DIY bed bug treatments seem like a dream when you need a quick pest control solution. Common household pests, such as bed bugs, evoke a terrible sense of urgency to eradicate once spotted on your South Florida property. Although homeowners tend to try at-home solutions first, some techniques do come with their drawbacks.
At Manning Pest Control, our team of experts wants a bed bug infestation gone from your home as soon as possible. That being said, it is time to debunk any DIY pest treatment myths that could prolong a comprehensive solution to your infestation. More specifically, here are a few treatments that may or may not actually kill bed bugs.
Detergent
When we find bed bugs hidden inside the crevices of sheets, mattress covers, or miscellaneous cloth items, our first instinct is to throw all of these into the washing machine. Using detergent to clean infested items can cleanse materials; however, the infestation can still run deeper than surface level. If you do opt to wash cloth items before speaking to a pest control professional, be sure to separate the contaminated pieces made of cloth from non-infested household items. Once washed with detergent, store away in covered, plastic bags until a professional pest control team can evaluate the situation.
Baby Powder
Baby powder is one accessible household item that has been rumored to kill bed bugs. There are two methods bed bug victims use to disinfect with baby powder. The first method is to sprinkle the powder on the infested mattress, flooring, or furniture. Exoskeletons on bed bugs are supposed to become dry, which leads to death caused by dehydration. Another method requires setting up a trap using baby powder and a cup.
The use of baby powder does seem appealing, but there is no proven evidence that talc is a direct killer of bed bugs. Extermination efforts using baby powder may just irritate the infestation and make it last longer than necessary.
Bleach
We all know bleach to be made up of damaging chemicals, but will these chemicals affect bed bugs? Traditionally, bleach is used to destroy bacteria because the hypochlorous acid activated from within the product breaks down proteins. In the case of bed bugs, bleach can only start to be effective if the product makes direct contact with the pest upon application. Spraying bed bugs with bleach does not ensure the infestation is over. The product may not completely absorb into bed bugs’ bodies. In addition, using bleach to rid your property of bed bugs may put your own personal health at risk.
Feeding into DIY bed bug treatments will only prolong your journey to safeguarding your home from another infestation. Do not wait any longer. Contact Manning Pest Control at (954) 772-3077 for more information on protecting your South Florida property from unwanted bed bugs.
