How to Get Rid of Bed Bugs: Effective & Safe Solutions

Bed bugs are tiny, extremely fast insects, which are less than pencil’s eraser in size. They feed on the blood of animals and human beings. You may hardly notice them before they will bite you. After feeding, their bodies turn red and swell.

And although bed bugs can’t fly, they compensate for the lack of this ability by moving extremely fast, crawling on the walls, ceilings, and floors. One female bed bug may lay over 1 hundred eggs, which you may not notice because of their tiny size.

Best DIY Bed Bug Control Kit
Product
Harris Bed Bug Killer Value Bundle Kit - Diatomaceous Earth Powder, Toughest Bed Bug Powder,...
Price
Prime
Pros
Contains all essential remedies against bed bugs.
My review
Best Bed Bug Killer Insecticide
Product
Rockwell Labs CXID032 Cimexa Dust Insecticide, 4 Ounce (Pack of 1), White
Price
Prime
-
Pros
Kills multiple types of insects.
My review
Best Bed Bug Spray
Product
MGK Bedlam Plus Bed Bug Aerosol, 17oz, 1 can
Price
Prime
Pros
Does not leave stains.
My review

Being a professional entomologist and working in a pest control industry, I am used to different stories of lost battles with bed bugs. Many people prefer not to call professionals and are too ashamed to buy bed bug killers until it is too late. Therefore, I am here to help you with the questions you may have, providing my advice on how to kill bed bugs.

Everything You Want to Know About Bed Bugs, but Are Afraid to Ask

 

detailed bed bug image

Bed bugs are tiny blood-drinking insects. They can barely reach 0,20 inches size and are usually compared with apple seeds. Bed bugs adore darkness and prefer to hide in a mattress or inside the walls. While these creatures don’t usually cause any health problems, except for vasculitis in rare cases, they feed on humans and animals. Their bites can be painful and followed by itching.

People who have their bedrooms infested by bedbugs usually look sleepy and tired in the daytime, as insects have to feed on them often.

One female insect can provide 250-bed bug eggs during its life. Each egg is tinier than dust. In case of danger, bed bugs are hiding and can exist for several months without feeding. These insects have flat brownish bodies that are swollen after the bug has fed (see more bed bug images). The color of their skin is getting redder because of the blood.

bed bug lifecycle

Young bed bugs are called nymphs. They have to shed skin up to 5 times a day until they become adults. Each shedding period requires taking a meal before. This means that younger species attack humans and their pets even more frequently, sometimes leaving three bites in a row.

On average, it takes up to 1 month for youngsters to grow into adults. After that, they can produce over 3 generations of new bugs in a year. Grown-up species can survive a year without food in case of outside threats.

Bed bugs may leave different marks on your skin as compared to other insects having a similar look. If you want to understand what kind of a bug is biting you each night, take a close look at the area that was bitten:

  • Fleas usually bite lower parts of the body, where they can jump. Their bites begin to itch after they were left. Some people may not notice bites of fleas. Fleas prefer to feed on animals over humans;
  • Ticks are not that similar to bed bugs as fleas. They have white stripes or spots on them. Ticks do not live in big groups like bed bugs. They dwell outdoors, while bed bugs prefer to stay at home. When a tick is feeding, it buries the head under the human’s skin. You feel their whole bodies on your skin like a small tubercle;
  • Bed bugs are brown, have wide bodies, and don’t need to crawl under your skin to feed on you. They have a feeding tube like almost all insects that suck blood. They pick one small area and bite it. Bed bugs are unlikely to attack you during the day, preferring to stay unnoticed. Their bites are painless at the beginning. They start itching some time later, giving these insects the chance to leave the place of crime.

bed bug bites

Bed bug bites

When Do Bed Bugs Appear?

Bed bugs are sneaky little parasites. They can move completely unnoticed and hide so well that you would never get them out without extra help. There are several ways these insects can sneak into your house:

  • If you bought second-hand furniture, you have to check it out for bugs. Even in case a seller assured you that there were no bugs, you need to make sure that it is true. Half cases of infestation happen when a person buys the used furniture;
  • After you come back from a journey, you have to check twice on all your purses, luggage, and even backpacks. The hotel you were staying in could have been infested, and you wouldn’t even know. Bed bugs might easily jump into your luggage and travel with you;
  • A house without cleaning can get easily infested by bed bugs carried by guests, pets, or even through open windows;
  • If you live in an apartment complex, and your neighbors have bed bugs, they can be brought to you, even in case you open the front door.

luggage

Potential Dangers

Bed bugs rather irritate you than cause any harm.

They suck your blood for up to 1-2 minutes and bring you discomfort. However, they don’t carry any disease. The skin may go red and swollen. You will start itching. Some people do not feel anything at all. In some rare cases, there is bleeding after the bite. Multiple bites may cause an allergy and rash.

These unpleasant and, sometimes, painful small bites that bed bugs leave on your skin, may lead you to insomnia. The level of stress will be increased, and you may feel anxiety. Moreover, constant biting may cause anemia. While you are scratching the bites, you may infect them.

bed bug bites on human body

The Signs That Your House Is Infested

There are multiple little signs you may leave completely unnoticed until the red dots on your skin will finally get your attention. Exterminating bed bugs is a hard job mainly because these insects are used to hide in the darkest places in the room. I recommend you to pay attention to these signs:

  • You can see tiny brown insects that are moving quickly, crawling on your walls and ceiling;
  • There are red bloody dots on your sheets;
  • You have itchy swollen red marks on your skin. Pay attention to your upper body to exclude the possibility of being bitten by fleas;
  • Little black spots (bed bug poop) on the carpet that can be visible with the help of magnifying glass and a flashlight;
  • Yellow eggs that are small and barely noticeable, but numerous;
  • Your dog or cat is itching constantly.

First of all, according to the Center for Disease Control, you have to check your mattress, as they love to dwell there. After that, take a flashlight and search under the bed. The insects may live inside the walls if they have cracks. Make sure you check all the dark places in the house. Bed bugs are really good at hiding.

Don’t underestimate these creatures. They won’t limit themselves with a bedroom. Sooner or later, they will invade all your apartment or house. After a while, bed bugs will travel to your neighbors next door as well.

How to Get Rid of Bed Bugs on Your Own

close look at bed bugs on a mattress

Before you call professionals who will heat the apartment for several hours or spray the poison, you can try getting rid of bed bugs by yourself. You can’t just ask them politely to leave. To kick away the insects you have to follow the next steps:

  1. Change your bedding. Put the used sheets in the washing machine at high temperatures. After that, you have to dry them on the highest temperature as well;
  2. Clean your curtains, table cloths, stuffed animals, your clothes, and even shoes. Bed bugs can hide anywhere;
  3. Buy a stiff brush, if you don’t have one already, and scrub the mattress to remove the bugs and their eggs;
  4. Use a vacuum cleaner on your bed, your carpet, and curtains. Once everything is done, change the cleaner bag. If it is durable, you have to wash it in hot water after all garbage was collected in a plastic bag. Don’t leave it in your home; After vacuuming, use a steamer that heats to 120°F and steam every corner of your home. Steam cleaning is extremely effective against bed bugs.
  5. If you have some seasonal clothes hidden, make sure there are no bed bugs on them. As we have found out before, these creatures can live up to 1 year without eating;
  6. In case you have cracks in the walls, repair them immediately. If you can’t do it right now, at least put some glue inside;
  7. You have to keep all your things in order. Pick up everything from the floor, as bed bugs may hide in your things;
  8. I know it may sound harsh, but there are cases when your mattress can’t be saved. If your bed is heavily infested, you have to get rid of the mattress. Throw it away and buy a new one.

Sometimes, these actions are not enough. In such cases, you have to call pest control to use chemical treatments. However, I recommend you not to rush and first try to get rid of them by yourself, using the products I mention on the list below. Try to stay away from harmful chemicals as much as possible. The remedies you can use by yourself are:

The market offers over 300 pesticides that are approved for use by officials. The most common ingredients in all bed bugs sprays are pyrethroids. Some bed bugs have gained resistance to these ingredients. There are pesticides that can be used only by professionals to prevent poisoning. If you want to apply chemicals, I suggest you call pest control. The most common ingredients of the best bed bug treatment are:

  • Phenylethyl propionate and neem tree oil are a part of the botanical group. They contain an extremely low number of toxins and are not harmful to pets and humans. However, there is no constant protection from bed bugs;
  • S-Hydroprene, methoprene, and pyriproxyfen form the group of IRGs, or insect growth regulators. They have a low level of toxicity as well. However, they may be harmful to the fish, so be careful when applying these ingredients near fish tanks;
  • Diatomaceous earth, boric acid, and fumed silica are considered to be mineral compounds in dust bed bug extermination products. They have almost zero level of toxicity. Diatomaceous earth is usually used on pets, while other ingredients must be out of reach for them. You have to avoid direct contact of these ingredients with your skin. Do not inhale them under any circumstances. Protect your nose with a mask, while applying these ingredients;
  • Pyrethrins are compounds derived from plants. There is a moderate risk of toxicity for a long period. These ingredients are harmful to the nervous system and may trigger an allergy. EPA classified them as carcinogens;
  • Isopropyl Alcohol is a known type of rubbing alcohol. It is not toxic. However, the substance is flammable, and you have to be careful when applying it.

Related Post: Best Bed Bug Steamers & Vacuums

Whereas we have discussed active components that help us to get rid of bed bugs with the low level of toxins, let’s mention some potentially harmful ingredients that must be applied by professionals. Here is my list of unfavorable ingredients:

  • Chlorfenapyr. As you may guess from its name, this is a chemical that contains chlorine and is considered to be moderately toxic. EPA categorizes it as a carcinogen. The component is really effective, and it kills all the insects during several days;
  • Propoxur and carbaryl belong to the N-Methyl carbamates group of chemicals. They are highly toxic, according to the Bed Bug Research Institute, and may be dangerous for the nervous system of people, especially young children, and pets. They are listed as carcinogens in EPA reports and can’t be used in places reachable by kids;
  • Imidacloprid, dinotefuran, acetamiprid, and clothianidin belong to the group of Neonicotinoids. These ingredients are toxic. They are harmful to the skin and nervous system. Acetamiprid contains the lowest level of toxicity for people among all of them;
  • Malathion and DDVP or dichlorvos are organophosphates. Even the low concentration of these chemicals can be harmful to humans. You have to keep these components far from children;
  • The group of pyrethroids includes multiple chemicals. The most spread are permethrin, bioallethrin, cyfluthrin, deltamethrin, and esfenvalerate. They are dangerous to the nervous system, people with asthma and allergies. These chemicals are harmful to people and pets almost equally, but cats are exposed to them the most;
  • Sulfuryl Fluoride is getting on your nervous system as well. It is usually used in fumigants. You have to get away while the component is active. It has to be used with other chemicals as well.

FAQ: All You Want to Know About Bed Bugs

bedroom

Are Bed Bugs Dangerous?

According to the EPA, even though bed bugs were not noticed in disease-transmitting, it is hard to ignore the issues they may cause. Besides health issues, they may lead to anxiety and other mental health problems. Negative effects that may be brought in case you miss bed bug removal are:

  • Multiple allergies of bites. Sometimes, it can lead to anaphylaxis;
  • Infections of your skin, including eczema, impetigo, and even lymphangitis;
  • In case of severe bed bugs infestation, their bites may even cause anemia;
  • Insomnia, anxiety, depression, and other mental health problems.

Why Do I Have Bed Bugs?

The State Department of Health of New York claims that getting rid of bed bugs has been one of the hardest tasks of the human race for many thousand years. It is impossible to feel 100 percent secured from them, as the pests may crawl from your neighbors or hide in your backpack during the trip. Don’t think that these insects are the problem of dirty apartments and houses. It is not true. There are numerous ways to get them:

  • From the used furniture you bought in the second-hand or posh antiquity store;
  • Hotels and Airbnb apartments where you stayed during the holiday;
  • Your neighbors, if you live in apartments;
  • From gyms and lockers of common use;
  • Trams, buses, subway, and almost all public transport you use.

bed

Do I Need to Throw Away My Mattress and Furniture if I Have Bed Bugs?

This is the extreme measure that usually no one takes. You don’t have to go that far. Even if you get rid of everything, there are chances that bed bugs will not leave you. They can survive without furniture or bed alone. Bed bugs spread extremely fast, and are really good at hiding.

Getting a new bed and furniture requires lots of money, and not everyone can afford it. Instead, you can try to get rid of bed bugs yourself or call a professional.

Can You Get Rid of Bed Bugs on Your Own?

You can try doing this with my advice. As I’ve told you before, there are multiple organic or low-toxic remedies for these insects. You may get familiar with the list of items I personally had an experience with. You will find them below. I don’t recommend you to create your own homemade powders or sprays, as they may be dangerous for your health. In case you can’t exterminate bed bugs yourself, I suggest you call your local pest control.

Related Post: Hot Shot Bed Bug Fogger Review.

Where Do Bed Bugs Hide?

Bed bugs usually dwell in the dark and are almost unreachable for humans places. They like to hide in various cracks in walls and ceilings. Except the bed mattresses and cracks in old furniture, they may live behind the wallpapers, baseboards, and pictures. They may stay unnoticed in the thick carpet floors, in cushions, clothes, and sofas. These insects can settle down inside your car. You may find them in municipal transport.

How Much Does Bed Bug Extermination Cost?

It actually depends on local tariffs, a number of companies that provide similar services, and a number of insects that ruin your life. On average, home owners may spend somewhere near $1 000 or $2 000 to get rid of the pests.

However, it is really important to find out the level of infestation at your house. The size of your home really matters here. The price for pests control services starts with $300 on a small territory and goes up to $5 000 in a huge heavily infested private house.

What Kills Bed Bugs Instantly?

There is no immediate cure from bed bugs unless you call exterminators. They will quickly seal your apartment or house and kill the insects with high temperatures or chemicals. As we have already discussed here, bed bugs are afraid of high temperatures. This is why I recommend you to follow the next rules:

  • Always wash your clothes and bedsheets at high temperatures;
  • Rise the temperature while ironing clothes;
  • Don’t forget to throw away the content of the vacuum cleaner, after you are done with the cleaning.

Bed Bug

How to Get Rid of Bed Bugs in a Mattress?

As I’ve told you before, you don’t have to throw your mattress away once you notice bed bugs. But what can you actually do about it? I have a few tips that will help you to save the mattress:

  • Use the steam cleaning on your mattress;
  • You can even iron your sheets on the mattress, or the mattress itself. Remember that heat is your best weapon;
  • Check out the list of the treatments I recommend below and pick the least harmful to spread it on your mattress;
  • Use the hot dryer for your sheets and pillowcases. You need over 120 degrees and 30 minutes to kill the pests if they live there.

Related Post: Bed Bug Bully Review: Is It Effective Enough?

Is There a Chance to Get Rid of Bed Bugs for Good?

Nobody can give you a 100 percent guarantee that even after extermination made by pest control bed bugs wouldn’t return. There is still a chance that a few months or years later they will come back to your home. With international travel ability, bed bugs continue to cross one country after another. The number of bed bugs is growing each year.

And in case you think that in the modern era there is no place for these insects, think again. The increase of bed bugs number was noted in the 1990s. Since that time, bed bugs continue to invade our homes and hotels.

bedroom with a nice bed

How Can I Save My Money?

You have to calculate everything in advance. If you can’t buy new furniture and mattress, don’t throw them away. Try to follow all my recommendations, as they will cost you nothing. Do laundry more often and iron your clothes to kill the bugs yourself. You may want to check out the prices of all the insecticides I recommend. Compare them and decide which one is the best for you.

Although you may find it weird, I strongly advise you not to underestimate your enemy. You can’t kill bed bugs immediately, they are fast in both crawling and reproducing. You may not even notice that there are hundreds of eggs under the bed until it will be too late. If you have the problem you can’t deal with by yourself, don’t hesitate to call the pest control.

Is It Shameful to Have Bed Bugs?

No! It is not shameful at all. Why do people keep thinking that bed bugs are a problem of poverty and dirt? Any house can be invaded by the army of nasty insects. You don’t need to be ashamed to ask for help.

Top 7 Bed Bug Treatments

1. Rockwell Labs CXID032 Cimexa Dust Insecticide – the Most Effective Bed Bug Treatment for Unreachable Areas

Specifications:

  • Active Ingredient: Silicon dioxide 92.1%
  • Coverage Area: 2 oz. per 100 sq. ft.
  • Item Weight: 6.7 ounces
  • Package Dimensions: 3.4 x 3.6 x 10.15 inches
  • Target pests: Ants, Wasps, Crazy Ants, Cockroaches, Firebrats, Silverfish, Spiders, Mites, Bed Bugs, Lice, Fleas, Ticks, Stored, Beetles and Moths and Drywood Termites

The CXID032 Cimexa Dust Insecticide was created to get rid of multiple pests, from bed bugs to roaches, spiders, and ants. The product kills all types of bed bugs, including adult species, nymphs, and eggs. And even if an insect has developed an immunity to parathyroid, Cimexa will exterminate it. The product was created by Rockwell Labs, the company developer of house tools and professional saw blades. Now, it helps to eliminate bed bugs.

Due to the long nose of the bottle, this insecticide can be applied on the walls, inside the tiniest cracks, and in usually hard-to-reach places. Overall, you may apply the remedy on the carpets and mattresses as well. The product does not have any odor. It does not leave stains on the furniture, and it is resistant to the water. Once you apply this insecticide, it will remain unchanged for over 10 years, if you need it.

Pros:Cons:
  • Long-lasting effect;
  • Kills multiple types of insects;
  • Can be applied on hardly reachable surfaces;
  • Acts on bed bugs resistant to parathyroid;
  • Affordable price.
  • One bottle may not be enough for the big house.

2. Dupray Neat Steam Cleaner – Eco-Friendly Bed Bugs Extermination Machine

Specifications:

  • Color: White
  • Surface Recommendation: Home, Tile, Grout Cars, Floors, Windows, Furniture
  • 2-year Limited Warranty
  • Item Weight: 9 pounds
  • Package Dimensions: 15.98 x 15.2 x 14.25 inches

Dupray Neat Steam Cleaner Powerful Multipurpose Portable Heavy Duty Steamer

The Neat Steam Cleaner from Dupray is the best bed bug steamer on the market that I have ever tried. It cleans unreachable places, forcing bed bugs to leave your house. A cleaner is a great tool not only during the infestation period but afterward as well. It is not only a cleaning solution, but also a nice sanitizer. You can supply the steam of 275 F, which is more than enough to kill bed bugs.

Neat Steam Cleaner was created by Dupray, the developer of cleaners. The company is a top-seller, with one of the highest ratings at the stores. It offers a lifetime warranty on the boiler of a steam cleaner, and 2 years on the whole product. The high temperature is what kills bed bugs, and you may easily bring this temperature anywhere around the house. You can use the cleaner for 50 minutes in a row, before filling it up.

Pros:Cons:
  • Effective in killing bed bugs;
  • 2 years warranty;
  • Works 50 minutes in a row;
  • Steam can be heated to 275 F;
  • Eco-friendly.
  • It’s more expensive than other products on the list.

3. BEAPCO 10013 4-Pack Bed Bug Detector Coaster – Best Trap for Identification and Bed Bug Prevention

Specifications:

  • Color: Gray
  • Number of Pieces: 4
  • Item Weight: 8.8 ounces
  • Product Dimensions: 6.5 x 6 x 3 inches
  • Target pests: Bed Bugs

The 10013 4-Pack Bed Bug Detector Coaster is a great way to identify bed bugs. I have already mentioned the detector that you have to put under the bed’s legs in my tips above. This is a natural way of bed bugs control. If you want to find out whether you have bed bugs or not and do not want them to climb up your bed, put Bed Bug Detector Coaster. It helps to find out where these insects are coming from.

BEAPCO company has been producing traps for insects for several years. It has moderate prices and is highly appreciated by customers. The outer walls of the trap allow insects to climb easily inside, but inner walls are too smooth for them to get out.

The trap does not contain any chemicals and is not harmful to pets. There are 4 items in the pack. The product is washable and reusable. You can always check out whether bed bugs are still there.

Pros:Cons:
  • Family-friendly product;
  • Durable;
  • 4 items in the pack;
  • Perfect trap for bed bugs;
  • Almost unseen in a room.
  • Does not kill all bed bugs in the house.

4. Bedlam Plus Bed Bug Aerosol – Best Insecticide Spray That Is Killing Bed Bugs and Their Eggs

Specifications:

  • Item Volume: 17 oz
  • Item Form: Spray 
  • Item Weight: 1.3 Pounds
  • Product Dimensions: 10.51 x 3.86 x 2.6 inches
  • Target pests: Bed Bugs

Bedlam Plus Bed Bug Aerosol

Bedlam Plus Bed Bug Aerosol is the spray that is easy to apply on any surface you need. It kills both bed bugs and their eggs. The spray sticks for several weeks on the carper, wood, and ceramic surfaces. The product was created by an MGK company that develops insecticides. The company guarantees that this is a stainless and water-safe insecticide.

You can use the spray far from the kitchen or places where you eat food. It can be applied in private houses, schools, hotels. It is perfect to use for cracks in the walls, pictures, mirrors, alarm clocks, and radios. You can also spray it on rugs. After that, you will have to remove the bedding and wash it.

The Bedlam Plus Bed Bug Aerosol kills even bed bugs that are resistant to the pyrethroid. The spray is safe for pets. However, you have to make sure that the product did not get into your eyes during the work.

Pros:Cons:
  • Easy to apply;
  • Affordable price;
  • Does not leave stains;
  • Kills eggs as well;
  • Pets-friendly.
  • You have to wait till the spray will stick to the surface.

5. Bed Bug Proof Linenspa Zippered Encasement On Mattress – the Best Mattress Case to Prevent Bed Bug Infestation

Specifications:

  • Size: Queen
  • Fabric Type: 100% Polyester
  • Material: Surface: 100% Polyester | Backing: 100% Polyurethane
  • Closure Type: Zipper
  • Water Resistance Level: Waterproof

Linenspa Waterproof Mattress Encasement

Those who are searching for the treatment for bed bugs that is natural and perfect in combination with other options, have to take a look at Bed Bug Proof Mattress Encasement. It does not exterminate bugs. This encasement protects your mattress. And while you are busy with killing pests, your bed will be completely secure from them. Bed Bug Proof Mattress Encasement was created by Linenspa, the company that sells bedclothes of high quality.

The products act as a barrier for insects, stopping them from climbing up your bed and hiding. You can always wash it in the machine. The fabric is smooth, allergic-free, and lightweight. It looks stylish while serving multiple specific purposes, including saving you from bed bugs, fleas, dust mites, and various allergens.

I’ve tried it, and it feels extremely soft and pleasant on the skin. The company developer gives 10-year warranty for the product. The fabric is thin, breathable, and perfect for children.

Pros:Cons:
  • Family-friendly;
  • Does not cause allergies;
  • Lightweight fabric;
  • Feels soft and natural;
  • Warranty.
  • Quite expensive comparing to linen bedding.

6. ZappBug Heater – the Natural Bed Bug Killer that Exterminates All the Insects

pecifications:

  • Circuits Needed: 1
  • Treatment Time: 3-8 Hours
  • Includes: 1500-Watt Thermal Unit
  • Item Weight: 10 pounds
  • Item Dimensions: 43 x 22.75 x 24 inches

The Heater is a simple, but great and reliable killing machine. Without removing bed bugs one by one using sprays everywhere, simply place your furniture into the Heater. It is not complicated at all. Heater fries adult bed bugs, as well as younger nymphs, and even eggs. There are no harmful chemicals and no pesticides. However, this product consumes the electricity.

The Heater is made by ZappBug, the producer of portable bed bug heaters. The company says the heater is easy to store, as it folds flat. It has a large size of 23×37.5×23. You can adjust the temperature to the level you need. The product can be heated from 120F to 155F.

This temperature is safe for most of your furniture and clothes but will kill bed bugs. The pack includes a wireless thermometer, so you can see when you reach the 155F. Usually, it takes up to 80 minutes to kill the insects on it. Please, do consider the item’s size. The bigger it is, the more it has to stay in the heater.

Pros:Cons:
  • Family-friendly;
  • No chemicals;
  • 100 percent killing warranty;
  • Easy to transport and store.
  • The size of the item does not allow to put the whole bed inside it, though there are bigger options.

Related Post: Most Effective Bed Bug Heaters For Home and Commercial Use

7. HARRIS Bed Bug Killer Value Bundle Kit – the Best Way to Kill Bed Bugs with This Complete Bed Bug Treatment Kit

Specifications:

  • Scent: Unscented
  • Item Form: Spray, Powder
  • Item Weight: 10.78 pounds
  • Package Dimensions:13.54 x 8.66 x 8.15 inches
  • Target pests: Bed Bugs

Bed Bug Killer Value Bundle Kit from HARRIS offers not one product but a set of them to stop bed bugs for good. This is a perfect mix. If one product does not kill the insects, then others will. Bed bugs simply don’t have a chance to survive. Bed Bug Killer Value Bundle Kit was produced by HARRIS, the registered EPA company that manufactures insecticides in the USA.

It offers bed bug powder bottle, gallon spray, diatomaceous earth powder, and a powder duster in a pack. You are able to use all of these items at the same time but in different places around the house. Together they are the deadliest weapon you have. All you need to do is to read the instructions carefully, and use a protective mask during the application of powder and spray.

Pros:Cons:
  • You may apply the product on all the surfaces in the house;
  • High positive results;
  • You don’t have to buy all of the items separately;
  • Quality of the products checked by millions;
  • Kills all types of bed bugs.
  • It costs more than separate products on the list.

How to Get Rid of Bed Bugs Naturally?

I have already discussed the best ways to prevent bed bugs attacks on your home. So, let’s skip this part with ironing and washing using high temperatures. I am not the biggest fan of home-made remedies, as you may have already noticed.

Related Post: EcoRaider Bed Bug Killer Spray Review

I believe that you have to buy professionally made bed bug killers or call pests control. Why? I just found them less helpful than insecticides from experts. However, you have to know all your options. Here are home-made remedies I have heard about:

  1. Herbs. Dried or fresh lavender, eucalyptus, rosemary, and mint. You have to put them around your house. They will do you no harm, anyway. Lavender is also known as a moth killer, while mint can scare away rats, as far as I know. There are numerous insects that hate these plants, just make sure you will not frighten your homies or beloved ones. Just make sachets and place them close to your bed and dresser;
  2. Essential oils. The components are the same, but instead of dry herbs, you can use aroma oils. Except eucalyptus, rosemary, lavender, and mint, you can add citronella and tea tree oils. If you are using tea tree oil, make sure that it will be applied in places unavailable for pets, as they may suffer from allergy. Some people rub these oils in the frame of a bed. Others prefer to do laundry by adding a few drops of these oils. You can even create a home-made spray, by mixing oil and water;
  3. Diatomaceous earth. I have already mentioned this product. And, as you remember, you have to keep it away from skin and eyes to avoid irritation. Sprinkle it around the room and under your bed. Don’t inhale it;
  4. Use the dryer sheets on your mattress. You will need up to 10 dryer sheets, which you will have to put under the mattress. Bed bugs will hate the smell. If you are ok with it, you can put it into the pillowcases and your dresser as well;
  5. You can buy special pillow cases of non-permeable fabric. They don’t have crannies and seams for insects to hide. Such cases are washable and not really expensive;
  6. Try interceptors. You may install four of them under the bed’s legs. This will prevent bed bugs from crawling on your bed. If you can’t buy them, you can always make them from plastic dishes. Just make sure that there are borders that wouldn’t let insects crawl up on the bed.

Related Post: Best Bed Bug Traps (Interceptors) Reviewed.

Which Method to Choose?

Although I’ve shared all my secrets and tips with you, the products that I have checked out and was satisfied with their results, you are not obliged to choose one of them. I suggest you take a good look at your situation with bed bugs, calculate your chances, take into consideration the money you can spend, and go for the most appropriate solution for you. If you had to deal with bed bugs, write your comments below.

Share how you got rid of them with me and the readers. I wonder whether you have already tried one of the products I described there, so write down your impressions.

References:

  • Bed Bugs FAQs (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention):
    https://www.cdc.gov/parasites/bedbugs/faqs.html
  • Bed Bugs (University of Minnesota Extension):
    https://extension.umn.edu/biting-insects/bed-bugs
  • Pyrethrins General Fact Sheet(National Pesticide Information Center): http://npic.orst.edu/factsheets/pyrethrins.html
  • Bed Bug Control (Pesticide Research Institute):
    https://www.pesticideresearch.com/site/pri-resource-centers/pest-mgmt/pest-mgmt-bulletins/bed-bug-control/
  • Bed Bugs: A Public Health Issue (United States Environmental Protection Agency): https://www.epa.gov/bedbugs/bed-bugs-public-health-issue
  • Bed Bugs – What They Are and How to Control Them (New York State): https://www.health.ny.gov/environmental/pests/bedbugs.htm

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Nicholas Martin

Nicholas Martin

I am Nicholas Martin, and I am an entomologist. I combine the insect survey work with the consultation for private pest control agencies. My narrow specializations are both urban pests and agricultural pests. I studied their control over the previous 25 years. More about Nick

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