Treating bedbugs is a huge and challenging task, especially if the infestation is severe. Nevertheless, early detection of bedbugs makes it easy to curb its population. Professional pest-control service is required in case of severe infestation. People make use of several do-it-yourself techniques and strategies that are easily implemented to check and prevent the bedbug infestation. Numerous insecticide products are also readily available in the market labeled for indoor use. However, efficacies of such products are quite less since bedbugs are highly resistant to few insecticide chemicals. Additionally, there is a health concern for humans, being exposed to several chemicals. Therefore, people resort to natural methods to kill and contain the growth of bedbugs. DIY treatments do not have high success rate in the elimination of bedbugs. Yet, the techniques are certainly inexpensive and safe in getting rid of bedbugs.
Heat Treatment
Bedbugs do not withstand high temperature, and this principle is used to kill bed bugs in different ways. It is a natural and non-toxic method and kills bed bugs, including the eggs. Bed bugs die a natural death when exposed to high temperature of 113 degrees Fahrenheit for about 90 minutes. A temperature of 118 degrees Fahrenheit kills even the eggs of bed bugs. Few ways to get rid of bed bugs through heat are –
- Laundry: Wash all infested clothes, stuffed toys, quilts, and any other washable material in extremely hot water in the washing machine. Extreme heat from a dryer of the washing machine is bound to kill the bugs, if present, in the item. Infested goods should have an extended drying time such that, there is maximum heat to kill the bedbugs.
- Steam: Portable handheld steamers are also efficient way to kill bed bugs. The device shoots hot steam into all the hard-to-reach corners of the room, such as crevices and cracks. Steamers are also great to treat a bed bug infested sofa, furniture, baseboards or carpets.
- Sunlight: Place all the items that are not washable such as mattress, wooden items, luggage and other small items in direct sunlight. These items should be exposed to sunlight for at least 3-4 hours for maximum elimination.
Cold Treatment
Similar to heat temperature, exposing bed bugs to freezing temperature kills them. However, this requires several days of exposure to get rid of the bedbugs. Boxes or bags are placed outdoors in freezing climate during winters or in a freezing cold garage. People also place some items in the refrigerator’s freezer to kill the bedbugs. Not much evidence is available to indicate the efficacy of this type of treatment.
Bed Traps: Another DIY remedy is placing moat traps on the floor under the legs of the bedding furniture. The moat acts as a trap with a slippery material on it, such as oil, alcohol, etc., which helps to trap the bedbugs.
Others: Vacuuming, mattress encasements, cleaning the clutter, disposing of infected items, caulking of cracks and crevices are other DIY methods used to get rid of bedbugs.
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