Will Bleach Kill Bed Bugs? (Find Out Now!)

Bed bugs are regarded as some of the most troublesome pests in modern society. They invade our homes, make us uncomfortable, and deprive us of the ability to relax like we’re used to. Dealing with them can be a nightmarish ordeal and that is no exaggeration.

Homeowners are willing to use just about any means to get rid o f bed bugs. If you’re dealing with an infestation yourself, you may be wondering if there are household items you can use. For instance, can you use bleach to quell the bed bug infestation?

Bleach can be used to kill bed bugs, but there’s a catch. The catch is that the bleach needs to be directly applied to the bed bug’s body for it to take effect. You have to be careful when using bleach against bed bugs because you could end up damaging your home otherwise.

No one wants to deal with bed bugs at home, but should you use bleach against them? Find out the answer to that question and learn about other relevant topics by reading on.

The threat posed by bed bugs cannot be ignored, especially when they can affect us adversely in so many ways. According to the EPA, bites from bed bugs can induce allergic reactions in people. Some of those allergic reactions can be quite severe.

On top of that, bed bug bites are also known to cause skin infections. Experts also warn against the adverse mental health effects that can be brought about by a bed bug infestation.

To put it simply, bed bugs are bad news. It’s hard to blame any homeowner for wanting to take swift action against those pests. But is using bleach really the type of solution homeowners need in that scenario? Technically speaking, yes, bleach can indeed be used to eliminate bed bugs.

The chemical known as sodium hypochlorite is one that can be harmful to bed bugs. Combined with water, that chemical can turn into an acid that quickly breaks down proteins in the bed bug’s body. Even if you just get that substance on the outer shell, that could be enough to get the job done.

Therein lies the difficulty of using bleach to kill bed bugs though. As you probably already know, bed bugs are very tiny. They are almost impossible to detect.

Applying the bleach directly to those bed bugs is easier said than done. It can even be considered a risky proposition.

We’ve established that bleach can kill bed bugs. Now, we have to determine if bleach is actually a good item to use against those pests. Let’s do that by considering some of the pros and cons.

On the pro side, bleach is affordable and widely available. You probably have it at home already so you can use it anytime.

As for the cons, we already talked about how difficult it can be to use bleach against bed bugs. The other main issue with using bleach is that you can ruin your furniture, floors, and walls while spraying it around. Let’s also not overlook how hazardous the fumes coming from bleach can be.

So, should you use bleach to eliminate the bed bugs inside your home? You can in a pinch, but spraying the bed bugs with pure bleach is simply not the smart move.

Using pure bleach as a spray against bed bugs is not advisable. However, you can dilute it and use it as a spray that way.

In a container, mix together equal parts of bleach and hot water. Next, funnel that liquid mixture into a spray bottle. You can now use that diluted bleach spray against bed bugs. Bleach remains potent even after being diluted. Avoid spraying it on any surface that you don’t want to see discolored.

If you’re using the homemade spray on cushions or a mattress, you must avoid using those items for a while. After spraying, you should refrain from using the exposed items for two weeks at least. Also, remember to wash the items you sprayed thoroughly before using them again.

The bed bugs could be staying in hidden spots throughout your home. You can get to them by using bleach.

Just like before, combine equal parts of bleach and hot water in a plastic basin or a similar container. Get an old rag next and make sure it’s one you don’t mind throwing away afterward. Also, put on some heavy-duty gloves.

With gloves on, start soaking the rag in the bleach and hot water mixture. Wring out the excess liquid then use the rag to wipe down the spots where you suspect the bed bugs are.

Remember to only use the rag on spots that are hidden from view. It’s still possible that the surface soaked with the bleach will have its appearance altered. You don’t want to risk doing that to a part of your home that is routinely exposed.

Heat works really well when it comes to killing bed bugs. You must use that to your advantage whenever possible.

Probably the best opportunity to use heat against bed bugs presents itself whenever you’re washing clothes. Use hot water when washing clothes you believe have been exposed to bed bugs.

The dryer can be very helpful too. Crank your dryer up to above 140 degrees and use that heat to kill any bed bugs that survived the wash.

This next method still utilizes heat, but this time, we’ll be using a hairdryer. Find the spot where you suspect some of the bed bugs are. Once you’re there, see if there’s an outlet nearby that you can plug the hairdryer into.

After plugging the hairdryer in, you can start turning up the heat. Turn the hairdryer to the highest setting and concentrate the heat on the spots the bed bugs are hiding in. You may be able to take out a good number of them using this method.

One more thing you can do to remove the bed bugs from your home is to bust out the vacuum cleaner. Before you start vacuuming, take apart the spots you want to vacuum. Empty out cabinets, remove the mattress from the frame, and take the cover of the sofa if needed.

Go over all the spots carefully and take your time. You may have to use a different attachment as well in order to get into some hard-to-reach spots.

After you’re done vacuuming, remember to clean out the bag or chamber outside and far away from your home. If there are bed bugs still alive in there, you don’t want them escaping and entering your home again.

Related Questions

How Much Will Professional Bed Bug Extermination Cost?

You don’t have to take on the bed bugs yourself if you don’t want to. There are professionals out there who specialize in exterminating bed bugs without damaging your home. It’s definitely easier to rely on professionals for assistance.The only real downside is that professional extermination can be pricey. Expect to pay somewhere in the neighborhood of $1000 to $3000 for an exterminator.The final cost of treating your home will depend on its size and the density of the infestation. In extreme cases, homeowners may have to pay $5000 to stop a bed bug infestation.

How Do You Find Bed Bugs in Your Home?

To find the bed bugs in your home, you need to look for specific things and search through specific areas. The signs of a bed bug infestation include dark or reddish spots appearing on fabrics. Some small eggs or eggshells may also start to show up.You can look for the bed bugs or the signs of their presence inside your mattress or along with the mattress frame. Bed bugs may also hide in other pieces of furniture, especially inside tight gaps. Those annoying pests may even hide in electrical sockets, curtains, or loose segments of wallpaper.