Baking soda — or sodium bicarbonate — has properties that can easily remove surface stains and can even be used to effectively remove odors and disinfect your mattress. It also contains antifungal properties that can inhibit the growth of mold or mildew. However, when it comes to killing a bed bug infestation, it is not an effective remedy. According to Bed Bugs Insider, there is no evidence that baking soda has the effects of a commercial insecticide. Unfortunately, while it can do an incredible job of removing the nasty stains bed bugs leave on your mattress, it won’t eliminate the underlying problem. Some believe that because baking soda takes the moisture out of what it’s sprinkled on, it could dehydrate bed bugs or be toxic enough to kill them on contact. However, since bed bugs feed on blood, there would be no reason for them to make the connection.
Some are drawn to natural solutions because they cannot afford the expensive treatments that a pest control professional offers. These treatments may be guaranteed for a certain number of days, but if the problem persists outside of this agreement, you may have to consider the cost of another treatment. Because of the harsh chemicals, there is also concern that it could be toxic to small children and pets as well.
