Looking for a natural and effective bed bug treatment? Diatomaceous earth offers a safe and eco-friendly solution to eliminate bed bugs, providing peace of mind and a bug-free environment.
Bed bugs can quickly turn your peaceful nights into a nightmare, but there are ways to combat them effectively.
In this comprehensive guide, we will explore how to get rid of bed bugs fast, permanently, and without the need for an exterminator.
We’ll also cover strategies for dealing with bed bugs in mattresses, on clothes, and using natural methods.
Contents
How to get rid of bed bugs fast
Dealing with a bed bug infestation requires swift action.
To get rid of bed bugs fast, consider these tips:
- Bed bug mattress covers
Encasements can trap bed bugs and prevent them from biting you.
They also make it easier to spot and eliminate bed bugs hiding in your mattress.
- Steam cleaning
Steam can quickly kill bed bugs and their eggs.
Invest in a high-quality steam cleaner to treat infested areas like furniture and carpets.
How to get rid of bed bugs permanently
For a long-term solution, follow these steps:
- Thorough cleaning
Remove clutter from your home to eliminate hiding spots.
Wash and dry infested bedding, clothing, and linens on high heat.
- Diatomaceous Earth (DE)
This natural powder can dehydrate and kill bed bugs.
Apply DE in cracks, crevices, and wall voids for a long-lasting effect.
What is diatomaceous earth?
Diatomaceous earth is a natural substance composed of the fossilized remains of diatoms, microscopic algae with sharp skeletons.
It is derived from diatomite, a siliceous rock primarily found in California.
When reduced to a powder, diatomaceous earth possesses abrasive, absorbent, and insecticidal properties, making it an excellent choice for controlling invading insects and various pests.
Home remedies for bed bugs
Anti-bed bug equipment for the bedroom
To effectively tackle bed bugs, you’ll need the following:
- 300 to 500 grams of diatomaceous earth
- 4 anti bed bug sticky plates
- 2 protective anti bed bug covers, one for the mattress, the other for the box spring
Diatomaceous earth bed bugs (ad)
Natural bed bug elimination
After using a steam cleaner to thoroughly clean your mattress and dislodge any bed bugs, follow these steps:
a) Install the anti-bed bug mattress covers and box spring covers (ad).
b) Clean the legs of your bed and place sticky anti-insect traps under each foot to detect the presence of bed bugs (ad).
c) Put a cup filled with diatomaceous earth on each foot to capture any bed bugs that escape the sticky traps.
d) Move the bed away from the wall to prevent bed bugs from accessing it.
Treating bed bugs in laundry
To address potential bed bugs in your laundry, follow these guidelines:
a) Pack your laundry in hermetically sealed bags to trap the bed bugs.
b) Launder the sealed bags in the washing machine at 60°C or in a high-temperature tumble dryer.
c) For delicate items, consider freezing them in the sealed bags for a week before unpacking.
d) Avoid returning the clothes to their original place until the entire house has been treated to prevent reinfestation.
Preventing bed bugs in your home
To treat your home and prevent future bed bug infestations, follow these steps:
a) Wear a mask to avoid inhaling diatomaceous earth and apply it in areas where bed bugs can hide, such as baseboards, sockets, parquet gaps, and corners.
b) Use a spatula to push the powder into inaccessible corners and a screwdriver to remove sockets and switches for applying diatomaceous earth.
c) Consider using a diatomaceous earth spreader for easier application (ad).
d) Leave the diatomaceous earth traps in place for approximately two weeks before vacuuming and disposing of the contents outdoors.
e) Restore your clothes and linens to their original places once the treatment is complete.
How to get rid of bed bugs on clothes
To deal with bed bugs on clothing:
- Launder clothes
Wash infested clothing in hot water and dry on high heat to kill bed bugs and their eggs.
- Freeze clothing
Items that can’t be laundered can be sealed in a plastic bag and placed in the freezer for several days.
How to get rid of bed bugs naturally
For those who prefer natural methods:
- Baking soda and vinegar
A mixture of baking soda and vinegar can be used to clean infested areas and may deter bed bugs.
- Silica gel
Silica gel can be spread around infested areas to dehydrate and kill bed bugs naturally.
Maintaining a bed bug-free home
To ensure long-term success in eradicating bed bugs, it’s crucial to maintain impeccable cleanliness.
Follow these tips:
- Regularly vacuum your house every three days, paying attention to all nooks and crannies.
- Use a steam cleaner to treat your bedding twice a week for added prevention.
- Stay vigilant for small black dots on your bedding, which indicate bed bug droppings.
How to get rid of bed bugs on your own?
With diatomaceous earth as your natural ally, you can effectively eliminate bed bugs and create a bug-free environment for you and your family.
By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can safely and efficiently treat your home, protect your bedding, and prevent the return of these unwanted pests. Embrace the power of diatomaceous earth and say goodbye to bed bug worries once and for all.
Frequently asked questions about bed bugs
What attracts bed bugs?
As for the mosquito, the bug is attracted by the carbon dioxide (CO2) that the person releases.
But it also loves smells, heat, and vibrations.
It often targets an isolated individual at the start of the infestation to finally attack all the sleepers to feed.
An invasion of bed bugs in my house, why?
Stink bugs seek warmth in the fall.
They readily hide on mattresses, underpaintings, under rugs, and in window frames.
In the spring, they try to flee your home to ensure their reproduction.
Should I disinfect my laundry if I have bedbugs?
There is no need to disinfect your laundry if you have bed bugs.
Washing is also not very useful.
Just run your dryer on high heat for 30 minutes to get rid of bedbugs.
Do bedbugs live in clothes?
As a general rule, no, they do not remain in the clothes.
Just as they can’t sting you through those same clothes.
The bedbug is looking for breath more than tissue.
It stalks you when you sleep.