Category Archives: Exterminator Bed Bugs

From funky odors in the fridge to questionable scents coming from the basement, our sense of smell can warn us of potential danger. However, sometimes things we should be alerted to don't smell all that bad, which could make detecting them tricky. This can be the case with bed bugs. While the creepy crawlers do have a handful of specific scents, they're not always unpleasant, so the scent can easily be overlooked. To see what smell you should be looking out for, read on, and for more signs of infestation, If You See This in Your Yard, Prepare for a Bug Invasion, USDA Says.

The smell that bed bugs give off varies depending on your personal olfactory sense and can also change depending on the state of the bug. Pest company Orkin says bed bugs can give off a "musty, sweet smell, often likened to berries," if there's a sizable infestation.

Professional pest control specialist and entomologist Nicholas Martinsaid this smell usually only arises if "many of them are squashed or disturbed. You're not likely to detect the smell from a few squashed bugs, so this usually occurs if the infestation is severe." And for more on these dreaded critters, These Awful Bugs You Forgot About May Soon Come Back, Exterminators Warn.

Bed bugs release pheromones when they feel they're in peril to alert other bugs to danger, Martin says. "The smell can be quite similar to coriander or a pile of clothes that was closed in the washing machine for a couple of days or a pair of moldy shoes," he notes. According to pest control expert Jordan Foster, at low concentrations some people find this smell to be pleasant. However, if a large group of bed bugs gets disturbed, you may get a whiff of an odor similar to a stink bug's, he adds. And for more odors that should have you calling an exterminator, If Your House Smells Like This, You May Have a Bug Problem.

Before calling an exterminator, you may want to check for other signs of the critters. Foster said if you see "dark blood stains on sheets and bedding" or have "itchy, irritated skin" seemingly from bites, it's time to contact a professional. The bed bug's pheromone scent "is an effective way for the pests to communicate and remain hidden," Foster says. "Because of their elusiveness, it is best to contact a professional pest control company rather than trying to tackle the problem by yourself."

Unfortunately, these bugs may not be confined solely to your bed. Martin says you should inspect all other furniture, including couches, chairs, and any cracks in the room. "Bed bugs can hide anywhere they feel safe," he says. "However, the most common location is your bed, as it's the best place to feed." And for more useful information delivered straight to your inbox, sign up for our daily newsletter.

Besides causing restless nights, these pests nibble on your skin when you fall asleep. "During the evening, bed bugs use an anesthetic in their saliva to bite people without being detected," Foster explains. Their bites cause discomfort and itching, but are not believed to be a risk for diseases. "They are, however, extremely difficult to control." And for more breaking bug news, If You Live Here, Prepare for a Major Bug Infestation, Expert Warns.

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If You Smell This in Your Bedroom, You Might Have Bed Bugs ...

Bed bugs are small, oval, brownish insects that live on the blood of animals or humans. Adult bedbugs have flat bodies about the size of an apple seed. After feeding, however, their bodies swell and are a reddish color.

Bedbugs do not fly, but they can move quickly over floors, walls, and ceilings. Female bedbugs may lay hundreds of eggs, each of which is about the size of a speck of dust, over a lifetime.

Immature bedbugs, called nymphs, shed their skins five times before reaching maturity and require a meal of blood before each shedding. Under favorable conditions the bugs can develop fully in as little as a month and produce three or more generations per year. Although they are a nuisance, they are not thought to transmit diseases.

Related Articles: Can Bed Bugs Live In Cold

Where Bed Bugs Hide

Bedbugs may enter your home undetected through luggage, clothing, used beds and couches, and other items. Their flattened bodies make it possible for them to fit into tiny spaces, about the width of a credit card. Bedbugs do not have nests like ants or bees but tend to live in groups in hiding places. Their initial hiding places are typically in mattresses, box springs, bed frames, and headboards where they have easy access to people to bite in the night.

Over time, however, they may scatter through the bedroom, moving into any crevice or protected location. They may also spread to nearby rooms or apartments.

Because bedbugs live solely on blood, having them in your home is not a sign of dirtiness. You are as likely to find them in immaculate homes and hotel rooms as in filthy ones.

When Bed bugs Bite

Bedbugs are active mainly at night and usually bite people while they are sleeping. They feed by piercing the skin and withdrawing blood through an elongated beak. The bugs feed from three to 10 minutes to become engorged and then crawl away unnoticed.

Most bedbug bites are painless at first, but later turn into itchy welts. Unlike flea bites that are mainly around the ankles, bedbug bites are on any area of skin exposed while sleeping. Also, the bites do not have a red spot in the center like flea bites do. People who dont realize they have a bedbug infestation may attribute the itching and welts to other causes, such as mosquitoes. To confirm bedbug bites, you must find and identify the bugs themselves.

Signs of Infestation

If you wake up with itchy areas you didnt have when you went to sleep, you may have bedbugs, particularly if you got a used bed or other used furniture around the time the bites started. Other signs that you have bedbugs include:

If you suspect an infestation, remove all bedding and check it carefully for signs of the bugs or their excrement. Remove the dust cover over the bottom of the box springs and examine the seams in the wood framing. Peel back the fabric where it is stapled to the wood frame.

Getting rid of bedbugs begins with cleaning up the places where bedbugs live. This should include the following:

If your mattress is infested, you may want to get rid of it and get a new one but take care to rid the rest of your home of bedbugs or they will infest your new mattress.

While cleaning up infested areas will be helpful in controlling bedbugs, getting rid of them usually requires chemical treatments. Because treating your bed and bedroom with insecticides can be harmful, it is important to use products that can be used safely in bedrooms. Do not treat mattresses and bedding unless the label specifically says you can use them on bedding.

Generally, it is safest and most effective to hire an experienced pest control professional for bedbug extermination.

Link:
Bed Bugs - Truly Green Pest Control

Googling how to get rid of bed bugs can mean one of two things; either you have bed bugs and need to do something about it, or youre not sure if you have them and want to take precautions. Whichever the case, dont worry: We'll take you through everything you need to know about bed bugs, from where they come from to how to tell if you have them, to how to get rid of them. Because knowing how to clean a mattress just isnt enough.

Bed bugs arent something you should be embarrassed about its actually still a very common problem. The good news is you can deal with it yourself. These methods take time and commitment, but they work and will get rid of these uninvited guests. Heres a step-by-step guide on getting rid of bed bugs.

Bed bugs or cimex lectularius are tiny insects, about 5 mm in length, which feed on the blood of humans and animals. Theyre flat with an oval-shaped body and appear a reddish-brown color. Because of their size, theyre difficult to see unless in large groups, and they like to hide in concealed spaces although theyre most commonly found around the bed.

Bed bugs use the blood to grow and reproduce, and with females laying up to 250 eggs in a lifetime, a small problem can quickly turn into an infestation. These parasites do not transmit disease, but they are a health concern and so need to be dealt with swiftly.

Its actually a myth that bed bugs are drawn to dirty environments aside from more hiding places, this wont make a difference to these bugs. What theyre actually attracted to is blood, warmth and carbon dioxide. This means most bedrooms would be a suitable environment for these pests even the best mattress isnt immune. Once theyve found a suitable food source, bed bugs will essentially hide near the area and wait for the next meal opportunity.

If youre wondering how the bed bugs were introduced into your home, there are many possibilities. You may have brought them in on second-hand items such as furniture, or you could pick them up from places youve stayed which are infested, such as hotel rooms. Guests can also carry them in unknowingly. Pets are unlikely to bring them in though, as they do not live on the animals.

If you suspect bed bugs, you should investigate immediately the earlier you catch it, the better. If left untreated, bed bugs can quickly multiply into an infestation which is much more complex and costly to deal with.

The first sign of bed bugs, which most will be aware of, are bites. Once these parasites have finished feeding, they can leave behind a small mark on your skin, or even a rash. However, these bites cant be distinguished from other common insect bites, and some people may not react at all. For this reason, you shouldnt assume you have bed bugs based on bites alone.

You should look for physical evidence of bed bugs, which can include any of the following:

Both chemical and non-chemical treatments are available to get rid of bed bugs. We will take you through what you can do yourself before hiring a professional exterminator.

1. First, check around your home to determine the extent of the problem. Are the bed bugs contained in your bedroom, or is there evidence under the couch cushions? Popular areas to check include:

2. Now you know where the bed bugs are, you need to stop them from spreading any further. Clear out any immediate garbage from the room by sealing it in a plastic bag before throwing it away. If you want to move items out of the room, be aware that you should seal it first as it could be infested.

3. Next, vacuum up any immediate bed bugs using one of the best vacuum cleaners. Vacuum both sides of your mattress as well as inside your closet, dresser and anywhere else you believe to be infested. Dont forget the carpet too!

3. Once youve done that, empty and seal the vacuum canister's contents into a plastic bag and throw it away in an outdoor trash can. Keep in mind that vacuuming wont exterminate the bed bugs, but it will keep the numbers down.

4. Now, you want to wash and launder all infested linens on the hottest cycle allowed in your washer and dryer. This includes bed sheets, clothes, soft toys and upholstery. If the item isnt suitable for machine washing, you can also use steam, which is just as effective.

Now that youve reduced the numbers, its time to kill any unhatched and remaining bed bugs. There are a couple of methods you can try before resorting to chemicals. Not all will work depending on your circumstances, but each are worth considering.

1. Heat High temperatures will kill bed bugs, so if you can contain the infested contents, you can run them through the washer and dryer on a high heat setting. You could also use a portable heat chamber for larger items, such as the ZappBug Room Bed Bug Heater ($1,495, Amazon). Professionals can also treat homes with heat if the problem is more severe.

2. Cold Cold temperatures will also kill bed bugs. Once again, you need to contain the infested items in a sealed bag and, this time, use your freezer to kill them. Your freezer would need to be set to 0F and the bag would need to sit for a minimum of four days for it to be effective, so this isnt the most convenient method.

3. Steam As mentioned earlier, steam is a very effective method of killing bed bugs. Steam can penetrate deep into crevices and carpet, meaning its got good reach. However, the temperature needs to be at least 130F and you dont want the air flow to be too powerful or it can blow bed bugs away. Steamers can be used on many surfaces including mattresses, couches and carpets, but be careful around electrical elements, such as sockets. If you dont own a steamer, we recommend the Dupray Neat Steam Cleaner ($149.78, Amazon)

4. Mattress cover You can bed bug-proof your mattress and boxspring with a cover, such as the SureGuard Mattress Encasement ($54.97, Amazon). Bed bugs that are locked in will eventually die and external bugs wont be able to infest your mattress while the cover is on.

5. Bed Bug Traps You can also buy dedicated traps to catch stray bed bugs, such as Harris Bed Bug Traps ($4.93, Amazon). Traps which sit under furniture legs are also popular, such as Lights Out BedBug Pitfall Trap ($24.40, Amazon).

There are also plenty of pesticides available which you can buy and apply yourself if you feel comfortable. If you choose to do this, make sure you follow the instructions exactly. There are different chemical classes, however pyrethrins and pyrethroids are some of the most commonly used compounds. Desiccants are quite effective as well as they dry out the insects, which will eventually kill them.

Harris Bed Bug Killer ($20.35, Amazon) is a widely used liquid spray, but if youve got children or pets around, then EcoRaider Bed Bug Killer ($18.55, Amazon) may be the better option.

You can also resort to bug bombs or foggers, however these are highly toxic to humans and animals and should be handled with extreme care. You would have to vacate your home during the process. Plus, theres no guarantee that this would kill every bed bug as it wont penetrate cracks and crevices.

If youre not comfortable applying these methods yourself, you can always call in a professional to handle the chemicals.

Bear in mind that bed bugs can take months to eradicate, so you will have to be both patient and persistent. Check the environment every few days to look out for more evidence of bed bugs. Its very difficult to catch every bug in one application, plus a fresh batch can hatch from the residual eggs, so re-apply your method and continue to check to see if any remain.

Today's best Harris Diatomaceous Earth Bed Bug Killer deals

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How to get rid of bed bugs and how to tell if you have them - Tom's Guide

When a person notices that their home may have bed bugs, the first action they should consider is contacting the services of a professional that has quite a bit of experience in this field. This is because, in most cases, it can be difficult to resolve the problem without the aid of the right tools and products. A professional team brings both the knowledge and the expertise needed to ideally remove all kinds of bed bugs and pests from ones home. Michigan-based Hi-Tech Pest Control is one such bed bug and pest control extermination service that has retained their spot as the top option for the people of the area since 1986.

The company has managed to cement their position among the community through their strong focus on quality and consistency. They offer all customers a 6-month long warranty, showcasing the sheer belief they have in their work. In addition to their high quality, Hi-Tech Pest Control believes in offering a cost-effective solution. The pest control company provides some of the markets most affordable offers while also being one of the fastest and most responsive names in Michigan.

As the leading bed bug exterminator in the area, Hi-Tech Pest Control has largely streamlined their methodology and follow a tried and tested process to uncover all affected areas. They begin by carefully inspecting any areas of the house or facility that they think may be infected with bed bugs. After this, the treatment process begins which leads to the eradication of eggs and hidden bugs. Finally, with the use of modern technology, they can cleanse the entire premises.

The companys worthwhile services have become a consistent option for people of Southeastern Michigan. As someone that has spent over 3 decades in the area, they have succeeded in cementing their position as the top name amongst the community.

About Hi-Tech Pest Control

Hi-Tech Pest Control is an experienced Bed Bug and Pest Control Exterminator Serving Southeastern Michigan and surrounding areas. They have Pest Control and IPM programs available. Hi-Tech Pest Control has been Southeastern Michigans leading residential and commercial bed bug removal since 1986, successfully eradicating pests in tens of thousands of homes using a combination of experience, knowledge, and the latest and greatest in bed bug extermination technology and approaches.

Media ContactCompany Name: Hi-Tech Pest ControlContact Person: Media RelationsEmail: Send EmailCity: TroyState: MichiganCountry: United StatesWebsite: https://hi-techpestcontrol.com

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Hi-Tech Pest Control Offers Over 3 Decades of Experience in Bed Bug Extermination and Pest Control - Digital Journal

Melody is a volunteer for the Center for Disease and Control Prevention. She enjoys sharing her personal experience with others.

Vinegar kills bed bugs but does not kill eggs. It also needs to be reapplied, as it simply kills on contact and does not linger.

Yes, spraying vinegar directly on bed bugs can kill them because vinegar is a strong acetic acid that can disrupt an insect's nervous system. While this home remedy is safe and effective, it is not a standalone treatment, meaning you won't be able to eradicate a bed bug infestation with vinegar alone. Use vinegar as a natural ingredient to get rid of and even ward against bed bugs until you can come up with a long-lasting solution.

Homemade vinegar remedies for bed bugs are not pesticides, but they are much safer and will work during an early infestation. Here's how to make a vinegar bed bug spray:

Warning

NEVER mix vinegar with bleach. This will cause toxic chlorine gas that can harm your health.

Use an empty spray bottle to make homemade bed bug vinegar spray.

Can be used for short-term relief. The acidic content of vinegar is strong enough to disrupt their nervous systems.

The smell is terrible and long-lasting.

It is cheap and available almost everywhere.

You might not kill bed bugs completely but only push them into hiding.

This method is very safe. You can spray as much as you need and no one will get harmed like they would with toxic chemical sprays.

Some furniture could be damaged due to the low pH of vinegar.

It is safe to use in homes with children, dogs, and cats.

It will have little effect when there is a major infestation.

May have a toxic effect on some reptilian pets.

Read the comments section below to see results other readers have seen. The majority of readers agree that vinegar isn't as powerful as Hot Shot (which I've reviewed), Bed Bug Bully, or JT Eaton, but it's an effective, albeit slow way, of killing bed bugs over time. If you are waiting for a pest control professional to come treat your home or for bug spray to arrive in the mail, vinegar will buy you some time.

I obtained a couch from someone with a bed bug problem, and a man with a barn was kind enough to let me do my vinegar experiment there. Here is what I did, and these are the results of that experiment:

Conclusion: Using vinegar is not a good long-term solution for bed bugs. I understand that some people have no other choice but to use this method, but I recommend you do whatever it takes to come up with the funds for professional help. Remember, you are not alone. Do not be ashamed and try to hide an infestation. Face it, and do whatever it takes to eliminate the bed bugs.

Spray the areas where bed bugs will scatter to when you spray them directly with vinegar. This way, they'll run into more vinegar.

There are several other natural DIY ways to get rid of bed bugs without an exterminator, and below are just some of the methods that have worked for other people.

White vinegar works better as a homemade bed bug spray, but apple cider vinegar is better to treat bites.

While white vinegar works better as a bed bug repellant, apple cider vinegar is what you should use to treat the bites. Most people report intense itching after being bitten, but the low pH in white vinegar is too abrasive to treat the itching. ACV is milder and has antiseptic, anti-fungal, and anti-bacterial properties.

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Apple cider vinegar is all-natural and healthy. An apple a day will keep the doctor away, and applying this type of vinegar will keep the itching away. The best way to use this anti-itching treatment is to apply the ACV to a cotton ball and apply it directly to the bite.

Give vinegar a try, but just remember that heavy infestations will need a professional. This solution works best for infestations that are caught early. If you have a severe infestation this is likely not the solution for you. With the aftermath of self-isolation, bed bugs may be quicker to become a problem. Don't be afraid to call your local exterminator right away.

This article is accurate and true to the best of the authors knowledge. Content is for informational or entertainment purposes only and does not substitute for personal counsel or professional advice in business, financial, legal, or technical matters.

Question: Will Witch hazel help repel bed bugs?

Answer: Yes, Witch Hazel would have a repellent effect on bed bugs. The one issue with using it is that most of the witch hazel sold in drug stores is diluted and contains far less of its active ingredients. If you want to use it for bed bugs, you would have to find a more concentrated version than most stores sell.

Question: Where does the adult bed bug hide?

Answer: Adult bed bugs can hide anywhere. The most common place to find them is around the head of your bed, under the mattress and in the frame. Even though adult bed bugs are larger than nymphs, they have the ability to become quite flat and squeeze into the smallest of places.

Question: Do bed bugs just sit on your bed in the daylight and not move?

Answer: Yes. Bed bugs can sit on your bed in the day-light and sit perfectly still. Bed bugs are nocturnal by nature, but they are not limited to staying in the dark. They may be very much like vampires, but direct sunlight does not harm them.

There might be a reason the bugs are coming out in the day. Sometimes it is because of your sleeping habit. Bed bugs are attracted to the carbon dioxide we breath out. If you spend a lot of daylight hours in bed, it could influence the bed bugs feeding hours.

Question: When it comes to bed bugs, is it worse to sleep in a warm room?

Answer: Theoretically, yes it is worse to sleep in a warm room with regards to bed bugs. However, the nominal temperature degrees would make it impractical to sleep in a room cold enough to slow bed bug reproduction 3 nil. You would see very little difference and your bed bug symptoms by trying to control it through monitoring your bedrooms temperature.

Instead of focusing on the temperature of your room, try to think and terms of complete bed bug eradication. Just know that you need to beat the Heat if you want to prevent bed bugs from being in a temperature which speeds bed bug reproduction.

Question: Does heat get rid of bed bugs?

Answer: Heat needs to be 118 F for 20 min to kill bed bugs. While home heating might not make them dry up or run, the hotter the home, the slower they will breed. Home heat is not a solution for bed bugs. Some companies specialize in heat treatments for bed bugs. Drying items on high heat in a dryer on its highest heat for an hour is usually sufficient to kill bed bugs.

Question: Do you leave your central air unit on when using a bed bug fogger?

Answer: In my opinion, I would turn off your central air unit while using the fogger. You don't want to risk spreading the chemical to other areas of the house that may not need it. It isn't as common for bed bugs or fleas to inhabit these systems, but if your infestation is that deep then forgo the fogger and get a professional pest control company. If your just asking for safety issues, then go ahead and turn it off.

Question: You mentioned alcohol to get rid of bed bugs. Are you speaking of white rubbing alcohol? I was told bed bugs hate the green, but it makes them run and doesn't kill them.

Answer: Yes. I recommend using the strongest clear rubbing alcohol. While some people report success with the 70% variety, I think the best results come when using the 90% + type.

The green rubbing alcohol has menthol or wintergreen additives. This might make them run but usually indicates less alcohol. This makes it less effective than the clear.

Question: I noticed you mentioned Hot Shot to get rid of bed bugs. I tried spraying everything then setting off three bombs then spraying again. In my opinion, it does not work. Did it work for you or does it not do as advertised?

Answer: It does work for many people. However, if the main ingredient in Hot Shot has been used a lot where you live, it is likely that the bed bugs have grown immune to it. Hot Shot would need to change their formula or offer other bed bug products with other active ingredients to solve this problem. If Hot Shot doesn't work for you then you need a pesticide that uses a different active ingredient to kill your bed bugs. Bed bugs can grow immunities to pesticides quickly, this causes a lot of problems for consumers. It isn't easy knowing what pesticides your bed bugs might be immune to.

2014 Melody Collins

Bolaji on August 26, 2020:

Pls what can I use to kill bed bug and I had that baking and kerosene kill it pls tell me how to mix it and the ingredients for it

erika loberatein on August 15, 2020:

It's WAR! do all the above the alcohol as well citric acid disolved in water to create a spray seems to help on furniture and carpet keep vacumimg and try a really hot steam cleaner on furniture too. bed bug spray for beds and matress covers or alike after spraying them down. Say Bye Bugs is said to really work natural and online. Cedar and Lavender 100 percent oils mixed with water helps

Ed on May 19, 2020:

Do you get scared of them?

Mo on May 11, 2020:

I have bed bugs on my couch beds and bedding i started using tea tree oil mixed with lavender essence oil and sta soft lavender and little dettol Liquid mixed with water.i put it in a spray bottle applied it on all the places but as for the beddings the are still the i washes them so many times its still in the blankets in the other places its made a very big difference as from what it was to what it is. So im gona take the beddings to the laundry maybe that should be a better option

Elijah on March 19, 2020:

I just tested out if vinegar kills them and it doesnt it slowed them down and like it said in the article it disables them for a bit but the get right back up

tim bolton on January 13, 2020:

i spray alot for bed bugs using vinegar.i do not have an infestation at home,but alot of people come to my work looking for b.b stuff and after they leave and i get home i spray all my clothes that i wore,i spray inside my house everywhere this might make me paranoid.but i sleep at night. p,s,i even spray my whole body too before showering the little buggers hate the stuff i use 4 monks vinegar

Cheryl on September 03, 2019:

I was wondering if you mix alcohol and vinegar together, it should work right? I mean the smell is not that toxic and the alcohol kills the bugs on contact as does the vinegar but the alcohol kills the eggs and the larvae so wouldnt that be a win win situation?

tony faro on August 23, 2019:

I've read that boric acid kills bed bugs and that baking soda also kills them. does anyone have any experiece using either?

K Bergin on August 10, 2019:

Another remedy for bedbugs. I live in a 50 unit apt building so far I've been one of the fortunate ones who have not gotten the creepy little bugs. I use industrial strength Clorox with peroxide. I works on house and garden infestations by killing the eggs and larvae. I thought maybe it would burn the feet of the adult bugs. I spray it around my doorway and coat the threshold as well. Both of my neighbors were infected but so far so good.

Gary from New York City on July 28, 2019:

I'm going to prepare for a professional exterminator, meanwhile I've got everything to keep them at Bay and I found a good with natural ingredients

Louise lannear on April 14, 2019:

We have had bed bugs for a bite and have tried everything and cant get rid of them we never had them before. Can someone help us? Does anyone know a pestticide control thats not expensive to come spray i need the help now before it gets out of control

cathy on April 10, 2019:

we 've had bed bugs for a while an tried different things like floor cleaner mixed a little water, sea salt under the cushions an around the edges of it, bleach with a little water in it, an vinegar with a little water in it, so hopefully one of the things on this site will work an we can get ride of the rest of the buggers

LaceyKole on March 11, 2019:

Great article, very informative! I itould also like to thank you for actually testing the vinegar out and posting results. I never want to chance whether or not whatever I am using works or not. With these kind of bugs I would hate to be wrong during an attempt to eradicate.

Now, for my main reason in leaving a comment. I just wanted to throw some cautionary stuff on the table real quick. With the rubbing alcohol I would like to remind everyone that the VAPERS are highly FLAMMABLE. I use alcohol with my infestation too, works very well AND is cheap enough. However, I am selective about where and how much to use in order to prevent fires from happening. I also ventilate the rooms and I wear a TB (N95) mask to help lessen any inhalation.

My second safety point is similar. On the DE, use this sparingly, it does not take a real large amount. In fact, these smarty pant bed bugs will go AROUND the amount piled on. I have also employed this tactic to rid my room of them. It works very well and lasts for many years if undisturbed. I placed it around the perimeter of my bedroom and it didnt take but 2-3 days before I noticed bugs that appeared near death. Then i simply snatched them up using duct tape (Ive had them get off clear tape but not duct tape) because even their movements were slowed down. You will absolutely want a TB mask (NOT a dust mask) on during this powder application, though nontoxic, you still do not want to breathe a lot of this in, if any at all. This stuff is so fine that it lingers in the air for quite some time. For this reason, I would NOT recommend treating your mattress or any soft furniture with it. Every time you move the slightest bit....the powder will be airborne again.Just not worth a trip to an ER. Cover as much skin as possible because this stuff is EXTREMLY drying to our skin and eyes. I can not emphasize this enough.

My best of wishes to all!

Liz on January 29, 2019:

I put one in a sealed container and it lived for 2 1/2 weeks

Richard Johnson on January 24, 2019:

Wash clothes with 20 Mule Team Borax

Becka on December 05, 2018:

Hey i have bed bugs and i cant use the bug spray as i have a 3 week old nephew and im just wondering if theres any other good methods i can use to get rido rid of them for good please thanks.

Sandra C on November 02, 2018:

My sibling and cousin has bed bugs. We have started seeing them at my moms. They love AB+ blood but I use just straight rubbing alcohol to spray everything and they have dropped tremendously. Went from several a night to a couple if any.

Tina cramer on October 31, 2018:

Does vinegar water kill bed bug an flee

RussellFry on October 13, 2018:

Thanks for taking the time to share your knowledge on how to kill stuff while not killing mother earth...

Brad on October 11, 2018:

Well I put 10 bed bugs in an empty water bottle over night, they we all dead in less then 12 hours.

Jack on August 12, 2018:

We were using essential oils mixed with cheap carrier oils but it got too expensive, i.e. lavender or lemon grass oil mixed with olive or coconut oil. It was working. However we have found a much cheaper (although not as nice smelling) option. Mix white vinegar with the carrier oil. This way it stays on task for at least a week. We're working our way through a very infested old 5 bedroom home.

HelperMan on January 13, 2018:

Katie, that's because they are small and require very little air, they will die eventually but that's because of the lack of blood and not air. If it was, say a rat, then it would die in almost a day as it uses up way more air than the bedbugs.

katie on December 24, 2017:

I caught some bedbugs put them in a sealed

jar they have been there 6 days with no air and they are not

dead yet.

NoraHudson on December 09, 2017:

Read the original:
How to Make a Homemade Bed Bug Killer Spray With Vinegar