Bed bugs are among the most difficult and expensive pests to eliminate from a home.
While many people search for remedies that can kill bed bugs instantly, eliminating them often requires long-term maintenance and frequent checkups from a pest control specialist.
The unfortunate reality of bed bugs is that they can strike any NEPA homeowner without their knowledge, despite keeping a clean and immaculate home.
Like ticks and fleas, bed bugs are hitchhikers, but instead of relying on rodents and deer to spread, they tend to infest second-hand furniture and shared living spaces with ghastly efficiency.
If you suspect you have a bed bug infestation, chances are you’ve scoured the internet for bed bug home remedies on the off chance you can eliminate these pests without paying an exterminator.
This guide will explore seven popular home remedies for bed bugs and discuss which ones work and whether professional bed bug control is required at all.
Do I Need a Professional Exterminator?
Bed bug infestations can range from mild to severe, and the right treatment method depends on the extent of the problem.
If you’ve only spotted a few bed bugs and caught the issue early, home remedies may effectively reduce their numbers, but we caution against taking the problem into your own hands.
The problem is that bed bugs tend to spread rapidly and hide behind hard-to-reach surfaces, such as baseboards, wall trim, and electrical outlets. Many people mistake a momentary gap in activity with successful treatment and allow bed bugs to continue breeding.
At the very least, we recommend getting a professional bed bug inspection performed to determine the extent of the problem and outline potential solutions.
Exterminators have access to high-grade pesticides, heat treatments, and specialized methods that can eliminate bed bugs more effectively than DIY approaches.
Additionally, they can identify hidden infestation spots that may go unnoticed. If you have allergies, sensitive pets, or want a guaranteed solution, hiring a professional is your best bet.
7 Popular Home Remedies for Bed Bugs?
Nevertheless, if you’re tempted to find a home-bought or DIY solution to bed bugs, there are a few popular ones you are bound to find over the internet and in-store. Let’s explore how they work and if they work.
1. Diatomaceous Earth
Diatomaceous earth is a cheap, natural bug killer that is effective on many different pests. This fine powder can be dusted between small cracks, crevices, and other hard-to-reach areas. It slowly kills bed bugs by removing the waxy protection on their exoskeleton.
The downside of using this method is that it can take up to ten days to work. Be sure to get the correct kind – high-grade diatomaceous earth can be toxic. As the bugs die off, it’s important to vacuum immediately.
Does It Work? While this method can be somewhat effective, it won’t kill 100% of your bed bugs. The biggest issue with diatomaceous earth is that it can be difficult to spread indoors and can be quite messy. For the most part, this product works best for garden and yard pests.
2. Heat Treatment
Bed bugs cannot withstand extreme heat, so stripping and cleaning your bedding and liner can kill many of them.
For items that are not dryer-friendly, you can try sealing any infested items in bags and putting them out in a car or other area exposed to direct sunlight in hot weather.
Though extreme heat is useful for part of the problem, it is only a temporary fix. To get rid of an infestation, you must find and kill the bed bugs at the source.
Does it Work? Yes, heat treatment is one of the most effective ways to kill bed bugs and is used by many exterminators. However, the devices your exterminator uses are not practical for most people, and conventional heat treatment methods, such as your dryer machine, may not be effective at eliminating all bed bugs.
3. Cold Treatment
Excessive cold, like heat treatment, can kill bed bugs. To do so, seal any infested items in bags and place them in a deep freezer for four days. After you remove them, vacuum the carcasses up and dispose of them. If you want to be sure, you can throw the items in the dryer for good measure.
While freezing these bugs can work, it takes a long time. It may not be the most time-efficient solution.
Does it Work? Cold treatment can work, but it takes time. Freezing infested items for at least four days can kill bed bugs, but this method isn’t always practical for larger infestations. It’s best used in conjunction with other treatments.
4. Vacuuming
This is a simple method to eliminate several household pests, including bed bugs. Using a vacuum cleaner, you can suck up any possible bed bugs that may be hiding away in your carpets or furniture. Pinpoint any possible infested areas and run your vacuum often; be sure you are thorough.
Each time you finish, empty out the vacuum and remove the bag from your home.
If you want to be sure to kill them, you can use cold or hot treatment to be sure they are dead. A vacuum cleaner can remove all life cycles of the bed bug from the nymph to the dead shells.
While this process can help, it will not eliminate the bugs hiding in your electrical outlets or burrowing in your bed posts.
Does it Work? Vacuuming helps remove bed bugs, eggs, and shells from surfaces. However, it does not eliminate bed bugs hiding deep in cracks, walls, or electrical outlets. Regular vacuuming, paired with other treatments, can help control an infestation.
5. Steam Cleaners
Steam cleaners effectively get through cracks and crevices to kill these tiny pests. This method can treat carpets, baseboards, bed frames, and all kinds of furniture. To use a steam cleaner, the temperature must be at least 130 degrees Fahrenheit.
Also, avoid using a blasting stream, as this will cause the bugs to scatter.
Does it Work? Yes, steam cleaning is highly effective at killing bed bugs in carpets, furniture, and cracks. The steam must be at least 130°F to work. However, it may not reach all hidden areas so that multiple applications may be necessary.
6. EPA Registered Pesticides
If home remedies aren’t doing the trick, you can use pesticides to kill bed bugs. While not recommended for use by non-professionals, this method could be very effective when combined with other methods.
Foggers and bug bombs can be used with caution. It should be noted that improper use could be harmful to humans and animals.
Misuse of these chemicals may have volatile results. Additionally, foggers alone aren’t 100% effective, as they don’t reach cracks and crevices.
Does it Work? Pesticides can be effective but must be used correctly. While over-the-counter sprays and foggers may help, professional-grade pesticides are more reliable. Misuse can pose risks to humans and pets, so caution is advised.
7. Rubbing Alcohol
Rubbing alcohol can kill bed bugs instantly upon contact. Mix equal parts rubbing alcohol and water in a spray bottle and apply to any affected areas to eliminate any visible bed bugs. While effective against active bed bugs, this treatment cannot reach common hiding places and will not stop an infestation entirely on its own.
Does It Work? Rubbing alcohol can kill bed bugs on contact by dissolving their outer shell. However, it does not eliminate eggs and is not a long-term solution.
Additionally, it is highly flammable and should be used with caution. It is best used alongside other treatments for better effectiveness.
Do Home Remedies for Bed Bugs Really Work?
While some home remedies for bed bugs may offer temporary relief against an infestation, none provide comprehensive enough coverage to eliminate an infestation at the source.
The most effective method to eliminate bed bugs is to contact a professional pest control expert.
At The Pest Rangers, we offer heat treatments for single-family homes that eliminate all bed bugs on the property and allow homeowners to return to their homes within 12 hours. We also offer a combination of heat treatments and pesticides for larger properties with more intense infestations.
For more information about bed bug removal in Northeast PA, contact the experts at The Pest Rangers immediately.
FAQs
How do I know if I have bed bugs?
Signs of bed bugs include red, itchy bites, small blood stains on sheets, dark fecal spots on bedding, and shed skins. You may also notice a musty odor in heavily infested areas.
Can bed bugs live in my clothes?
Yes, bed bugs can hide in clothing, especially in seams and folds. Washing clothes in hot water and drying them on high heat can help eliminate them.
How long does it take to get rid of bed bugs?
The timeline depends on the severity of the infestation and the treatment method used. Home remedies can take weeks, while professional extermination may resolve the issue within hours to a few weeks.
