Sure, bleach can eliminate bed bugs. It is imperative to comprehend the safe and efficient usage of it, though. Still, in some cases, the issue might have gotten out of hand and required professional intervention. Bleach like vinegar is an effective pesticide in addition to being a potent cleanser. Mosquitoes and drain flies are among the pests that it can eradicate.
Here’s all the information you need to get rid of bugs at home using bleach: these pests can be eradicated permanently.
How Does Bleach Kill Bed Bugs?
Bleach causes bed bugs to have a fever by denaturing their protein membrane.
The active component of bleach, sodium hypochlorite, functions by denaturing the bed bug’s protein membrane. This weakens the bugs’ immune systems and causes a reaction akin to a fever in humans, which ultimately results in their death. Since heat immobilizes bed bugs, this works particularly well when bleach is used in laundry to kill bed bugs on linens and clothing.
Hypochlorite, an ingredient found in bleach, is a bed bug killer.
Terminix describes bleach as a sodium hypochlorite solution. Its pH is 11, and it degrades proteins to make them faulty. The bed bugs and their eggs will die if the bleach comes into direct contact with them because their bodies will absorb the acid.
Bed bugs are killed by bleach fumes.
Bleach is known for its strong smell in addition to its harsh qualities; some people find it difficult to use bleach directly or for extended periods of time because of this. By disrupting the bed bugs’ respiratory system, these vapors also suffocate them.
How to Use Bleach to Kill Bed Bugs
Now that you understand how bleach is effective at killing bed bugs, it’s time to put your newfound knowledge to use. This is how you get rid of bed bugs in your house.
Assemble The Tools That Are Required.
The following items are necessary for homeowners to finish the bed bug removal process:
- Flashlight
- Laundry detergent
- Washing machine
- Liquid bleach
- Vacuum cleaner with hose attachment
- Spray bottle
- Rubber utility gloves
- Washcloths
- Bucket
Make sure everything is tidy and in its proper place.
Use a flashlight to take a close look at the mattress, bed, and any furniture. Look for any places that may contain bed bugs, either dead or alive, along with their husks, eggs, or excrement. Before you begin cleaning, clear out any clutter and make sure all the nooks and crannies are reachable.
Thoroughly tidy the house.
As bed bugs are likely to be present, start by washing any blankets and sheets. Use the highest heat they can withstand to dry them after washing them in boiling water, bleach, and detergent. Next, use the vacuum cleaner on any other furniture, mattresses, cushions, and the interior of drawers. Take out the vacuum bag, seal it, and throw it away.
Apply your bleach to kill Bed bugs.
Now that everything is ready, apply your bleach. In a spray bottle, combine bleach and hot water. Spray generously on the mattress (including bed corners, box springs, and edges) and any other impacted furniture, being careful to protect your hands with rubber utility gloves.
Utilize a washcloth.
A washcloth can guarantee that no bed bug residue is left in any areas other than the mattress and other furniture. Use the washcloth dipped in your water-bleach mixture to clean hard-to-reach places like baseboards and drawer interiors.
Allow everything to air dry.
Bed bugs can be killed with bleach in a few hours at the very least, but it’s best to wait for everything to dry for 24 to 48 hours.
In order to guarantee that the bed bugs are permanently gone during this period, homeowners who are allergic to or sensitive to the smell of bleach should leave the house and stay somewhere else.
Implement Preventive Actions.
Following the removal of the bedbug infestation, implementing a few preventive steps can help lessen the likelihood that the issue will recur.
Cover box springs and mattresses with a protective covering, being sure to check it frequently for holes. Reduced clutter and regular cleaning, particularly in crevices and nooks, can also help to lessen the likelihood that bedbugs will hide.
Bed bug movement through multi-family homes and apartment/condo complexes can be prevented by placing door sweeps on the bottoms of doors and caulking any cracks and crevices.
Drawback to using Bleach to Kill Bed bugs
Strong, unpleasant odors, ruined clothing and furniture, skin irritation, and breathing issues are some of the drawbacks of using bleach on bed bugs. Pets may become irritated by bleach, which is also highly dangerous to ingest. These drawbacks occur as a result of the harsh chemical content of the bleach solution.
Eliminating every bed bug in the affected area is necessary for effective bed bug control.
The risks of using bleach outweigh the benefits, even though it might be able to kill some bed bugs. It’s best to leave bed bug removal to our Orkin Pros.
FAQs About Bleach-killing Bed Bugs
Can Bleach Kill Bed Bug Eggs?
In most cases, bed bug eggs that come into direct contact with bleach will not survive. This is because the bleach will kill the bud’s eggs and prevent it from becoming a problem.
Does Bleach Repel Bed Bugs?
Bleach has a bed bug-repelling effect. Despite the fact that this might seem beneficial, it will most likely only cause the population of bed bugs to grow as they disperse into previously uninhabited areas.
Is Bleach Effective in Eliminating Bed Bugs from Your Clothes?
While bleach may not be the best option for getting rid of bed bugs from clothing, hot water at a high temperature works better than bleach.
Conclusion
While bleach can effectively eliminate bed bugs and their eggs, it has drawbacks such as strong odors, potential damage to clothing and furniture, skin irritation, and respiratory issues. Proper usage involves thorough cleaning, protective measures, and ensuring adequate ventilation. Due to associated risks, seeking professional pest control assistance may be a more prudent approach for effective and safe bed bug removal.
You can also eliminate beg bugs with Raid or other insecticides.
