Does Baking Soda Kill Bed Bugs?

Despite claims made online, there is no evidence to prove that baking soda works to get rid of a bed bug problem. Baking soda is said to dehydrate bed bugs. Although this method can work to kill a few bed bugs, it is not strong enough to get rid of an entire infestation.

Regardless, many people will try to use baking soda to get rid of these parasitic bugs. The baking soda treatment process goes as follows:

1. Sprinkle baking soda around the areas that bed bugs typically inhabit, such as the mattress and the area around your bed.
2. A few days later, vacuum it up and repeat the process.
3. Although this may work occasionally, it is not guaranteed to get rid of bed bugs entirely.

Baking Soda & Bed Bugs

There is no proof that baking soda is an effective method to get rid of bed bugs. The idea behind this DIY myth is that baking soda breaks down when it comes into contact with water. Therefore, it is said to absorb the thick fluids found on a bed bug shell causing them to dehydrate. The small granules of baking soda can also supposedly cut into a bed bug shell and cause internal bleeding. Even if you successfully kill off a bed bug or two with this method, you should never rely on baking soda alone to control a full-blown infestation in your home or business.

Home Remedies for Bed Bug Treatments

There are many articles online touting the success of bed bug treatments using ingredients in your home, but which ones actually work? Although all may have varying degrees of success in killing off several bed bugs, they typically won’t work to get rid of the infestation entirely. Some of these include talcum powder, mothballs, rubbing alcohol, tea tree oil, diatomaceous earth, and even ultrasonic devices. At the end of the day, these are rarely successful in controlling a bed bug infestation.

When to Call a Professional Instead

Even if you are successful in using baking soda or another method to kill a bed bug or two, you aren’t home free yet. These pests can hide in tiny corners and infestations can linger for a long time. Without professional bed bug treatment, it can be extremely hard to kill all bed bugs from your home. To get rid of bed bugs completely, safely, and quickly, always get in touch with your local bed bug exterminators.