Sleep Tight Tonight: Baking Soda Kills Bed Bugs
Are you having trouble sleeping at night because of pesky bed bugs? These tiny creatures can be a real nuisance, but fear not, as there is a simple solution to rid your home of these unwanted guests. Baking soda kills bed bugs! Yes, you heard that right, this common household ingredient can effectively eliminate bed bugs and prevent them from returning. In this post, we will provide step-by-step instructions on how to use baking soda to get rid of bed bugs, as well as other methods to ensure a bed-bug-free home.
How I Get Rid of Bed Bugs in My Airbnb
I operate an AirBnB so you know that guest from all walks of life comes in and out. One day as I was cleaning the apartment when I noticed tiny red spots on the mattress.
Oh my goodness I ve got bedbugs! Now, was it an infestation? Maybe not but I was not about to let it get there. I sprung into action being the queen of DIY. I grab a bag of baking soda and that was all I see of bedbugs. I was so excited about this that I had to share it with you so let’s dive in!
How to Use Baking Soda to Get Rid of Bedbugs
Instructions:
- Remove all bedding and wash it in hot water. This will kill any bed bugs hiding in the bedding. Also, vacuum the mattress, box spring, and any surrounding areas, including the bed frame and headboard. Make sure to dispose of the vacuum bag or clean the vacuum thoroughly after use.
- Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda all over the mattress and surrounding areas. This will dehydrate the bed bugs and kill them. Leave the baking soda for at least 24 hours.
- After 24 hours, vacuum up the baking soda and any dead bed bugs. Make sure to dispose of the vacuum bag or clean the vacuum thoroughly after use.
- Repeat the process as needed. For severe bed bug infestations, it may take several rounds of treatment with baking soda.
Other Methods to Kill Bed Bugs:
- Steam Cleaning – Bed bugs cannot survive in high temperatures, so using a steam cleaner is an effective way to kill them. Use a handheld steamer to treat the mattress, box spring, bed frame, and any surrounding areas.
- Diatomaceous Earth – This is a natural substance that is lethal to bed bugs. It is a fine powder made from the fossilized remains of diatoms. Sprinkle the powder in areas where bed bugs are present, and it will dehydrate and kill them.
- Essential Oils – Certain essential oils are effective in repelling and killing bed bugs. These include tea tree oil, lavender oil, and peppermint oil. Mix a few drops of the essential oil with water in a spray bottle and spray the solution on the mattress and surrounding areas.
- Cold Treatment – Bed bugs cannot survive in extremely cold temperatures. If you have items that cannot be washed or treated with heat, you can place them in a plastic bag and freeze them for at least four days.
- Professional Pest Control – If you have a severe bed bug infestation, it may be necessary to call in professional pest control services. They have the expertise and tools to effectively eliminate bed bugs and prevent them from returning.
Prevention:
- Encase the Mattress and Box Spring – Bed bug encasements are specially designed covers that prevent bed bugs from infesting the mattress and box spring. They are easy to install and can be purchased online or at most home goods stores.
- Clean Regularly – Regular cleaning can help prevent bed bugs from taking up residence in your home. Vacuum the floors, furniture, and bedding frequently, and dispose of the vacuum bag or clean the vacuum thoroughly after use.
- Reduce Clutter – Bed bugs love to hide in cluttered areas, so reducing clutter in your home can help prevent an infestation. Keep your home tidy and free of unnecessary items.
- Check Second-Hand Items – Before bringing second-hand furniture or clothing into your home, thoroughly inspect them for signs of bed bugs. If you find any evidence of bed bugs, it is best to avoid bringing the items into your home.
Traveling Tips to Prevent Bedbugs:
Bed bugs are commonly found in hotels and other lodging accommodations. When traveling, inspect the bedding and furniture for signs of bed bugs before settling in.
Signs of Bedbugs
- Bites – Bedbug bites are usually small, red, and itchy. They may appear in a line or cluster on your skin.
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Blood Stains – Bed bugs feed on blood, and after feeding, they may leave behind small blood stains on your bedding or clothing.
- Fecal Stains – Bed bugs also leave behind fecal stains, which look like small black or brown dots on your bedding or furniture.
- Live Bed Bugs – Bed bugs are small, reddish-brown insects that are about the size of an apple seed. If you see live bed bugs crawling on your bedding or furniture, you have a bed bug infestation
In conclusion, baking soda is a simple and effective way to eliminate bed bugs from your home. By following the instructions outlined above and being vigilant about prevention, you can ensure that your home remains bed bug-free. However, if you have a severe infestation or are unsure about how to effectively eliminate bed bugs, it is always best to seek professional pest control services. Don’t let bed bugs disrupt your sleep and peace of mind any longer – take action today to eliminate these pesky creatures from your home.
