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Q: I have a bed bug infestation and want to treat it quickly at home. Does Bleach Kill Bed Bugs?
A: For homeowners with a bed bug problem, there is good news: yes, bleach kills bed bugs! However, it is important to understand how to use it safely and effectively. However, in certain situations the problem may be too advanced and a professional needs to be dealt with.
Bleach is more than just a powerful cleaner; it is also a powerful pesticide. It can get rid of various pests such as drain flies, mosquitoes, and bed bugs. If your goal is to kill bed bugs at home, here’s what you need to know about using bleach to get rid of these pests once and for all.
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Bleach contains hypochlorite, an ingredient that kills bed bugs.
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Bleach is a sodium hypochlorite solution that has a pH of 11 that breaks down proteins to make them defective. If the bleach makes direct contact with the bed bugs and their eggs, their bodies will absorb the acid and kill them.
Bleach fumes smother bed bugs.
In addition to its harsh properties, bleach is also known for its strong odor – a property that makes it difficult for some people to use it directly or over a long period of time. These fumes also choke bed bugs by disrupting their airways.
Bleach denatures the protein membrane of bed bugs and gives bed bugs a fever-like experience.
Sodium hypochlorite, the active ingredient in bleach, works by denaturing the protein membrane of bed bugs. This renders the beetles’ immune systems defenseless and gives them a response similar to a human fever that eventually kills them. This is especially effective when bleach is used in the laundry to kill bed bugs on sheets and clothing, as the heat immobilizes bed bugs.
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If too much water dilutes the bleach, the odor won’t be as strong and the solution won’t kill bed bugs.
For those who are sensitive to the smell of bleach, it can be tempting to dilute the bleach solution with plenty of water. Unfortunately, while this makes the odor easier for the homeowner to manage, it has the same effects on bed bugs. Therefore, an overly diluted solution will not kill bed bugs effectively. A 1: 1 ratio of hot water to bleach is recommended to maximize the benefits of the bleach without making the user too uncomfortable.
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How to use bleach to kill bed bugs
Armed with an understanding of how bleach kills bed bugs, now is the time to put that knowledge into action. How To Get Rid Of Bed Bugs From Your Home.
Gather the necessary equipment.
Homeowners will need the following to complete bed bug removal:
- flashlight
- laundry detergent
- Washing machine
- Liquid bleach
- Vacuum cleaner with hose attachment
- spray bottle
- Rubber gloves for use
- Washcloth
- bucket
Thoroughly inspect and prepare the house.
Use a flashlight to carefully examine the bed, mattress, and any furniture. Identify any spots with bed bugs (dead or alive), their eggs, their dung, or their shells. Before you start cleaning, remove any trash and make sure all nooks and crannies are easily accessible.
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Thoroughly clean the house.
Put all of the blankets and sheets in the laundry first as they can likely carry bed bugs. Wash them with boiling water, bleach and detergent; When drying, use the maximum possible heat they can withstand. Then use the vacuum cleaner on mattresses, pillows, in drawers and other furniture. Remove, reseal and discard the vacuum bag.
Once everything is set up, it’s time to use your bleach. Make a mixture of hot water and bleach in a spray bottle. Wear rubber gloves to protect your hands and spray liberally on the mattress (including bed corners, box springs and edges) and any other affected furniture.
For all areas other than the mattress and other furniture, a washcloth can ensure that no traces of bed bugs are left behind. Dip the washcloth in your water-bleach mixture, then use it to reach areas like the insides of drawers and baseboards.
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Give everything time to dry.
Bleaching takes at least a few hours to effectively kill bed bugs, but it is recommended that you wait 24 to 48 hours for everything to dry. For homeowners who are allergic or sensitive to the smell of bleach, leaving the house and moving to another location during this time will help the smell go away and the bed bugs will be gone for good.
Take preventive measures.
Once the bed bug infestation is in check, some preventative measures can help prevent the problem from recurring. Use a protective cover for mattresses and box spring beds and check them regularly for holes. Frequent cleaning (especially in nooks and crannies) and minimal clutter can also reduce potential hiding spots for bed bugs.
For those in apartment buildings or apartment / condominium complexes, adding door sweeps to the undersides of doors and sealing cracks and crevices can prevent bed bugs from moving through these rooms.
Hire a professional to get rid of bed bugs.
For homeowners unfamiliar with the DIY approach to bed bug removal, give a professional bed bug killer a call. An expert can quickly confirm the presence and severity of a bed bug infestation. They have the training and experience to kill bed bugs in visible areas and in hard-to-reach or hidden areas within the home. Finally, a professional can also help take preventative measures to prevent re-infestation.
Whether you hire a professional or deal with the problem yourself ultimately depends on three important factors: your budget, your confidence, and the amount of time and energy you can devote to the project. If you are on a budget but have the time and skill to tackle the endeavor, a DIY approach can work well. If you are unsure or you don’t have the time but are willing to spend money to fix the problem quickly, it is best to contact a professional.
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