Dealing with a bed bug infestation can be incredibly stressful, and many people turn to home remedies to treat themselves before calling in the professionals. Here’s a detailed breakdown of some common DIY home remedies, their likelihood of full eradication, and how they should be used to be most helpful.

List of DIY Home Remedies for Bed Bug Removal

🗑️ Squish & Flush Method

• Purpose: Killing on Contact
• Practicality: High
• Effectiveness: The Squish & Flush method involves squishing any bed bugs you see with toilet paper and flushing them down the toilet. While effective for direct contact, it is not suitable for comprehensive treatment as it does not address hidden bed bugs or eggs. This method is best used in conjunction with other treatments for full eradication.

🧴 Bleach

• Purpose: Killing on Contact
• Practicality: Low
• Effectiveness: Bleach can kill bed bugs on contact due to its harsh chemical properties. However, it is not effective for full eradication as it does not penetrate deeply into infested areas, such as mattresses and furniture crevices. Additionally, bleach can be harmful to surfaces and fabrics, making it a risky option for widespread use. The reality is that if you are spraying bugs directly with bleach, it would be easier and safer to squish & flush them. 

🥄 Baking Soda

• Purpose: Keeping Them Away
• Practicality: Low
• Effectiveness: Baking soda is believed by some to dehydrate bed bugs and their eggs. However, there is little scientific evidence to support this claim. Its effectiveness is minimal, and it is unlikely to make a meaningful impact on an infestation. It may help in keeping them away from certain areas, but it will not eradicate the problem.

🌿 Tea Tree Oil

• Purpose: Keeping Them Away
• Practicality: High
• Effectiveness: Tea tree oil is often touted for its insect-repellent properties. While it might deter bed bugs temporarily, it is not effective in eradicating an infestation. It can help in keeping them away from certain areas but won’t address the root of the problem.

🍸 Rubbing Alcohol

• Purpose: Killing on Contact
• Practicality: High
• Effectiveness: Rubbing alcohol can kill bed bugs on contact, but it’s not a reliable solution for a full infestation. It evaporates quickly and doesn’t have a residual effect, meaning bed bugs that aren’t directly sprayed will survive. This method is more about managing the infestation rather than eliminating it.

🌱 Peppermint Oil

• Purpose: Keeping Them Away
• Practicality: Medium
• Effectiveness: Like tea tree oil, peppermint oil can repel bed bugs due to its strong smell. However, it won’t kill them or eradicate the infestation. It’s a temporary measure that might help reduce bites but won’t solve the problem. Most people don’t have peppermint oil sitting around their house, so its practicality isn’t high.

🔥 Blow Dryer

• Purpose: Killing on Contact
• Practicality: Low
• Effectiveness: A blow dryer will kill bed bugs when exposed to high heat for a prolonged period. However, it’s impractical for treating an entire infestation – you would need to heat nearly every square inch of your rooms and furniture, spending extra time on areas that need deeper heat penetration. All in all, the margin for error is very low, and it’s not practical.

🛒 Over-the-Counter Sprays

1. Hot Shot Bed Bug Killer

• Purpose: Killing on Contact and Residual Effect
• Likelihood of Full Eradication: Low
• Effectiveness: Hot Shot sprays can kill bed bugs on contact and leave a residual effect to kill those that come into contact with the treated surfaces later. However, bed bugs are increasingly resistant to many over-the-counter pesticides, and these sprays often fail to reach bed bugs hidden deep in furniture and walls.

2. Ortho Home Defense Bed Bug Killer

• Purpose: Killing on Contact and Residual Effect
• Likelihood of Full Eradication: Low
• Effectiveness: Ortho’s product is similar to Hot Shot, offering contact kill and some residual effects. While it can reduce the number of visible bed bugs, it’s unlikely to completely eradicate an infestation, especially if bed bugs are resistant to the chemicals used.

3. Harris Bed Bug Killer

• Purpose: Killing on Contact and Residual Effect
• Likelihood of Full Eradication: Medium
• Effectiveness: Harris Bed Bug Killer also works by killing on contact and providing residual protection. However, like other over-the-counter sprays, its effectiveness is limited due to potential chemical resistance and difficulty in reaching all hiding spots of bed bugs.

The most important factor in doing DIY chemical treatments is your diligence and attention to detail. Even a professional won’t be successful if they lack those skills. If you lack those skills, consider hiring a professional.

🛌 Professional Alternatives for Bed Bug Removal

Given the limited effectiveness of home remedies, professional treatment is often the best course of action. Here’s why:

1. Dry Heat Treatment:

• Purpose: Full Eradication
• Effectiveness: High
• Method: Raising the temperature of an infested area to 150°F, effectively killing bed bugs at all life stages. Dry heat treatment with bed bug heaters is the most effective way to ensure a complete eradication.

2. Chemical Treatments:

• Purpose: Full Eradication
• Effectiveness: Low
• Method: Professional-grade insecticides are applied to all potential hiding spots. Unlike over-the-counter options, these treatments are more powerful and targeted.

🌟 Why Choose Voyd?

Expertise: We specialize exclusively in bed bug treatment, ensuring deep knowledge and experience.

Efficiency: Our heat treatments are proven to be the most effective method for eradicating bed bugs.

Customer-Centric: We prioritize your peace of mind and satisfaction, providing transparent and reliable service.

For more information or to schedule a professional inspection, contact Voyd today. Let us restore peace to your home.