How to Get Rid of Bed Bugs: 9 Non-Toxic Options
Bed bugs are one of the most unpleasant pests that can infest your home. They are small, brownish-red insects that feed on the blood of humans and animals. Bed bugs are notoriously difficult to get rid of, and they can quickly multiply and spread throughout your home.
If you have a bed bug infestation, it’s essential to act quickly to get rid of them. In this article, we’ll discuss nine non-toxic options for getting rid of bed bugs and preventing them from returning.
1. Vacuum Your Home Thoroughly
- Start by vacuuming your home thoroughly, paying extra attention to your mattress, box springs, and bed frame.
- Use a crevice tool to vacuum the seams and edges of your mattress.
- After vacuuming, seal the vacuum bag or canister in a plastic bag and dispose of it outside of your home.
2. Wash Bedding and Clothing
- Wash all bedding and clothing in hot water and dry it on high heat for at least 30 minutes.
- If you have items that can’t be washed, such as stuffed animals or shoes, put them in the dryer on high heat for at least 30 minutes.
3. Use a Steam Cleaner
- Use a steam cleaner with a high-temperature setting to kill bed bugs and their eggs.
- Direct steam at your mattress, box springs, and bed frame, as well as any other areas where bed bugs may be hiding.
4. Use a Mattress Encasement
- Encase your mattress and box springs in a specially designed bed bug-proof cover.
- This will prevent bed bugs from entering or leaving your mattress, making it easier to detect and treat any remaining bed bugs.
5. Use Diatomaceous Earth
- Diatomaceous earth is a natural, non-toxic powder that can be used to kill bed bugs.
- Sprinkle diatomaceous earth around the perimeter of your bed, along baseboards, and in other areas where bed bugs may be hiding.
6. Use Essential Oils
- Essential oils such as lavender, tea tree, and peppermint are natural bed bug repellents.
- Place a few drops of your chosen oil on a cloth and tuck it into your pillowcase or between your mattress and box springs.
7. Use Bed Bug Traps
- Place bed bug traps under your bed legs to prevent bed bugs from climbing up and infesting your mattress.
- Inspect the traps regularly and dispose of any trapped bed bugs.
8. Hire a Professional Exterminator
- If you have a severe bed bug infestation, it may be necessary to hire a professional exterminator.
- Exterminators can use specialized treatments to eliminate bed bugs, including heat treatments and insecticides.
9. Prevent Bed Bugs from Returning
- After you’ve eliminated the bed bugs from your home, it’s essential to take steps to prevent them from returning.
- Regularly vacuum your home, wash bedding and clothing in hot water, and inspect second-hand items for bed bugs before bringing them into your home.
10 Ways to Get Rid of Bed Bugs from Clothes
Bed bugs are notorious hitchhikers, and they can easily infest your clothing and other belongings. If you’ve recently been in an area with bed bugs, it’s essential to take steps to prevent them from coming home with you.
In this section, we’ll discuss ten ways to get rid of bed bugs from clothes and other fabrics.
1. Wash Clothes in Hot Water
- Wash your clothes in hot water and dry them on high heat, which will kill any bed bugs and their eggs.
- If you have clothes that can’t be washed, such as suits or delicate fabrics, take them to a dry cleaner and let them know that you’ve been exposed to bed bugs.
2. Seal Clothes in Plastic Bags
- Seal your clothes in a plastic bag and place them in the freezer for at least four days.
- The cold temperatures will kill any bed bugs and their eggs.
3. Use a Steam Cleaner
- Use a steam cleaner with a high-temperature setting to kill bed bugs on clothes and other fabrics.
- Direct steam at the seams and edges of your clothing, as well as any other areas where bed bugs may be hiding.
4. Use a Clothes Dryer
- Place your clothes in the dryer on high heat for at least 30 minutes to kill any bed bugs and their eggs.
- Be sure to check the care label on your clothing to ensure that it can be dried on high heat.
5. Use Diatomaceous Earth
- Sprinkle diatomaceous earth on your clothes and other fabrics, paying extra attention to seams and edges.
- Leave the diatomaceous earth on for at least two days, then shake or brush it off and wash your clothes in hot water.
6. Use Essential Oils
- Add a few drops of essential oils such as lavender or tea tree to your laundry detergent to repel bed bugs.
- You can also soak your clothes in a solution of essential oils and water before washing them.
7. Use a Clothes Steamer
- Use a clothes steamer with a high-temperature setting to kill bed bugs on clothes and other fabrics.
- Direct the steam at the seams and edges of your clothing, as well as any other areas where bed bugs may be hiding.
8. Use a Lint Roller
- Use a lint roller to remove any bed bugs or eggs that may be clinging to your clothing.
- Be sure to roll the lint roller over seams and edges, as well as any other areas where bed bugs may be hiding.
9. Use a Professional Dry Cleaner
- If you have delicate fabrics or clothing that can’t be washed at home, take them to a professional dry cleaner.
- Let the dry cleaner know that your clothing has been exposed to bed bugs, and they will use specialized methods to kill any bed bugs and their eggs.
10. Prevent Bed Bugs from Returning
- After you’ve eliminated the bed bugs from your clothing, it’s crucial to take steps to prevent them from returning.
- Avoid bringing second-hand clothing or fabrics into your home without thoroughly inspecting them for bed bugs.
How to Get Rid of Bed Bugs | LoadUp
Bed bugs are one of the most challenging pests to get rid of, and they can quickly infest your home and cause a range of health problems. If you have a bed bug infestation, it’s essential to act quickly to get rid of them and prevent them from returning.
In this section, we’ll discuss tips for getting rid of bed bugs and preventing them from coming back.
1. Identify the Infestation
- If you suspect that you have a bed bug infestation, it’s essential to identify the signs.
- Look for small, rust-colored stains on your bedding, which are the result of bed bugs being crushed.
- You may also find shed skins or live bed bugs crawling on your mattress or furniture.
2. Clean and Declutter Your Home
- Start by cleaning and decluttering your home, paying extra attention to your bedroom.
- Wash all bedding and clothing in hot water and dry it on high heat.
- Vacuum your mattress, box springs, and bed frame, as well as any other areas where bed bugs may be hiding.
3. Use a Mattress Encasement
- Encase your mattress and box springs in a specially designed bed bug-proof cover.
- This will prevent bed bugs from entering or leaving your mattress, making it easier to detect and treat any remaining bed bugs.
4. Use Steaming
- Use a steamer with a high-temperature setting to kill bed bugs and their eggs.
- Direct steam at your mattress, box springs, and bed frame, as well as any other areas where bed bugs may be hiding.
5. Use Diatomaceous Earth
- Diatomaceous earth is a natural, non-toxic powder that can be used to kill bed bugs.
- Sprinkle diatomaceous earth around the perimeter of your bed, along baseboards, and in other areas where bed bugs may be hiding.
6. Use Essential Oils
- Essential oils such as lavender, tea tree, and peppermint are natural bed bug repellents.
- Place a few drops of your chosen oil on a cloth and tuck it into your pillowcase or between your mattress and box springs.
7. Use Bed Bug Traps
- Place bed bug traps under your bed legs to prevent bed bugs from climbing up and infesting your mattress.
- Inspect the traps regularly and dispose of any trapped bed bugs.
8. Hire a Professional Exterminator
- If you have a severe bed bug infestation, it may be necessary to hire a professional exterminator.
- Exterminators can use specialized treatments to eliminate bed bugs, including heat treatments and insecticides.
9. Prevent Bed Bugs from Returning
- After you’ve eliminated the bed bugs from your home, it’s essential to take steps to prevent them from returning.
- Regularly vacuum your home, wash bedding and clothing in hot water, and inspect second-hand items for bed bugs before bringing them into your home.
10. Be Vigilant
- Even after you’ve eliminated the bed bugs from your home, it’s crucial to remain vigilant.
- Inspect your home regularly for signs of bed bugs, and take prompt action if you notice any.
FAQs
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What are bed bugs? | Bed bugs are small, brownish-red insects that feed on the blood of humans and animals. |
| How do I know if I have bed bugs? | Look for small, rust-colored stains on your bedding,
|