5 Natural Bed Bug Solutions | Bed Bug Exterminator (2024)

FAQs

What is the best homemade bed bug killer? ›

Diatomaceous Earth

In terms of the most widely talked about bed bug repellents, homemade options often include diatomaceous earth. Because of its abrasive properties, it works by absorbing water-protecting fats and oils from the outer layer of a bed bug's exoskeleton.

Harris Egg Kill & Resistant Bed Bug Killer is an effective and easy-to-use bed bug spray. It works on contact with live bugs but also kills bed bug eggs, helping to shorten the infestation cycle. That's one reason why we think it is the best bed bug spray for most situations.

These bugs are pretty easy to kill with high heat at 115°F (46.11°C) or intense cold at 32°F (0°C). Here are a few ways to treat bedbugs using these methods: Wash bedding and clothes in hot water for 30 minutes. Then put them in a dryer on the highest heat setting for 30 minutes.

Pyrethrins and Pyrethroids: Pyrethrins and pyrethroids are the most common compounds used to control bed bugs and other indoor pests. Pyrethrins are botanical insecticides derived from chrysanthemum flowers. Pyrethroids are synthetic chemical insecticides that act like pyrethrins.

Smelling citrus scents like lemon is pleasing, but for bed bugs, it's death. Some bed bugs cannot resist the smell of lemon juice and having it around will help you eliminate the problem once and for all. You have to use fresh lemon juice to kill those bed bugs since it has harsh properties which are bad for the pest.

Tea tree oil, renowned for its antibacterial properties, is like a natural bug repellent that bed bugs can't stand. Peppermint oil, with its invigorating minty freshness, overwhelms their acute senses. And eucalyptus oil, known for its refreshing aroma, is a formidable deterrent against these tiny intruders.

“Heat is the only 100 percent way to kill bed bugs and their eggs,” said Dente. “Chemicals will never work 100 percent,” he added. Dente said that their heat method is extremely labor intensive, but in the end, you don't need to throw your furniture away and far less pesticide is used in your home.

Heat is non-toxic, and can kill all bed bug life stages including bed bug eggs. However, heat treatment of any kind (except your home clothes dryer) is still relatively expensive and has no residual (long lasting) activity. The lack of residual activity means that bed bugs can re-infest again the day after treatment.

There are no magic sprays that kill bed bugs very well. Most commercial insecticides will kill bed bugs if applied carefully and directly to the insects and their hiding places. An exception is “Bug bombs”, or aerosol foggers. Foggers are mostly ineffective in controlling bed bugs.

Baking soda is another natural bed beg solution that you can use straight out of the fridge. Like diatomaceous earth, it sucks the moisture out of bed bugs, leaving them dried out and dead, without the need of pesticides. Spread a layer of baking soda around doorways, walls, beds, and other infested areas.

How to draw out bed bugs? ›

To lure bed bugs out of their hiding spots, you can use a steamer or a hairdryer to heat areas such as mattresses. Neither of these is hot enough to kill the bed bugs, but it can trick them into thinking a human host is near. You can also keep an eye out at night to locate their nests when they are most active.

Rubbing alcohol with concentrations of 70-91% kills bed bugs quickly upon contact if applied correctly and directly to the pests. At this concentration, rubbing alcohol dissolves and desiccates the bed bug's protective exoskeleton.

Paint Thinner. It's a chemical that contains 99 percent ethanol which can instantly kill bed bugs. All you need to do is to spray the paint thinner directly on the bed bugs. It's undoubtedly one of the most effective ways to kill bed bugs.

Can you kill bed bugs with hydrogen peroxide? Hydrogen peroxide can kill bed bugs on contact. However, it is not as lethal to bed bugs as other chemicals such as isopropyl alcohol. Unfortunately, hydrogen peroxide also stains linens and clothing because it is a bleaching agent.

There is no scientific evidence that baking soda works in getting rid of bed bugs successfully. In fact, baking soda breaks down when it comes into contact with water therefore the idea of it being able to absorb fluids is questionable. It is not guaranteed to fully remove a bed bug infestation completely.