How Do You Kill Bed Bugs?

by | Mar 28, 2016 | Bed Bug Treatment

Why Do I Have A Bed Bug Infestation?

How Do You Kill Bed Bugs?

If you know you have an infestation but you’re wondering how do you kill bed bugs, you have several options to consider.

bed bugs kept in a tube

Adult Bed Bugs

Chemicals

When most people think about how do you kill bed bugs, the first treatment that probably springs to mind is using a pesticide to eradicate the pesky invaders. A pesticide can get the job done, but there are issues to be aware of:

  • Don’t run out to the store and buy a generic “bug bomb.”  (It’s not going to work, and even if you try to buy specific chemicals for bed bugs, if you don’t know what you’re doing, you can actually make the situation worse.)
  • Make sure you hire exterminators with specific expertise in treating bed bugs. (Check references, because while many companies claim to be experts specifically with bed bug exterminations, few actually are. PestWorld.org is a good place to find a qualified professional.)
  • Pesticides can have adverse health effects (e.g., allergic reactions) on inhabitants of the home, including pets.
  • Bed bugs develop resistance to pesticides, and there is strong evidence that bed bugs in the U.S. are rapidly becoming resistant to the pesticides commonly used to treat them.
  • Some pesticides have been outlawed because of their health risks.

Inorganic Materials

In conjunction with other treatments, inorganic dust-like materials such as boric acid and diatomaceous earth can help control bed bugs, but most likely they’re not going to get rid of them all.

Vacuuming

vacuuming treatment for bed bugsThis can also help control bed bugs, but it’s not going to do anything about the ones living inside materials.

Cold Air

Bed bugs don’t like cold air or strong air flow. By using fans to blow cold air from an open window or an air-conditioner, you can get rid of a lot of the bed bugs, but probably not those hidden deep in sheltered places, such as inside walls. Even freezing sprays probably won’t reach them all.

Heat

Bed bugs don’t like it very hot either, so steam can be used, but, as with cold air, it’s hard to reach some places. Plus, steam can be damaging to your home and possessions.

Learn more about Bed Bug Treatment