Bed bugs are a huge problem in homes and apartments worldwide. If you’ve ever had an infestation, you know how difficult it can be to get rid of. In this blog post, we will discuss different ways to use vinegar to kill bed bugs.
Vinegar is a natural remedy that has proven to be effective to kill bed bugs. However, vinegar alone won’t get the job done. You’ll also need some other supplies. We’ll walk you through all the steps you need to take to get rid of bed bugs in your home for good!
Does vinegar kill bed bugs?
The short answer is this. Vinegar is effective in killing bed bugs on contact, but please don’t start spraying away until you’ve thoroughly read this guide. We’ll teach you exactly how to do it and you’ll have this knowledge for life.
Here is the strategy you can put in motion to get rid of bed bugs in your home, this works for homeowners and people who live in apartments.
Try to find out the external source of the bed bugs.
You won’t be successful if you can’t at least guess where you may have picked up the bed bugs. Don’t fret, we’re here to help.
Bed bugs are everywhere and you can pick it up in many places, nothing to be ashamed about. Some of the most common places to find them are:
– In hotel rooms: Guests often bring bed bugs into hotels. They can attach themselves to your clothes or luggage and travel with you to your next destination.
– In secondhand furniture: Bed bugs can be brought into your home on secondhand furniture, such as couches or chairs. If you’re buying used furniture, inspect it thoroughly for bed bugs before bringing it into your home.
– In public places: Bed bugs can also be picked up in public places, like movie theaters, libraries, and office buildings. They can hitch a ride on your clothes or bag and come home with you.
Note!
The only 2 times I had bed bugs in my home were from a friend who visited frequently. The friend’s home had an infestation; when he came to visit, he would sit on the couch. So your infestation source might be closer than you think.
I found out the second time my home got infested. I failed to identify the bed bugs’ exterior source, but you have these tips so you won’t make this mistake.
You now know some of the places where bed bugs come from, let’s talk about how to spot their source inside your home
How to find the source of bed bugs inside your home?
- Check common areas where you sleep for any signs of bed bugs. Your mattress, box springs, headboard, and bed frames.
- Check the living room’s couch, chairs, and other furniture for any signs of bed bugs. Look for minor blood stains on sheets or pillowcases.
- Check for black spots, which are droppings from Bedbugs. If you see any of these signs, it’s time to treat your home for bed bugs.
- If you are getting bitten by bed bugs but cannot spot the pest, it may be beneficial to use bed bug sniffing dogs to detect them.
Make a decision based on the level of the bed bug infestation
For this process to be worthwhile, the results must match your efforts. Here is how to assess:
How big is the bed bug infestation on the couch? If more than 30% of the sofa has a bed bug infestation, Throw it! Put it out for the trash.
How about the mattress? If the answer is more than 50% of the bed, you might as well get a new one.
The decision to throw away or not should also consider how long you’ve had the piece of furniture. If it’s an expensive couch in your family for generations, you can have it treated by a professional.
Treating your home for bed bugs can be a long and challenging process, but it’s essential to be patient and thorough. Keep reading, Next, we review the tools you need to complete the job.
Tools you’ll need to get rid of bed bugs in your home with natural remedies.
1. Homemade bed bug spray
You can make homemade bed bug spray with vinegar and other natural ingredients. It is an effective way to kill bed bugs, but it’s important to follow the instructions carefully. We’ll walk you through the steps so that you can make your spray and solve this bed bug problem.
Here’s what you’ll need:
– An empty spray bottle
– White vinegar
– Water
– Essential oils (optional)
Instructions:
Start by mixing equal parts water and vinegar in the spray bottle. If you’re using essential oils, add them now.
Shake the mixture well and you’re ready for spraying! Be sure to get into all the cracks and crevices where bed bugs hide.
How to apply: Once you’ve sprayed the entire infested area, let it dry for a few hours. You can do this by opening windows or using a fan.
That’s it! You’ve now made your own homemade bed bug spray with vinegar. Vinegar kill bed bugs on contact. Be sure to spray any areas where you suspect there may be bed bugs, such as cracks and crevices, behind furniture, and in closets.
2. Mattress Cover
A mattress cover is an important part of getting rid of bed bugs. Not only does it help kill the bugs, but it also prevents them from coming back.
When shopping for a mattress cover, be sure to get one specifically designed to protect against bed bugs. It should have a tight seal and made off a material that’s difficult for bed bugs to penetrate, such as polyester or nylon.
Once you have your mattress cover, put it on after spraying for a week. If there are any bed bugs in your mattress, they’ll be trapped inside and will eventually die.
3. Slipcover, if you can save the couch
If you can’t afford to replace your couch, or if it’s an expensive piece of furniture that you don’t want to get rid of, you can try using a slipcover. A slipcover will help kill any bed bugs that are hiding on the couch, and it also prevents further infestation.
4. Air Mattress, especially if you have kids
An air mattress is a crucial part of any bed bug treatment plan. If you have kids, an air mattress can be a life saver. Kids are more likely to get bitten by bed bugs, so it’s important to protect them by putting them on an air mattress.
An air mattress is also essential because it will help you treat your bed bug problem more effectively. By putting an air mattress in the room you’re treating for bed bugs, you can isolate the problem and make it easier to get rid of the bugs.
The most important thing to remember when using an air mattress is to put it on a frame, if possible.
Tip!
Bed bugs are parasites, they are most active at night when they come out to feed on human blood. It is why an Air mattress is effective to kill bed bugs quickly, sleep on it for a week. Remember, the homemade bed bug spray and vinegar kills bed bugs on contact.
Wake up in the middle of the night to spray for a week. Put the mattress in the sun, or lean it near a sunny window. After a week you can now put on the mattress cover. Remove the cover once a week to spray the mattress then put it back on. Do this for a month. Keep reading, the list goes on but you’re almost there.
5. Vacuum cleaner
A vacuum cleaner is an important part of any bed bug treatment plan. It’s the best way to get rid of bed buds and kill bed bug eggs. Vacuuming also helps prevent further infestation.
Be sure to vacuum your entire home, including furniture, walls, and floors. Vacuum daily if possible, or at least several times a week. After each vacuuming, be sure to empty the vacuum bag immediately.
6. Handheld Steamer, maybe
If you have the time and energy, this may be worthwhile. You can also use a handheld steamer to kill bed bugs. A steamer will kill bed bugs and their eggs on contact. Be sure to steam your entire home, including furniture, walls, and floors.
7. Heavy Duty Trash bags
If you have clothes infected with bed bugs, put them in a heavy-duty trash bag. This will prevent the bed bugs from spreading to your entire house.
It’s also important to heat treat your clothes before putting them in the trash bag or wearing them again. This will kill any bed bugs on or inside the clothes.
You can heat treat your clothes by putting them in a dryer on high heat for 30 minutes or ironing them on high heat for 15 minutes.
By following these steps, you can get rid of bed bugs in your home for good! Just remember to be patient, and to vacuum and steam regularly.
That’s it! These are the most effective methods for killing bed bugs. Be sure to use all these methods to quickly get rid of the bugs and prevent further infestation.
Bonus! Tea tree Oil
Tea tree oil is a natural remedy that you can use to kill bed bugs. Tea tree oil is a potent insecticide and can kill bed bugs on contact. You can use it in the homemade bed bug spray. It’s also a great way to treat bed bug bites, that’s 2 uses in one.
You can apply tea tree oil to the skin to help treat bites and prevent further infection. When using tea tree oil to treat bed bug bites, it is important to use a concentration that is safe for human skin.
The recommended concentration for tea tree oil when treating bed bug bites is 3-5%.
In Conclusion
You are well on your way, to recap what we covered: First, find the external source and inside source of the bed bugs.
Next, make a judgment if you’re going to keep and dump your couch or mattress.
Moreover, Get all the ingredients for the homemade bed bug spray.
Furthermore, Get a Mattress cover, Slipcover, Air Mattress, Vacuum cleaner, maybe a steamer, Trash bags, and Tea tree oil.
Finally, You’re ready to start spraying your bed bug killer spray to kill bed bugs and have good night sleeps again soon.
Thanks for reading to the End!
FAQs
When is a pest control professional needed to treat bed bugs?
If you’re unable to get rid of bed bugs using the methods listed above, it may be time to call a pest control professional. A professional pest control company will have the tools and expertise needed to get rid of bed bugs quickly and effectively.
What kind of vinegar kills bed bugs?
There are several types of vinegar that can be used to kill bed bugs. White vinegar, apple cider vinegar, and rice vinegar are all effective in killing bed bugs.
Can bed bugs survive bleach?
Yes, bed bugs can survive bleach but we humans cannot (Sarcasm). I have tried using bleach to treat bed bugs and it ended with me leaving the house instead due to the strong smell of bleach
How do you treat bed bug bites naturally?
Some of the most effective natural remedies include tea tree oil, lavender oil, and calamine lotion.
