Do it Yourself Bed Bug Treatment

Getting rid of bed bugs is a job best handled by professionals, but there are DIY treatments that may offer some improvement. While they won’t completely wipe out an infestation, they can help control the severity of the problem.

How to Get Rid of Bed Bugs Yourself in Virginia / At-Home Remedies for Bed Bugs

A quick search will reveal numerous home remedies for bed bugs, but which ones are truly effective? While some may eliminate a handful of bed bugs, they usually fall short of completely resolving an infestation.

Some popular home remedies include talcum powder, mothballs, rubbing alcohol, tea tree oil, diatomaceous earth, and ultrasonic devices. However, none of these are entirely foolproof solutions for getting rid of bed bugs.

Some frequently used home remedies for bed bugs are:

• Washing Linens: Washing bedding and clothing in hot water can help kill bed bugs and their eggs. Be sure to dry them on high heat for added effectiveness.
• Baking Soda: Some believe baking soda can absorb moisture from bed bugs and dehydrate them, but there’s little evidence to support its effectiveness. It’s not a reliable way to eliminate an infestation.
• Dryer Sheets & Mothballs: While some people place dryer sheets or mothballs around their homes to repel bed bugs, these methods do not kill them or stop an infestation from spreading.
• Vacuuming: Regular vacuuming can help reduce bed bug numbers by removing eggs, nymphs, and adults from carpets, mattresses, and furniture. However, it won’t eliminate hidden bed bugs deep in cracks and crevices.
• Freezing: Bed bugs can be killed by exposing them to temperatures below 0°F for at least four days. Items like clothing, bedding, and small objects can be placed in a freezer for treatment.
• Diatomaceous Earth: This natural powder works by dehydrating bed bugs when they come into contact with it, helping to eliminate them. However, it works slowly and is most effective when used alongside other treatments.

Cleaning Instructions for Bed Bugs in Virginia

One effective way to limit the spread of bed bugs is by washing infested clothing and bedding in hot water. Be sure to sort everything first, then place each pile in a sealed plastic bag before taking them to the laundry area to prevent further contamination.

Empty the sealed bag directly into the washing machine, then place the used bag into another sealed bag for disposal. Wash and dry your clothes on the highest heat setting, then fold them and store them in sealed bags to keep them bed bug-free.

Can Bed Bugs Survive in the Washing Machine?

The most reliable method for killing bed bugs is exposing them to extreme heat. Washing and drying your clothing and linens on high heat should eliminate both the bugs and their eggs. Be sure to handle infested items carefully to prevent further spread.

Will Washing Bed-Bug Infested Linens Always Work?

High-temperature washing helps eliminate bed bugs, but it’s not a solution for everything in your home. Proper treatment requires targeting all infested areas to ensure complete control. This may include using additional methods like steam treatment or professional extermination.

Does Washing Bedding and Clothing in High Heat Kill Bed Bugs?

Absolutely! Washing your bedding in hot water is a proven method to kill bed bugs. The heat from the wash will eliminate them. Remove all linens from your bed and place them in the washing machine, using a high temperature (at least 140°F) for a 90-minute cycle or longer.

All-Natural Bed Bug Treatments

Do natural remedies like tea tree oil, diatomaceous earth, baking soda, and dryer sheets actually eliminate bed bugs? Unfortunately, they don’t. While they may kill a few bed bugs, they won’t be effective enough to manage a full infestation. However, they might help reduce the severity and are worth attempting.

Why Baking Soda Won’t Get Rid of Bed Bugs

The idea is that when baking soda comes into contact with water, it breaks down and absorbs the moisture in a bed bug’s shell, causing dehydration. The granules are also thought to cut into the shell, causing internal damage. While this may kill a few bed bugs, it won’t eliminate an entire infestation.

Even if the above methods work for you, getting rid of all bed bugs may still be difficult. Without professional pest control, it’s tough to eliminate every last bed bug from your home. To avoid leaving any behind, it’s best to hire a pest control company to quickly address the problem.

What to Do When DIY Bed Bug Treatment Doesn’t Work

Completely eliminating bed bugs usually requires the expertise of a professional bed bug exterminator. No one wants to deal with bed bugs lingering around, so it’s best to rely on a specialist who can quickly and effectively resolve the issue!