Bed bug infestation is a common occurrence in homes, which raises concern among homeowners as getting rid of bugs is not an easy task. Whether bleach is an effective solution to eliminate bed bugs or not is a question that bothers homeowners. Bleach may kill bed bugs, but it depends on the extent of infestation. Another fact is that bleach is not free from the risks and limitations. In this article, we discuss the various aspects of using bleach as a bed bug solution. Understanding how they spread and where they like to hide can help you take proactive steps to avoid infestations. This article also shares alternate effective solutions to tackle the problem.
How Does Bleach Work on Bed Bugs, and How Effectively?
Bleach oxidizes the outer layer of shells and the body of the nymph of bed bugs and their eggs when they come in direct contact with bleach. However, the concern is bugs run away from the places where bleach is sprayed, making the task difficult.
With regard to effectiveness, there’s no proven scientific evidence that bleach works effectively in heavily infested areas. Bleach can kill some bugs, but not the ones hiding in their safe places.
The Challenges of Using Bleach in Killing Bed Bugs
Bleach is a chemical often used as a DIY method to treat bed bugs. However, bleach has a set of challenges when used in homes to kill bed bugs. It’s important to understand the challenges and find an effective alternative to deal with the problem.
Here is the list of the challenges you should consider when treating bed bugs with bleach.
Bed Bugs Are Expert Hiders
Bed bugs do not roam around in open spaces. Rather, they hide inside cracks and crevices, seams of furniture joints, baseboards, walls and under the mattress. These spaces are their hidden breeding grounds which prevent bed bugs from coming in direct contact with the bleach, when sprayed.
Bed Bugs Don’t Get Attracted to Bleach
Bed bugs don’t get attracted to bleach, which means that once bleach is sprayed over the infested area, bugs might not get attracted to the sprayed area. They might start exploring other hiding options. So, bed bugs continue breeding in the adjoining spaces without getting affected by the bleach. It is therefore advised to check that all the adjoining spaces are also treated well.
Using Bleach Can Be Risky
Using bleach to kill bed bugs can be risky because it releases fumes, which is harmful for lungs. When bleach is used on mattresses, it exposes you to harmful chemicals resulting in irritation in eyes, mouth, throat, skin and respiratory system. Bleach also damages the fabric of the mattress and surface of the furniture.
Bleach Can Be Risky for Pets
The risk of bleach is not merely limited to humans, but to pets. Use of bleach can badly affect the lungs, intestines and stomach of pets.
Alternatives to Using Bleach for Bed Bug Control
Heat as an Effective Killer
Heat has proved to be one of the tried and tested methods for killing bed bugs. You can leave your clothes in the direct sunlight in 80F or higher temperature, until sunset. Direct exposure to sunlight will kill bugs. During the cooler months, you can put clothes in the dryer for a longer time, wash clothes in hot water and dry them.
Insecticide Strips
Another option is to use insecticide strips. This option is best to get rid of bugs from items made of fabric such as pillows, stuffed animals and blankets. You can place these strips in a trash bag along with the blankets, stuffed toys and pillows and keep it outside for a few days to kill bugs. Remember to wash or dry clean the treated items before using them after the treatment is done.
Deep Cleaning
Deep cleaning is a natural way to deal with bugs. Vacuum clean all the rooms where you suspect bug infestation and scrub the surface hard to remove the eggs. To ensure bugs don’t come back, throw the vacuum cleaner bag outside in the cans right after vacuuming.
Following a regular cleaning routine, the bed bug infestation can be controlled to a large extent.
Diatomaceous Earth
Diatomaceous is a natural and safe alternative to bleach because it is made up of fossilized remains of diatoms. It is actually a small aquatic creature which degrades over the years due to its porous skeletons.
Professional Services
It is the most reliable option because the trained and skilled experts bring their experience to accomplish the task. Though, it comes with a price which is worth it because the time and money you will invest in DIY may not give the desired result.
Conclusion
Bed bug infestation is an issue that needs appropriate methods to deal with, but after considering all the challenges. There are alternate methods too to get rid of the bugs which are discussed in this article. If you are not comfortable in using bleach owing to its drawback and health hazards, switch to alternative methods.
