If you’re facing a bed bug infestation, you may be considering bleach as a potential DIY solution. This household cleaner is often touted as a bed bug killer, but does it truly work?
Let’s look at how bleach interacts with bed bugs and whether it’s an effective method for getting rid of them.
Key Takeaways
- Bleach kills bed bugs by breaking down their exoskeletons but needs direct contact, which is often hard.
- Bed bugs hide in small spaces, and bleach cannot fully cover eggs, making it less reliable.
- Using bleach can cause health risks, damage surfaces, and failure to handle severe signs of bed bugs.
- Safer options for better and more complete bed bug control include heat treatment, diatomaceous earth, or professional exterminators.
How Does Bleach Kill Bed Bugs?
Bleach kills bed bugs by breaking down the proteins in their exoskeletons and disrupting their respiratory systems. However, bed bugs’ ability to hide in inaccessible places reduces bleach’s effectiveness as a sole treatment method.
Sodium hypochlorite, its active ingredient, can kill bed bugs. The truth is, for it to be effective:
Direct Contact Is Required
Bed bugs must come into direct contact with bleach to be killed, but they often hide in bed frames, headboards, crevices, baseboards, and inside box springs, making this difficult.
Kills Eggs (This Is Difficult and Damaging)
Bleach, like rubbing alcohol, can damage bed bug eggs. However, fully covering all eggs is nearly impossible without dismantling furniture and reaching deep hiding spots where eggs are laid.
Challenges of Using Bleach for Bed Bug Control
While bleach might seem like a quick fix for bed bug problems, its drawbacks often outweigh its benefits:
- Health Risks for Homeowners: The fumes from bleach can irritate your respiratory system and eyes, especially in poorly ventilated areas.
- Damage to Surfaces: Bleach is corrosive and may damage fabrics, wood, and other materials in your home.
- Limited Effectiveness for Entire Infestations: Even with diligent application, it is nearly impossible to reach every bed bug in a severe infestation.
How to Get Rid of Bed Bugs Without Using Bleach
For effective bed bug extermination, consider these alternatives:
- Heat Treatment: Washing infested bedding or clothing in hot water and drying them on high heat can kill bed bugs and their eggs.
- Diatomaceous Earth: This home remedy is a natural powder that dehydrates bed bugs when they come into contact with it.
- Professional Extermination: Pest control services effectively eliminate infestations by using targeted treatments such as steam, specialized vacuums, and safe bed bug killers.
When to Call a Professional Exterminator
If your bed bug problem persists despite DIY pest control or you notice signs of a severe infestation, professional pest control services are your best option.
At Green Home Pest Control, our experts can assess your home, apply bed bug treatments safely, and ensure the infestation is fully eradicated.
When in doubt, contact us today to protect your home and health.
21 years of pest control experience
Founder and Owner of Green Home Pest Control
13 year resident of Arizona
