,000 calls a year related to insecticides. The Centers for Disease Control has also warned about the dangers of bed bug pesticides, especially around children.
How to Kill Bed Bugs With Household Items
So, it’s no wonder that many people prefer to use natural methods for getting rid of bed bugs. But do baking soda and vinegar work? Let’s find out.
Does Baking Soda Kill Bed Bugs?
Baking soda (also called sodium bicarbonate) is a type of naturally occurring salt. Its chemical formula is NaHCO3. It resembles a fine, white powder, and has many household uses, ranging from cooking to cleaning.
Interestingly, according to the scientific journal Plant Disease, baking soda is antifungal. It can inhibit the growth of mold and other fungi. However, there is no scientific evidence demonstrating that it has insecticidal (bug-killing) properties. Some people claim it’s worked, but they provide no proof.
The theory behind baking soda as an insecticide appears to stem from the idea that it can dehydrate bed bugs, causing them to die. However, we couldn’t find any scientific evidence of that. It doesn’t appear on Wikipedia’s list of desiccants (drying agents). If it does absorb some moisture, it likely isn’t powerful enough to kill an insect.
There is also a theory that baking soda could be toxic to bed bugs if ingested. However, bed bugs purely feed on blood and do not drink water or eat other substances. Their mouthparts are specialized for piercing the skin and drawing blood. They would have no inclination, and would not be able to consume baking soda.
does vinegar kill bed bugs on contact?
The verdict? As far as we’re concerned, baking soda cannot kill bed bugs. If you’d like to try using it, it probably won’t do your home any harm. However, we can’t vouch for its efficacy.
Does Vinegar Kill Bed Bugs on Contact?
So, baking soda probably won’t do any good. But what about vinegar? Is it similarly ineffective, or could it have some merit as an insecticide?
Vinegar is a mild acid with a pungent smell and sour taste. Its primary ingredients are water and acetic acid, an organic compound. There are many types of vinegar, some of which are used for cooking and others for cleaning. Most household vinegars are typically less than 5% acetic acid, according to Penn State University.
There is some research that demonstrates acetic acid’s potency as a pesticide. According to the United States Department of Agriculture, vinegar effectively kills many known weeds.
The higher the percentage of acetic acid, the more effective it is. According to Pesticide Action Network North America, acetic acid kills plants, microbes, and fungi. It’s also corrosive, toxic to aquatic life, and even to humans at high strengths.
So, taking the above into consideration, we can reasonably conclude that acetic acid would kill bed bugs. However, vinegar is not pure acetic acid – it’s a very watered-down version. It’s unlikely that household cooking vinegar would do much harm.
For killing bed bugs, the stronger the vinegar used, the more effective it will be. Search for a “cleaning” or “weed killing” vinegar, with a high percentage of acetic acid.
Some cleaning vinegars reach up to 30%. These are available to buy online and may be your best shot at killing bed bugs with vinegar.
Does Vinegar Repel Bed Bugs?
So, we’ve now established that vinegar probably does kill bed bugs on contact. For the most reliable results, you’re going to need vinegar with a high percentage of acetic acid.
It’s clear that in answer to the question “do bed bugs like vinegar?”, the answer is no. They’d much rather avoid coming into contact with it. But does vinegar deter bed bugs from coming back?
Because vinegar is a pungent acid, bed bugs will attempt to run away from areas where you’re applying it. This is a good thing and a bad thing.
On the plus side, it means that they’ll avoid any areas where they can detect vinegar. So, your mattress will remain bed bug-free as long as you continue to use vinegar on it.
However, while you’re using the vinegar, the bed bugs may run and hide somewhere out of reach. Once you stop using the vinegar, they’ll come back. As it’s a contact killer, the vinegar will only kill the bugs that it touches directly. It’s unlikely to get rid of an infestation completely.
What are the Disadvantages of Using Vinegar for Bed Bugs?
Now that you know how vinegar could help with your bed bug infestation, we’ll now look at the downsides. Unfortunately, vinegar isn’t a magic bullet – there are some disadvantages to it. Let’s go over what these are.
It Doesn’t Work on Eggs
Parasitical and other insect eggs are notoriously difficult to kill. According to a study in Insecticides Resistance, insect eggshells comprise multiple, almost impossible-to-penetrate layers. They work as a very effective barrier against insecticides.
Though strong vinegar may kill adult bed bugs, it’s not likely to have any effect on their eggs. A study by the Journal of Economic Entomology found that even some of the most effective chemical insecticides struggle to prevent bed bug eggs from hatching. As soon as the eggs hatch, you’ll have a new generation of bed bugs to deal with.
It’s Smelly
Vinegar is hardly a smell that you’d want lingering around your home. It’s a strong, acidic, offensive smell which easily permeates a room. The industrial-strength acetic acid that you’d need to kill bed bugs smells even stronger than cooking vinegar.
And of course, a few drops won’t solve the problem. You’d need to douse your furniture, carpets, mattress, and bed linens in vinegar for it to take any effect.
Not only is the smell strong and unbearable for many people, but it’s also long-lasting. It will take a long time to rid your home of the vinegar smell after you’re done.
It May Damage Furniture
Vinegar, as you know by now, is an acid. Though many people use vinegar to clean parts of their home – such as mirrors – it can damage other furnishings. Even low-strength or diluted vinegar can cause trouble.
As you’d be using highly-concentrated cleaning vinegar, the danger is even more substantial. Vinegar can damage wood, stone, ceramic, marble and granite. If you’re going to be dousing your home with it, be careful. Although it may get rid of bed bugs, it may cause lasting damage to your home. It may be best to leave the vinegar for beds, couches, and upholstery.
High-strength vinegar can also damage the skin if used neat (undiluted). You’d need to use adequate protection to ensure you don’t get any on yourself. Incidentally, some people do use vinegar for bed bug bites (though this is low-strength cooking vinegar, such as apple cider vinegar).
It Won’t Work for Large Infestations
Vinegar doesn’t have a residual effect on bed bugs. It only kills the bugs that directly come into contact with it. Once the vinegar evaporates away, what’s left won’t have any effect.
Simply being in the vicinity of vinegar isn’t going to kill a bed bug. Nor is walking across an area which was doused in vinegar a week ago. A bug that manages to escape the vinegar, and hides out somewhere safe, will continue to live and breed.
According to a report by Virginia Tech and Virginia State University, female bed bugs lay between 1-7 eggs per day and can lay them anywhere. Consequently, populations can double every 16 days.
For this reason, vinegar isn’t a viable solution for a large infestation. It’s too difficult to apply vinegar into all the tiny nooks and crannies of your house or apartment. If there’s somewhere bed bugs could hide, they’ll take advantage of it. They breed too quickly for vinegar to be your only weapon.
How to Make Homemade Bed Bug Spray with Vinegar
Even though vinegar may not be a perfect solution, it can control the bedbug population somewhat and is worth a try. If you’d like to try using vinegar for your bed bug problem, here’s how to go about it.
First, acquire some high-strength cleaning vinegar. Remember, the higher the percentage of acetic acid, the more effective it will be. Try to find a 20% or 30% strength brand, if you can.
Next, fill an empty spray bottle with the vinegar. Simple spray bottles are available at stores such as Dollar Tree, and also online. To start with, use 1 part vinegar to 2 parts water. If this isn’t effective, increase the amount of vinegar.
Before spraying the affected item – such as the bed or couch – soak the area around it. Focus on and underneath baseboards, doors, and under furniture. Spray anywhere that the bed bugs may run and attempt to hide. Once the bugs smell the vinegar, they’ll attempt to get away. You want to make sure that if they try to run away, they’ll run into more vinegar. Leave no crack or crevice un-sprayed.
Next, douse the infested furniture completely with the vinegar spray. Make sure you don’t leave any area of the mattress (or couch, or whatever you’re spraying) dry. Remember, the vinegar will only be effective if the bed bugs haven’t got anywhere to hide.
Finally, repeat steps 3 and 4 on any other areas of your home that you believe bed bugs are living. This could include additional beds and couches, chairs, carpets and soft furnishings such as drapes.
Because it doesn’t kill bed bug eggs when these eggs hatch you’ll need to repeat your vinegar treatment. For the best results, spray your entire home at least once per week.
Remember to wear a respirator and eye goggles when working with high-strength vinegar. Also, be sure not to get any on your skin, as it could cause burns.
What Can I Use to Kill Bed Bugs Instead?
If you’re not sold on using vinegar or baking soda for your bed bug infestation, we don’t blame you. If you’ve tried it, but it hasn’t worked, that’s also not particularly surprising. After all, scientific evidence of their efficacy is severely lacking.
Baking soda likely doesn’t have any insecticidal properties. And though very strong vinegar might kill bed bugs on contact, it’s not enough to rid you of a large infestation.
However, that doesn’t mean that you need to turn to chemical insecticides. There are other natural methods of controlling bed bugs. Either alone, or alongside vinegar, you can try the following.
How to Get Rid of Bed Bugs in 4 Easy Steps
vinegar and bed bug removal
High Heat
Bed bugs don’t get on very well with heat. A study in the Journal of Economic Entomology found that exposing bed bugs to temperatures of 60 degrees Celsius (140 degrees Fahrenheit) killed them, at all stages of the life cycle.
They did this by washing infested bedding. Tumble-drying infested items on a hot cycle for at least 30 minutes had a similar effect. If you do this, make sure to keep your freshly washed and dried items away from the infestation afterward.
As well as washing your infested bed linens and clothes on a high heat, you can also steam-clean your mattress. If all else fails, have your house heat-treated for bed bugs. This is a more thorough treatment, involving heating your entire home to kill all bed bugs living there. You’ll have to call a professional to arrange this, though. It can also be quite expensive.
Rubbing Alcohol
Many people find rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol) to be effective at killing bed bugs.
Like vinegar, this involves spraying the bugs and waiting for them to die. It’s another contact killer, meaning you’d have to target the bugs directly in order for it to have any effect. The stronger the alcohol, the better the results will be.
Unfortunately, like vinegar, it also isn’t that effective for large infestations. Not only that, but a study by Rutgers University in New Jersey found that rubbing alcohol is only about 50% effective. In their study, they sprayed bedbugs with rubbing alcohol, and about half were alive four days later.
Vacuuming
Something as simple as vacuuming can’t possibly be effective against a bed bug infestation, can it?
Surprisingly, research suggests that it is. A case study published in Professional Pest Manager found that vacuuming can “rapidly decrease insect numbers.”
Not only that, but high-power vacuum cleaners can also remove eggs. After vacuuming, make sure to remove the inner bag and seal it inside a plastic bag before throwing it away.
It’s usually a good idea to pair vacuuming with another treatment, such as heat treatment. Vacuum cleaners aren’t able to reach inside all the little cracks and crevices where the bugs may hide.
Diatomaceous Earth
Though you may not have heard of it, diatomaceous earth is a popular product for controlling bed bugs. It’s a naturally-occurring, soft sedimentary rock, made from fossilized sea creatures called diatoms. It’s non-toxic, though dangerous when inhaled.
According to a study in the Journal of Stored Products Research, diatomaceous earth is a known insecticide. It’s a desiccant, meaning it works by absorbing moisture and lipids (fats) from the outer shells of insects. This causes the insects to dehydrate and die.
Sprinkle diatomaceous earth in and around any areas where your bed bugs like to hide, including cracks and crevices. It can take over a week for the bed bugs to die once exposed to it. As it’s another contact killer, it’s best used in conjunction with other methods.
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is an essential oil that is completely natural and contains no harsh chemicals. It has a noted insecticide effect. Though there are no specific studies on its efficacy against bed bugs, a study in Parasitology Research found tea tree oil to be effective at killing head lice. As they are very similar parasitic creatures, it’s reasonable to assume that it would work similarly for bed bugs.
It works by killing lice on contact, like rubbing alcohol or vinegar. Spray tea tree oil directly onto the bed bugs for the best results. However, be aware that tea tree oil shouldn’t come into contact with skin if undiluted. Again, it’s best to combine tea tree oil with other methods, to ensure that the entire infestation is taken care of.
I Still Have Bed Bugs, What Do I Do?
Bed bugs are fast, clever and surprisingly resilient – they’re one of the most difficult parasites to get rid of. They tend to hide out in the most unreachable places (such as inside electrical outlets). Not to mention, their eggs are even tougher to kill than they are.
So, even when using all of the above methods, you may still find that they keep coming back. Even if only a few eggs survive your attempts, a new generation of parasites will hatch.
So, if you find yourself struggling to rid your home of the infestation, don’t hesitate to call a pest control expert. The longer you leave them to breed, the worse it will get.
Try to find an exterminator with a long guarantee, or a 100% success promise. That way, even if the bed bugs return, you can get your money back and try again.
What effect does baking soda have on bed bugs?
More often than not people will try a DIY solution using home remedies to control bed bugs before contacting a pest control professional. Here, we dig into which methods, if any, are effective.
If you have noticed any signs of bed bugs, you should contact us to solve your problem. A bed bug infestation can occur quickly and Ehrlich experts are prepared to get rid of them fast. Call us at 866-843-0783 or contact us online to set up a bed bug inspection today!
Get rid of bed bugs in your home today!
Home remedies for bed bugs
So, which home remedies for bed bugs actually work? And what can you do to help stop them from spreading? Jump to a specific method to see if it is works.
Ultrasonic devices
Baking soda
Mothballs
Wash bedding
Talcum powder
Rubbing alcohol
Freezing
Tea tree oil
Dryer sheets
Vacuuming
Diatomaceous earth
Ultrasonic devices
Method:
The high frequencies of the sound waves emitted from the ultrasonic device are believed to be uncomfortable for bed bugs, forcing them to leave the area.
Myth or Fact:
Myth. Like with most theories of using ultrasonic devices as home remedies for pests, these devices have no effect on bed bugs whatsoever. Michael F. Potter, an entomologist at the University of Kentucky in Lexington, explains that ultrasonic devices have never proven themselves to be effective control tools. "If anything, I would expect the bugs to utilize them as a haven since they often emit small amounts of heat."
Baking soda
Method:
Sprinkle baking soda around the areas that bed bugs typically inhabit, such as the mattress and the area around your bed. After a few days, vacuum it up and repeat the process.
Myth or Fact:
Myth. There is no scientific evidence to suggest that baking soda is a successful home remedy for bed bugs. Baking soda actually breaks down when it comes into contact with water, so the idea that it can absorb the thick fluids found on a bed bug shell is quite questionable. Although it may seem to work in some instances, it is not a guaranteed fix to fully remove a bed bug infestation from a property.
DIY bed bug control
Moth balls
Method:
Place a handful of mothballs around common bed bug hotspots such as underneath your bed, sofa, or other furniture.
Myth or Fact:
Myth. Studies have been conducted to test the effectiveness of mothballs as a home remedy for bed bugs. Changlu Wang and his research team at Rutgers University in New Jersey tested the effectiveness of this DIY bed bug treatment option. The results showed that the mothballs failed to wipe out bed bugs after seven days. Although between 44-60% of the adult bed bugs died, the eggs and bed bug nymphs still survived.
Wash bedding
Method:
Strip the bedding from your bed, place it in a garbage bag and transfer it to the washing machine. Wash the bedding at a high temperature of at least 140°F, ideally for at least 90 minutes.
Myth or Fact:
Washing your bedding is an effective method to get rid of bed bugs. The use of heat is a great way to eradicate bed bugs and is one of the main features of our professional solution of bed bugs. However, it is important to note that although washing your bedding is a good home remedy for bed bugs, it is not a 100% guaranteed fix. Yes, it can reduce the number of bed bugs in your home but it will not fully remove them.
Get rid of bed bugs in your home today!
Talcum powder
Method:
There are two methods for using talcum powder to get rid of bed bugs.
Sprinkle talcum powder around the bed bug hotspots such as underneath bedroom furniture. Similar to baking soda, it is believed that talcum powder will get rid of bed bugs by causing them to dehydrate.
Create a trap by putting some talcum powder in a bowl and placing it underneath your bed. Bed bugs will be able to get into the bowl, but the talcum powder will make it too slippery for them to get out.
Myth or Fact:
Myth. Like with baking powder, there is no scientific evidence to support the idea of talcum powder getting rid of bed bugs by causing them to dehydrate. This is because the powder is not sharp enough to penetrate a bed bug’s exoskeleton. Using talcum powder as part of a bed bug trap can have some success, but it does not fully eradicate a bed bug problem.
Rubbing alcohol
Method:
Pour rubbing alcohol into a spray bottle and apply the solution to the common bed bug hotspots such as underneath furniture and on your bed frame.
Myth or Fact:
Myth. It all depends on the alcohol percentage. Another study conducted by Changlu Wang and his research team at Rutgers University showed that after being sprayed with rubbing alcohol, half of the bed bugs still survived after four days.
Freezing
Method:
Place infested items such as pillows and duvets into your freezer.
Myth or Fact:
Fact. Freezing infested items is an effective home remedy for bed bugs. For this bed bug home remedy to be successful, the temperature of the freezer must remain at or below 0°F, and the items should be left in the freezer for at least four days. However, like with most home remedies, it is not a foolproof solution to fully remove bed bugs from your home, but it is an effective way to help reduce the number of bed bugs in your home.
12 Ways To Get Rid Bed Bugs Naturally || How To Get Rid Of Bed Bugs || Life Hacks
Tea tree oil
Method:
Dilute around 20 drops of tea tree oil in a spray bottle filled with water and apply the solution to the common bed bug hotspots.
Myth or Fact:
Myth. This bed bug home remedy is only partly effective when it is sprayed directly onto the insect and will not fully solve a bed bug problem. Furthermore, it is argued that only undiluted tea tree oil will work, which is something that can be harmful to humans and pets and is NOT advised.
DIY bed bug control
Get rid of bed bugs in your home today!
Dryer sheets
Method:
Place scented dryer sheets underneath your mattress, in cupboards, and drawers, underneath sofa cushions and any other areas you might expect bed bugs. The idea behind the success of this DIY bed bug treatment is the scent of the dryer sheets repels bed bugs.
Myth or Fact:
Myth. There is no scientific evidence to support the success of dryer sheets repelling bed bugs. Even if the scent of the dryer sheets does repulse bed bugs, they will often find a way around them to get to their food source.
Vacuuming
Method:
Vacuum your home thoroughly. Pay close attention to the bed bug hotspots such as underneath furniture and between wall joints. Once finished, empty the contents of the vacuum in an outside trash can.
Myth or Fact:
Fact. Vacuuming is an effective DIY bed bug control solution. Unlike other home remedies, this process can help remove both adult bed bugs and nymphs as well as the eggs. It is important to remember to empty the vacuum in an outside trash can to help reduce the possibility of them returning. However, like most DIY pest control solutions, vacuuming will not fully eradicate bed bugs from your home, but it can help reduce the numbers.
DIY bed bug control
Diatomaceous earth
Method:
Apply a fine amount of diatomaceous earth along the seams of your mattress, bed frames, and furniture. This home remedy for bed bugs is believed to work by causing the bed bugs to die of dehydration.
Myth or Fact:
Fact. Diatomaceous earth can be an effective DIY bed bug treatment. However, there are a couple of elements that lead to its success.
It has been suggested that the amount of diatomaceous earth applied affects how well this home remedy for bed bugs works. Too much and the bed bugs will simply navigate around it, and it can also be bad for your health if inhaled.
A study detailed on the Pest Control Technology website examined the effectiveness of diatomaceous earth to get rid of bed bugs and the results showed that as a stand-alone treatment, it’s not a foolproof solution. The most effective way to use diatomaceous earth to get rid of bed bugs is alongside other bed bug control options.
Professional bed bug control
The best way to get rid of bed bugs is with the help of a pest control professional. At Ehrlich, we have environmentally safe bed bug solutions to eradicate bed bugs from your property.
How long does it take for baking soda to kill bed bugs?
Who wants to deal with insects in their home? You’ll find a variety of them such as ants, roaches, millipedes, and scorpions, to name a few. A bug that is especially horrible and annoying is the notorious bed bug. These creatures live in your home and can sense body heat coming from humans and animals, as well as the carbon dioxide you exhale. They’ll find you, almost always when you’re sound asleep, then bite you and feast on your blood, leaving behind irritating bumps everywhere. The good news is that it’s not impossible to get rid of them. There are several methods to get rid of bed bugs, one of which uses a natural product, baking soda. A Natural Method Baking soda is a salt compound known as Sodium Bicarbonate. Its formula is NHCO3, and, true to its name, is composed of sodium ions and bicarbonate ions. You’ll find it in nature in places like mineral springs. Looking like a fine powder, on the microscopic level baking soda is actually tiny crystals, individually sharp but together in a grouping, they feel soft and powdery. Baking soda is one of the most versatile products available. Uses for baking soda are many. People use it for cleaning their house, baking, odor control, and even medicinal purposes like healing acne. Who’d have ever thought it could be used for pest control as well? Why Use Baking Soda? Baking soda is one of the most benign compounds you’ll find. Not only is it safe for human consumption, but it also won’t harm your skin when it comes in contact with it. When dealing with a bed bug invasion, many products use chemical pesticides that are toxic to humans and pets and can even burn your skin or eyes. Baking soda is a good alternative since it’s basically harmless. 100% Pure Baking Soda PURE & Natural Sodium Bicarbonate: Never any additives or fillers. Aluminum-Free and free of harsh chemicals. 1 Gallon in a solid bucket. CHECK PRICE There are other powders out there that can also get rid of your bug problem. One looks very similar, although it’s made of a different substance. Click here to learn more about Diatomaceous Earth for bed bugs. How It Works With pest control, baking soda works in more than one way: Digestion: When baking soda warms up, the chemical bonds begin to break down and the composition will change, releasing carbon dioxide gas. If an insect ingests the baking soda, this gas will release into their digestive tract and eventually burst the lining, killing them. Exoskeleton: Crystals in baking soda can sometimes be sharp enough on the microscopic level to cut the underbelly of bed bugs. When this happens, the amount of damage they accumulate can cause eventual death. Dehydration: Baking soda is a salt and can absorb things such as odors and moisture. When an insect comes in contact with it, it sucks water out of them, dehydrating the bug to the point of death. And it doesn’t even need to ingest the powder for this to happen, as simple contact with it can do the job. Liquid ammonia is used to clean with, among other things, including pest control. If you’re wondering, “Does ammonia kill bed bugs?”, you can go here to find out. Diatomaceous Earth is a powder similar to baking soda in that it contains sharp pieces of material on the microscopic level. Unlike soda, DE is made from the fossilized remains of marine phytoplankton. But something similar between the two is their benign nature. Neither baking soda nor DE will harm humans and is actually used in food all the time. Does Baking Soda Kill Bed Bugs? Chemicals aren’t the only things that can kill insects. Even though baking soda isn’t a chemical, it can kill bed bugs. Organic, all-natural products are out there that will have a powerful effect on them, just like a store-bought insecticide. Essential oils and DE are two of those products, along with baking soda. Bed bugs are one of the hardest infestations to conquer. If used correctly, baking soda can kill bed bugs, although it won’t be instantly. And although you’ll have to diligently stay on top of the application, the plus side is that there won’t be any kind of dangerous chemicals sitting around your home Top 3 Ways to Use So, how can you use soda properly to kill your bed bugs? There’s more than one way: Paste: Mix soda and water together in a bowl until a paste forms, about the consistency of honey. Use a brush and paint the paste wherever bed bugs might hide, such as mattresses, box springs, couches, armchairs, bean bags, etc. Don’t forget to get inside crevices and cracks. If there are holes anywhere in a piece of furniture’s frame, apply the paste around the hole and when the bed bugs come out to find you, they’ll have to walk right through it. Every few days, vacuum up the dried paste and start again until your infestation is gone. Sprinkle: Sprinkle a thick layer of baking soda around all furniture and inside cracks and small spaces. Even the carpet can be treated – spread a layer of the powder all over it. Vacuum up and repeat every three days. Remember that a vacuum is an important part of getting rid of bed bugs, as it removes them from your home instantly. By using it daily, you’ll get bugs that come out of hiding, putting a major dent into your problem. Keep an eye on your bed bug issue. No method out there will stop it in just one day; in fact, it usually takes many days, if not weeks, to take care of it. During treatment time, watch your home daily. If after a week, you don’t see a difference in insect activity, either change the way you’re using baking soda or switch to a different product. Although soda is a trusted method, sometimes those bugs are just incredibly stubborn. Piling: Bed bugs that hide in places other than your bed have to crawl up the legs of your bed frame to get to you. Pile baking soda in a thick layer all around your bed’s legs; the bugs will have to crawl through it will soon fall victim to the soda’s deadly effects. Do the same thing with the couch, piling baking soda around its base. All bed bugs coming and going from the area will be forced to go through it. Borax, derived from boric acid, is a popular product you can find in most stores. People use it for things like cleaning and even making slime. For more information on boric acid for bed bugs, click here. If you’re ever unfortunate enough to find out your bed is being invaded by insects, go try and natural product. It’s cheap, it’s harmless to you and your pets, and it works to kill insects. Thanks to this versatile sodium compound, you’ll be able to sleep with peace of mind, hopefully never to wake up to nasty bites again.
Read more: https://pestkill.org/bed-bugs/baking-soda/
Discovering that you have bed bugs is a hard issue to grapple with, but figuring out how to get rid of them can be even more difficult. The last thing you want is for bed bugs to stick around and keep biting you or your family at night, so you’ll want to get rid of them quickly. Searching for a way to do so may lead you to DIY and home remedies. One such remedy is spreading baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, in the areas where you think bed bugs have been. Unfortunately, the idea that baking soda will kill bed bugs is a myth.
How It (Supposedly) Works
There are three main reasons why DIYers suggest that baking soda is a deterrent for bed bugs.
Tips to Get Rid of Bed Bugs Tonight
It dries them out
The idea: Baking soda is highly absorptive, and it’s often used in conjunction with other cleaning products such as vinegar to scrub and thoroughly clean a surface. Given that it is known to easily absorb moisture, the idea behind this DIY technique is that it could suck up the fluids on a bed bug’s exoskeleton, dehydrating it and causing it to die.
The facts: Baking soda is definitely absorptive. However, it’s a solute that dissolves when it comes in contact with moisture. This means that it’s highly doubtful that it could absorb the moisture on a bed bug’s exoskeleton without dissolving and becoming useless.
It’s abrasive
The idea: Baking soda is a scouring agent for cleaning. DIY suggestions hold that because of its abrasiveness, baking soda is sharp enough to cut into a bed bug’s body and cause it enough injury that it dies. This is a similar line of thinking to using diatomaceous earth to kill an insect pest.
The facts: Baking soda is not abrasive enough to do much more than simply stick to the bed bug without causing much, if any, damage to its body.
Ingesting it is dangerous
The idea: Since it is an abrasive compound that absorbs moisture, the DIY goal is that a bed bug will not be able to digest it if it consumed it. Because of this, it would damage or rupture the bed bug’s internal organs and kill it.
The facts: Even if this were possible, a bed bug physically cannot (and would not) eat baking soda. Bed bugs feed on blood only, and their mouthparts are not big enough to even consume a grain of baking soda.
Getting Rid of Bed Bugs
The truth is that most home remedies will either not work to eradicate bed bugs or will not work thoroughly enough to completely get rid of them. Some suggest that washing bedding with high heat will kill them, as bed bugs hate high temperatures, but this will only get rid of bed bugs on your linens. It will not get rid of them at their source. Taking preventative measures to avoid bringing them home after traveling can also be helpful in keeping them away. But the only way to thoroughly end a bed bug infestation is to eradicate every single one of them professionally, or they will keep reproducing and biting.
Bed bugs are some of the hardiest insect pests that a homeowner can deal with. That’s why it’s always a good idea to contact the professionals first. Pest control technicians have access to and training in advanced methods that will get rid of your bed bugs at the source. We have over 75 years of experience doing this, so if you think you have a bed bug problem, give us a call today to schedule a free inspection!
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