Do it Yourself Bed Bug Treatment
Professional help is recommended for removing bed bugs, but there are several at-home treatments that some people find useful. They aren’t strong enough to clear out a major infestation, but they may reduce the number of active bugs. These options can serve as temporary measures to buy time before full treatment.
How to Get Rid of Bed Bugs Yourself in St. Louis
The internet is full of home remedies for bed bugs, but how many of them are truly effective? While some might kill a few bugs, they usually fall short when it comes to eliminating the entire infestation.
Many people turn to options such as talcum powder, mothballs, rubbing alcohol, tea tree oil, diatomaceous earth, and even ultrasonic gadgets. While they may offer temporary relief, they’re seldom a full solution. Some common DIY bed bug treatments include:
- Washing Linens: Launder all bedding and clothing in hot water to kill bed bugs and their eggs.
- Vacuuming: Regular vacuuming can help remove bed bugs from floors, mattresses, and furniture.
- Freezing: Exposing infested items to freezing temperatures may kill bed bugs if done long enough.
- Baking Soda: Some people use baking soda to dry out and kill bed bugs, though its effectiveness is debated.
- Dryer Sheets & Mothballs: These are believed to repel bed bugs, but there’s little scientific evidence to support their use.
- Diatomaceous Earth: This natural powder can damage bed bugs’ exoskeletons and eventually kill them over time.
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Cleaning Instructions for Bed Bugs in St. Louis
To help stop bed bugs from spreading, one of the most effective steps is to wash all infested clothing, bedding, and fabric items in hot water. Start by sorting your laundry as usual, then place each pile into a separate plastic bag. Be sure to seal the bags before carrying them to the washer to prevent bugs from spreading to other areas.
Empty the contents of the sealed bag directly into the washing machine, then place the used bag into another one, seal it, and throw it away. Wash and dry everything in the highest heat settings. Once finished, fold your laundry and store it in sealed bags to prevent re-infestation.
Can Bed Bugs Survive in the Washing Machine?
Bed bugs are highly sensitive to extreme temperatures, making heat one of the most effective ways to eliminate them. Washing infested bedding and clothing in hot water can kill both the bugs and any eggs. Just be careful when moving these items to prevent accidentally spreading them to other parts of your home.
Will Washing Bed-Bug Infested Linens Always Work?
Although heat treatments like washing and drying linens can be helpful, they aren’t suitable for every infested object or space. Successfully managing an infestation means treating all areas where bed bugs may be hiding.
Does Washing Bedding and Clothing in High Heat Kill Bed Bugs?
Definitely! Heat is one of the best ways to eliminate bed bugs, and washing your linens in hot water can do the trick. Strip your bedding, load it into the washer, and use a temperature of at least 140°F for a 90-minute or longer cycle.
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 these treatments might kill some bugs, they aren’t powerful enough to handle a full infestation. Still, some can reduce the severity and may be worth trying.
Why Baking Soda Won’t Get Rid of Bed Bugs
Baking soda is thought to work by breaking down when it meets water, absorbing the thick fluids that protect bed bugs, and drying them out. The small particles may also scratch their shells, leading to internal damage. While it might kill a few bugs, it won’t stop a serious infestation from spreading.
What to Do When DIY Bed Bug Treatment Doesn’t Work
Even if these methods help, you might still have bed bugs hiding in your home. Completely eliminating them without professional treatment is very difficult. To avoid ongoing problems, it’s best to call a pest control company to handle the infestation quickly and effectively.
For total bed bug removal, professional bed bug exterminators are almost always necessary. Since no one wants to deal with persistent bed bugs, it’s wise to hire an expert who can resolve the issue quickly and thoroughly.