Do-it-Yourself Bed Bug Treatment
When it comes to getting rid of bed bugs, it’s best to leave the work to your local bed bug control experts. That said, there are a few DIY methods that can help reduce the severity of a bed bug problem in your home. Although these won’t be effective at controlling an infestation 100% in your home, some of the most common do-it-yourself bed bug treatments include:
- Washing linens
- Vacuuming
- Freezing
- Baking soda
- Dryer sheets & mothballs
- Diatomaceous earth
How to Get Rid of Bed Bugs By Myself
If you have a bed bug problem underway, it’s important to get professional treatment. In the meantime, there are three methods you can do to help limit the spread of bed bugs and lessen the severity of the infestation. Here’s what to do: There are three things in particular you can do that will successfully help get rid of bed bugs in your property.
- Vacuum: Thoroughly vacuum your home, paying close attention to any bed bug hotspots, such as underneath furniture and between wall joints. Use attachments to reach inaccessible areas and to use on pillows, cushions, and more. Always empty the contents into a trash can outdoors.
- Wash bedding: High heat is known to kill bed bugs. Strip your bed of all linens and place into the washing machine. Wash the bedding at a high temperature (at least 140°F) for 90 minutes or more.
- Freeze items: Similarly to high heat, freezing temperatures are proven to kill bed bugs. The temperature of the freezer must remain at or below 0°F, and infested items (pillows, bedding, etc.) should be left in the freezer for four or more days.
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Do Natural Bed Bug Treatments Work?
Does tea tree oil, diatomaceous earth, baking soda, dryer sheets, and other more natural methods really get rid of bed bugs? Unfortunately, no. While these methods may help kill off some bed bugs, they will never be enough to control a full-blown infestation. Regardless, some of these may help lessen the severity of the infestation and are worth a try while you are waiting to have your home professionally treated for bed bugs.
What to Do When DIY Bed Bug Treatment Doesn’t Work
To put it simply, getting rid of bed bugs on your own isn’t going to happen. No one wants to deal with lingering bed bugs, which is why it’s best to enlist the expertise of someone who can take care of the problem quickly and effectively. Always contact your local bed bug control team for help with an infestation in Santa Fe NM.