Steam – Bed bugs and their eggs die at 122°F (50°C). The high temperature of steam 212°F (100°C) immediately kills bed bugs. Apply steam slowly to the folds and tufts of mattresses, along with sofa seams, bed frames, and corners or edges where bed bugs may be hiding.
Pyrethroids are synthetic chemical insecticides that act like pyrethrins. Both compounds are lethal to bed bugs and can flush bed bugs out of their hiding places and kill them.
These methods may include chemical treatments, such as insecticides. One of the most effective professional treatment methods is heat. If you want to be sure that the bed bugs are gone once and for all, this is proven to be the safest route to take.
Bed bugs ex- posed to 113°F will die if they receive constant exposure to that temperature for 90 minutes or more. However, they will die within 20 minutes if exposed to 118°F. Interestingly, bed bug eggs must be exposed to 118°F for 90 minutes to reach 100% mortality.
At temperatures over 60°C (140°F), all bed bugs are killed rapidly. Heating a room is unlikely to work, because of the high temperatures needed. It may also spread an infestation, because bed bugs will seek the cooler areas in the room, beyond the reach of the heat.
DIY treatments include high heat, bleach, alcohol, and diatomaceous earth. Rubbing alcohol, salt, baking soda, and boric acid are not effective. Certain essential oils repel bed bugs but won't kill them. Diatomaceous earth is an effective passive method of bed bug treatment.
Adult bed bugs cannot survive professional extermination. Still, it's important to note that extermination won't always kill bed bug eggs. Because of that, we recommend having regular bed bug inspections after the initial extermination treatment.
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.
Living Fossils: Bed bugs are considered living fossils that existed even during the time of the dinosaurs. Despite their ancient history, the bugs adapt to their environment and continue to survive. Their ability to genetically change and evolve is one of the main reasons why they are so hard to kill.
Treat With Steam
Steam treatments are optional but recommended, because they will kill all life stages of bed bugs, including the eggs, and can be used in places where insecticides cannot. That makes steam a good partner to use with most insecticides, which won't kill bed bug eggs and can't be applied to certain areas.
As discussed earlier, vinegar, particularly white distilled, can kill bed bugs because of its powerful acetic acid content. However, the chemical only becomes a viable bed bug killer if it comes in direct contact with the said pest.
Unfortunately, there is no scientific evidence that baking soda works to kill bed bugs. Baking soda is said to dehydrate bed bugs. While baking soda may kill off one or two bugs, it's rarely strong enough to get rid of an entire infestation.
Peppermint
One of the most researched solutions for keeping bed bugs away is peppermint. This plant can provide a smell which bed bugs and other pests hate. The scent will drive any pest which will keep your home pest-free and fresh at the same time.
Steam Clean Often
Steamers are a great tool for maintaining a bed bug-free home. The heat of the steam can kill bed bugs and their eggs. Take your steamer and slowly spray each room with it. Pay extra attention to the baseboards, closet shelves, window trim, and even the carpet.
Wash everything on a high temperature or sanitary cycle for at least 30 minutes. Placing everything in the dryer on the hottest setting for 30 minutes will also kill bed bugs and larvae. Immediately after you're finished putting clothing in the washer, tie up and throw out the empty garbage bag in an outdoor trash bin.
The longer you delay addressing an infestation the greater the risk the infestation will spread throughout your home as well as to your work place or the homes of friends or family. Leaving bed bugs untreated will exacerbate the problem, as infestations do not die out on their own.
Use steam or heat treatment
If you can expose bed bugs to extensive heat, you may be able to kill them. That's why it can be effective to iron or steam-clean bed linens. Be sure to read the label first to be sure it's possible without damaging the item.
For washable items research shows that dry cleaning, washing in hot water for 30 minutes, or tumble drying for 30 minutes on high will kill all stages of bed bugs. Non-washables are a little trickier. Items that aren't needed for a while can just be stored.