Do it Yourself Bed Bug Treatment

Bed bugs can be a difficult infestation to manage since they are discreet and spread quickly. They primarily uncover themselves at night, making them hard to locate and eliminate. Some DIY methods have been proven to reduce the severity of bed bugs, however, if you are dealing with a full-blown infestation, it may be time to reach out to a professional. 

How to Get Rid of Bed Bugs Yourself in Michigan/At-Home Remedies for Bed Bugs

When searching the Internet for DIY methods for treating bed bugs, you may come across many solutions. How do you know which ones work and fit your unique situation? There are varying degrees of success that come with DIY methods, but they don’t usually tackle severe infestations. 

These methods include rubbing alcohol, tea tree oil, talcum powder, mothballs, diatomaceous earth, and even ultrasonic devices. 

Some common DIY bed bug treatments include:

• Washing linens
• Vacuuming
• Freezing
• Baking soda
• Dryer sheets & mothballs
• Diatomaceous earth

Cleaning Instructions for Bed Bugs in Michigan

Washing infested items such as clothes and bedding in a hot water washing machine is one of the best strategies you can take to prevent bed bugs from spreading. When doing laundry, sort your clothes and then place each sorted pile into a separate plastic bag. Seal these bags off until ready to go into the wash so you don’t spread bugs throughout the house.

When it’s time to wash, place the open end of the sealed bag directly into the machine. Wash and dry the clothes at the highest possible heat. Place the contaminated bag into another sealed bag and dispose outside. Cleaned and dried laundry can then be placed in a sealed bag to keep bed bugs out while you wait for the infestation to conclude.

Can Bed Bugs Survive in the Washing Machine?

Bed bugs should effectively be killed through a high-heat wash. Both bugs and eggs that have been laid will likely not survive extreme temperatures. Wash the bedding at a high temperature (at least 140°F) for 90 minutes or more. Remember to use caution when moving linens and clothes around the house on the journey to the laundry room. This can help prevent the bugs from spreading into other rooms. 

Will Washing Bed-Bug Infested Linens Always Work?

Washing items in high temperatures is an excellent way to kill bed bugs and their eggs. Unfortunately, not all items in a home can or should go in a washing machine. Controlling an infestation means the entire infested area must be addressed – so mattresses, box springs, carpet, and furniture must be included. 

All-Natural Bed Bug Treatments

As mentioned above, different recipes have been attempted to remove bed bugs, including tea tree oil, baking soda, or dryer sheets. While these methods may assist in killing off some of the bed bugs, they will likely be unable to tackle a full-blown infestation. 

Why Baking Soda Won’t Get Rid of Bed Bugs

When baking soda comes into contact with water, it will begin to chemically break down. With this in mind, it is proposed that baking soda would naturally dehydrate the thick fluids found on the shells of bed bugs. While this may be effective at killing the bugs, it is still vital to locate and remove all the bed bugs to stop a larger infestation. 

Keep in mind that it usually takes an average of three to four treatments to fully remove bed bugs from your home. Without professional assistance, it can be extremely difficult to locate and successfully eliminate all the bed bugs from your home. When connecting with a pest control company, like Griffin Pest Solutions, you can ensure that the infestation is handled quickly for you. 

What to Do When DIY Bed Bug Treatment Doesn’t Work

While many methods can assist in lowering the number of bed bugs, it is almost certain they will come back again. Complete removal of all bed bugs is the only way to stop an ongoing infestation. Enlisting the expertise of a professional bed bug exterminator can help save you the stress of a frustrating infestation!