Four natural ways to get rid of bed bugs
Bed bugs are tiny, elusive pests known for their ability to hide in small crevices and feed on human blood.
They thrive in warm environments and conceal themselves in places like mattresses, bed frames, and furniture, making them difficult to eliminate.
Bed bug bites can cause discomfort, redness, and itching, so it’s crucial to get rid of them promptly. While chemical treatments are effective, many people prefer natural methods to avoid potential health risks.
Here are some natural methods that can help you get rid of bed bugs.
Sunlight
Bed bugs are vulnerable to high temperatures, so sunlight can be an effective natural method to help reduce their infestations.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), bed bugs die when their body temperatures reach 45°C (113°F); so expose them to sun heat.
Place infested items outside in direct sunlight for several hours. Spread them out to maximize exposure. The longer the exposure, the better the chances of killing bedbugs and their eggs.
For big items like mattresses or cushions, ensure all sides are exposed to the sun by rotating them periodically.
Also, after exposure, thoroughly inspect the items for any remaining signs of bed bugs and use a vacuum to remove any dead bugs or eggs.
Encasement
Mattress and box spring encasements are another way to get rid of bed bugs, according to the EPA.
These mattress encasements are special bed bug covers that help trap and starve bed bugs. They also prevent bed bugs from getting to you while sleeping and infesting other areas.
For effective results, leave the encasement on for a year and ensure it has been tested for bed bugs and is strong enough.
Hot water
Bed bugs cannot survive high temperatures so hot water is an effective natural method for killing bed bugs and their eggs.
For washable items, wash them in hot water or tumble dry for 30 minutes. According to a study, a 30-minute hot temperature wash can kill all stages of bed bugs.
For non-washable fabrics or areas, use a steam cleaner with a hot water setting to kill bed bugs.
Declutter
Decluttering is crucial in eliminating bed bugs. Bed bugs can conceal themselves in piles of clothing, stacks of books, and other clutter, making it difficult to locate and treat them effectively.
So reducing clutter in your home will help minimize the number of hiding spots for bed bugs and make it easier to detect and address infestations.
Aside from decluttering, you should also do vacuuming consistently. Focus on vacuuming crevices, seams, and edges where bedbugs are likely to hide.
With decluttering and vacuuming, you need to be consistent and thorough.