Bed bugs are one of the most difficult pests to get rid of. Their size, high birth rate, and sense of chemical odor have made for a difficult bug to exterminate entirely. Here are some home remedies for bed bugs.
Vacuuming
This can be as easy as owning a vacuum cleaner. Vacuuming up bed bugs can remove some bed bugs. If they are in one area and low in number, the remedy may temporarily remove the problem. Usually vacuuming is ineffective in removing all bed bugs and should only be used to control an infestation. Bed bugs and eggs are often burrowed deep into the furniture where the vacuum cannot reach.
Extreme Temperatures
Instead of removing furniture or clothes, which can be costly, these items can be put into extreme temperatures kill bed begs. Bed bugs are not adaptable to these environments and they die. There are three ways to exposes these bed bugs to extreme temperatures: washer and dryer, steamers, leaving items outside, or using your heating system.
1. Washer and dryer is the best for clothing items such as bedding and t-shirts. Wash and dry these items on the hottest setting.
2. Bed bugs in furniture can be removed with steamers or leaving them outside. Steamers can effectively kill bed bugs on contact but commercial steamers cannot penetrate deeply into the furniture.
3. In an area with extremely hot or cold temperatures, leave infested furniture outside. For effective results, furniture must be out for several weeks.
Natural Insecticides
There are also natural products that can be used as insecticide. The most effective natural insecticide for bed bugs is diatomaceous earth. Diatomaceous earth is an off-white powder which is fossilized remains of marine phytoplankton. The powder is extremely sharp to bed bugs and cuts them up, but is safe to humans. Diatomaceous earth is actually in grain-based foods we eat to keep bugs from eating the grain. Canola oil and pyrethrin also attack their nervous system, killing the bed bugs.
Further Assistance
For complete extermination, home remedies may not be the best answer and professionals are needed. For pest control services, use TalkLocal. TalkLocal will connect you with up to three pest control professionals in just minutes!
