Professional bed bug removal is the most effective option, but there are some do-it-yourself treatments that might help. Though they can’t cure a full infestation, they may reduce its intensity. Using these methods early on may help slow the spread until professional help arrives.
You’ll find plenty of home remedies for bed bugs online, but which ones are actually effective? While many may kill a few bugs on contact or over time, most fall short when it comes to completely eliminating an infestation.
Some commonly recommended options include talcum powder, mothballs, rubbing alcohol, tea tree oil, diatomaceous earth, and ultrasonic devices. These may offer some relief, but they’re rarely a reliable long-term solution. Some common DIY bed bug treatments include:
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Controlling a bed bug outbreak starts with proper laundering. Hot water can kill bed bugs on clothes, bedding, and other washable items. Be sure to sort your laundry ahead of time, placing each group into a separate plastic bag. Seal the bags before moving them to keep the bugs from spreading around your home.
Empty the contents of the sealed bag directly into the washer, then place the used bag into another plastic bag, seal it, and throw it away. Wash and dry everything using the highest heat setting. Once clean, fold your laundry and store it in sealed bags to protect it from bed bugs.
High temperatures are one of the most effective methods for killing bed bugs. Washing your clothes and bedding on a high-heat cycle can eliminate both live bugs and any eggs they may have left behind. Be careful when handling infested items to avoid carrying the bugs into other parts of your home. Using sealed plastic bags during transport can help contain the infestation.
Washing and drying linens on high heat is effective, but not all infested items or areas can be treated this way. To fully address an infestation, the entire affected space must be treated. This may include furniture, flooring, and even cracks in walls or baseboards.
Absolutely! Hot water is highly effective at killing bed bugs. High temperatures can eliminate both the bugs and their eggs. Remove all linens from your bed and place them directly into the washing machine. Set the temperature to at least 140°F and wash for 90 minutes or longer.
Can tea tree oil, diatomaceous earth, baking soda, dryer sheets, and other natural remedies eliminate bed bugs? Sadly, no. These methods might kill a few bugs here and there, but they won’t stop a widespread infestation. Still, they may help reduce the severity and could be worth trying alongside other treatments.
Baking soda is thought to work by breaking down when it meets water, supposedly absorbing the waxy fluids on a bed bug’s body and drying them out. Its abrasive texture may also scratch or pierce the shell, leading to internal damage. Still, even if it does kill some bugs, it won’t solve a larger infestation.
Using this treatment might bring some relief, but you may not be completely free of bed bugs yet. Professional pest control is often necessary to ensure all bed bugs are eradicated. To avoid ongoing issues, it’s wise to let experts handle the infestation quickly and effectively.
To fully get rid of bed bugs, you’ll almost always need a professional’s help. Avoid the frustration of leftover bugs by hiring a skilled bed bug exterminator who can handle the problem efficiently and effectively.
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