You will learn how to kill bed bugs quickly and effectively. Find out the best methods to eliminate bed bugs permanently.
- Inspection Checklist: Identification of where bed bugs are
- Methods To Get Rid Of Bed Bugs
- Frequently Asked Questions for Killing Bed Bugs
- Does Lysol Kill Bed Bugs?
- Does Alcohol Kill Bed Bugs?
- Does Bleach Kill Bed Bugs?
- Does Boric Acid Kill Bed Bugs?
- Products To Get Rid Of Bed Bugs
- Bed Bug Mattress Encasements
- Baking Soda To Kill Bed Bugs
- Does Vinegar Kill Bed Bugs?
- Does Heat Kill Bed Bugs?
- Does Washing Clothes Kill Bed Bugs?
- Does Diatomaceous Earth Kill Bed Bugs?
- Does Cold Kill Bed Bugs?
There are numerous treatments which can be used to rid bed bugs forever. They include chemical treatments and also treatments that kill bed bugs organically (check out this article for natural ways to eliminate bed bugs safe for humans and the environment).
For the most effective results from bed bug treatments, it is crucial to follow these actions first:
Inspection Checklist: Identification of where bed bugs are
- Eliminate any clutter that is not needed from the home to make the process of inspection more efficient and to limit the areas in which bugs may hide.
- Personal items that are able to be taken away, such as soft toys, stuffed animals, pillows, blankets and cushions must be vacuumed and put into secure plastic bags that are tightly sealed for up to 3 days.
- Dismantle bed frames to expose possible bed bugs hiding spots, and look for areas hidden by peeling wallpapers and wall hangings.
- Get the drawers out of dressers and desks, and if possible , flip furniture over to check for any hidden places.
- If you have suspicion that you may have a bed bug problem within your home, examine your mattress thoroughly first. It is recommended to perform this using the aid of a flashlight. Look for bed bugs or black droppings that may be present in the folds, seams, tufts, box springs and labels of your mattress.
- Use traps for bed bugs to assist in the surveillance and detection of bed bugs within the home.

Methods To Get Rid Of Bed Bugs
If you’re unfortunate enough to find bed bugs in your house use the following strategies to eliminate the blood sucking critters:
- Apply caulk to fill any holes that are present in the floor or walls to keep bed bugs out of locations.
- Repair and seal any cracks or crevices that exist between baseboards furniture, bed frames and other items that could be bed bugs areas of concealment.
- Before you vacuum make use of a hard brush to clean the carpets and mattress to remove any bed bugs and eggs as much as possible.
- To eliminate bed bugs it is recommended to remove and clean bed linens and clothes using hot water (min 120 degF) and dry them in a dryer that is hot for at least 20 minutes.
- Similar to that, you could make use of steam or heat cleaners that are typically employed by professional exterminators to control infestations and kill bed bugs in a natural way.
- Clean the mattress as well as beds, carpets, and bed frame furniture upholstered, pay attention to crevices, cracks or wide spaces.
- When you have finished vacuuming, put the vacuum bag with the bag of plastic and dispose of it in an outdoor trash bin. If you have an upright vacuum cleaner, clean it immediately with hot water.
- You can cover all of your pillows and mattresses with bed bug resistant covers and enclosures. This keeps bugs from the mattress and will eventually take out any bed bugs inside.
- Check all windows, repair damaged screens to keep out rodents and birds.
- To completely rid the bed bugs it might be necessary to remove objects that are heavily infested, such as mattresses or furniture with upholstered items.
It is not uncommon to observe bed bug activities for several days following the first treatment because it’s quite a challenging task to completely eliminate all bed bugs and their eggs within the first course of treatment.
It might be necessary to repeat the treatment every week for several weeks in order to completely eliminate the bed bug infestation.
As bed bugs can stay alive for a long time without eating and contaminating the home, treating it using specially-formulated bed insect sprays or powders for insecticides are crucial for eliminating bed bugs for good.
(Important note: Use only products and sprays clearly labeled for the purpose of eliminating bed bugs. Do not use any common household pesticides that do not contain bed bug as a target on its label. )
If you’re not able to handle the issue yourself, consider hiring an certified bed bug exterminator and make sure they have a long-standing track record of eliminating bed bugs.

Frequently Asked Questions for Killing Bed Bugs
Does Lysol Kill Bed Bugs?
The areas that are sprayed with Lysol will only repel insects away when it’s still wet. Lysol alone will kill bed bugs when they are directly sprayed on contact. If it dries then bed bugs are likely to return.
Does Alcohol Kill Bed Bugs?
Alcohol kills bed bugs but it can not eliminate the eggs. It is therefore necessary to be frequently used to combat the problem.
It’s not the best method to eliminate bed bugs forever. If you’re interested in this treatment to treat bed bugs, you must mix nine parts of 91 percent of isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol and 1 part of water.
The solution should be placed in a chemical sprayer to apply over large areas. Make use of a spray bottle to cover smaller areas, and for getting into crevices.
Spray all areas, including head and foot boards as well as hard surfaces, door jams, baseboards and all other areas where bed bugs are hiding.
Does Bleach Kill Bed Bugs?
While bleach is effective in killing bed bugs, and can be utilized in the same way as alcohol, it is not advised. Bleach can damage carpets, mattresses, furniture, mattresses and paint.
Additionally, it can cause skin irritation. It is advised to limit the use of bleach to kill bed bugs in things you can wash or the hard surface that is safe for bleach.
Does Boric Acid Kill Bed Bugs?
Boric acid isn’t an effective treatment for bed bugs and could be extremely hazardous. Boric acid is particularly harmful to animals and children. It could cause kidney damage, as well as cause skin burns.
Products To Get Rid Of Bed Bugs
There are many products to rid bed bugs, the three most highly advised products are mattress encasements, STERI-FAB spray, and BedLam Insecticides.
Bed Bug Mattress Encasements
You can shield the mattress from bed bug infestation Bed Bug Mattress Encasements.
They also work well for people suffering from allergies that are chronic as they provide a layer against dust mites, and bed bugs.
Encasements completely seal off the pillows and mattress completely, leaving no space for bed bugs to get through or escape from.
Baking Soda To Kill Bed Bugs
Baking soda is often used to treat bed bug infestations, you can use it as follows:
The mattress and the area around the bed are infestation hot spots.
Spread baking soda around these areas
Vacuum the baking soda after a few days
It may work occasionally, but it will not eliminate an infestation completely
Baking soda is not a hundred percent effective method of getting rid of bed bugs. Baking soda works by dehydrating bed bugs by decomposing when it comes in contact with water.
Baking soda is said to absorb the thick fluids found on a bed bug exoskeleton, causing them to become dehydrated. Some evidence shows that the granules of baking soda cause the bed bugs to bleed internally but you should know that an infestation cannot be eradicated by baking soda.
Does Vinegar Kill Bed Bugs?
Bed bugs can be killed by spraying vinegar directly on them because vinegar contains acetic acid, which disrupts their nervous system.
Even though vinegar is a safe and effective home remedy, it cannot be used as a standalone treatment, meaning it will not eliminate bed bug infestations.
In the absence of a long-term solution, use vinegar to get rid of bed bugs and even ward them off.
Does Heat Kill Bed Bugs?
Scientific research shows that high temperatures can kill bed bugs. Bed bugs and their eggs are eliminated by heat, but at what temperature?
In the past three years, many studies have been conducted in recognized institutions on this subject. We now have real, scientifically backed data that gives us the answers that we’ve been searching for.
Several scientists, including Dr. Miller, have concluded that bed bugs can be killed with heat but also have indicated the temperature and period of time at which optimum results can be achieved may vary.
You should consult a Pet Control Professional for best results from heat treatment.
Does Washing Clothes Kill Bed Bugs?
You can’t eradicate bed bugs by simply washing your clothes; you must dry them in a dryer at high temperatures to eradicate them. Several bed bugs will be killed by agitation, water submersion, and detergent in the washing machine.
Washing machines rarely can reach a temperature high enough to kill bed bugs. The temperature must be held for a certain amount of time above 120F. Can you kill bed bugs by washing clothes? Probably not.
Does Diatomaceous Earth Kill Bed Bugs?
A diatomaceous earth is a fossilized form of diatoms which produce 20-50 percent of the world’s oxygen. You can source diatomaceous earth from around the world and it is rich in minerals.
There are several ways diatomaceous earth can be processed, but the best way to use it for insecticides is milled or micronized.
Bed bugs can be killed by diatomaceous earth, but it takes time. The mineral in Diatomaceous Earth bug-killing powder rubs away bug defense system and outer shells, causing them to dehydrate and die.
Does Cold Kill Bed Bugs?
One of the reasons bed bugs prefer our bedrooms is the temperature. A temperature between 65 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit is ideal for bed bug populations to thrive.
It takes as little as three weeks for nymphs to develop into full-grown and reproducing adults in this condition. There can be up to four or five eggs laid each day by a female bed bug during her lifetime.
Bed bugs can be affected by significant changes in the temperature of the environment. Temperature changes can greatly affect their development.
Nevertheless, these nasty critters have varying degrees of tolerance to heat and cold. Steam at a temperature of 120 degrees Fahrenheit can kill bed bugs in minutes if it is consistently present.
These insects can almost instantly die at 150 degrees Fahrenheit or higher.
Bed bugs, however, are more tolerant of colder temperatures, they are naturally able to alter the freezing point of their fluids and adapt.
I really appreciate taking time to read.
All the best
Perry Benani
Pest Control Professional
Protect your mattress and box springs with Bed Bug Proof Bedding Encasements
Bedlam Insecticide is a convenient water-based and non-irritating aerosol spray that is specially made to kill bed bugs on contact and provide lasting residual performance. It should be sprayed in cracks and crevices and around baseboards, floor/head boards, door jams, walls and other hard surfaces. Since it is water based, it is safe to use to use to treat mattresses and bedding. It will also not stain fabrics or materials.
Eliminate bed bugs with Bedlam Professional Bed Bug Insecticide
STERI-FAB bed bug spray that will not leave behind a messy residue. Its dry crystal formula dries with in 20 minutes. It is safe to use on the entire mattress, bedding furniture, carpets and all other areas where bed bugs may hide. It comes in pint or one gallon sizes to help you kill bed bugs in any size area.
STERI-FAB Bed Bug Spray – Control, Get Rid and Kill Bed Bugs