Bed bugs are a big problem, and they’re not going away anytime soon. The good news is that there are several ways you can exterminate bed bugs around your home without having to go through the hassle of hiring an exterminator. So if you’ve been dealing with pesky pests like bed bugs in your bedroom, bathroom, or kitchen, then read on:
Hot Washing
If you’re washing clothes and other fabrics, use hot water. The temperature of 120 degrees Fahrenheit is ideal for killing bed bugs. If your clothes are already clean, put them in a dryer on high heat for one hour before rewashing them with hot water at 120F.
Cold Washing
If you need help deciding which method to use? If you’re worried that your home is infested with bed bugs and need to get rid of them immediately? Then hot washing may be the best option.
Cold-water washing isn’t recommended because it can spread bed bugs around your house. Hot water will kill bugs and ensure no eggs are left behind. Either in clothing or other fabrics (which could happen with cold-water washings).
Drying in a Dryer Set at High Heat
The best way to get rid of bed bugs is by drying the clothes you have on your body. To do this, you should use a dryer set at high heat for about five minutes or until all of the moisture has been removed from them. This will kill any remaining bugs that might still be hiding inside your clothing (or even on it). Afterward, throw away any items that seemed heated up with hot water left on top of them; this includes bras and underwear as well as socks and shoes, all things that could contain bed bugs!
Vacuuming
Whipping out your vaccum is the best way to remove bed bugs from your home. Using a vacuum will also help you prevent future infestations by picking up any eggs or nymphs that may have been missed.
- Don’t forget to clean your vacuum bag after use! Bed bugs like heat and moisture, so it’s essential not only to clean out your vacuum bag but also to ensure that there aren’t any leftover traces of them inside before throwing it away or recycling it for other purposes.
- Remember brush attachments! These can trap dirt particles and tiny harbor hitchhikers like fleas and lice, which could potentially cause health issues if left behind in your house over time (or even worse—beyond).
Using a Steamer
Steaming is one of the most effective ways to kill bed bugs, eggs, and their larvae. It’s also a safe way to do it because steam does not include chemicals or insecticides in its formula.
Steam can help as a home remedy for bed bug extermination and for commercial purposes where you need professional help with your pest problem. If you have been using chemical sprays on your mattress but have failed to get rid of them, steaming might work better!
Sealing Items in Plastic Bags & Freezing
If you have items that have bed bugs, it’s essential to fill them in plastic bags and freeze them. You can do this by:
- Putting the items in plastic bags and freezing them for at least five days
- After five days, remove them from their bags and let them thaw completely before using them.
Once your frozen items have thawed out of their plastic bag protectors (which should not be there before thawing), wash them thoroughly in hot water and dry them off with an industrial-grade vacuum cleaner or hand dryer.
Treating with Rubbing Alcohol
You can utilize rubbing alcohol to kill bed bugs. It’s an effective way to get rid of pests, but it has some drawbacks:
- Rubbing alcohol is not as effective on fabrics like cotton or wool; it will have less of an effect on those materials. If you need to treat a soft material like clothing or furniture, try using a different method (see below).
- Though rubbing alcohol is safe for humans and pets, keep your eyes open while working around children who may reach into places where they shouldn’t be going—especially if any liquid comes into contact with their skin!
Spraying with Insecticides
Use insecticides that are effective against bed bugs. Bed bug infestations are difficult to control, so it’s best to use an insecticide that is effective at killing them.
Do not spray insecticides directly on the bed bug. This can damage your home and cause you more harm than good! Instead, apply the spray over surfaces where you suspect there may be a problem (like furniture) and then wipe down any characters with a clean cloth afterward. Be sure to read the instructions before using an insecticide—some of these products are harmful if inhaled or ingested!
Say goodbye to pesky pests.
Getting rid of bed bugs is difficult, even for a professional exterminator. Bed bugs are minor and can hide in places that seem like they’re not a problem, like your mattress or box spring. Experts in bed bug removal from Illinois say that Bed bugs live for as long as six months without being noticed by most people who have them in their homes.
