Today, we address a common concern shared by homeowners and renters alike: how to deal with bed bugs. Specifically, we’ll answer a crucial question: Does bleach kill bed bugs?
Bed bugs are notorious for disrupting our sleep and require a comprehensive approach to get rid of them.
Bleach, known for its strong disinfectant properties, has been considered as a potential solution.
However, before you reach for that bottle in your cleaning supplies, it’s important to understand the facts, limitations, and potential risks associated with using bleach to combat these resilient pests.
Join us as we explore the world of bed bug extermination, examining the effectiveness of bleach, its proper usage, and alternative methods to eliminate these persistent invaders.
Ready to roll?
The Bleach Solution
Chlorine bleach, a household staple known for its sanitizing properties, is often suggested as a remedy for bed bug infestations.
Bleach is a solution of water and sodium hypochlorite that creates hypochlorous acid. This acid can break down proteins, making them defective.
But will this property of bleach prove fatal to bed bugs and their eggs?
Let’s find out.
Bleach vs. Bed Bugs: Does It Work?
Bleach has the potential to eliminate bed bugs, but it comes with certain limitations. To effectively trap and kill bed bugs, bleach must come into direct contact with them.
However, bed bugs are skilled at hiding and are not naturally attracted to bleach, making this difficult to achieve.
Another challenge is that even if bleach does make contact with the bed bugs, it might simply fall off their bodies without being absorbed.
Additionally, using too much force when spraying bleach can cause the bed bugs to scatter and infest other areas of your home, worsening the problem instead of resolving it.
Consider these factors before relying solely on bleach as a solution for bed bug infestations.
Does Bleach Repel Bed Bugs?
Bleach does have a repellent action on bed bugs. However, this is not necessarily a benefit.
Repelling bed bugs may lead to them moving from one area to another, potentially causing them to spread into previously uninfected areas.
Does Bleach Kill Bed Bug Eggs?
If bleach comes into direct contact with bed bug eggs, it can kill them. However, this is easier said than done.
Bed bugs often lay their eggs deep within the crevices of mattresses, making them hard to reach with bleach.
How to Use Bleach to Kill Bed Bugs
If you decide to use bleach to kill bed bugs, it’s important to use it safely and effectively. Here’s how to do it:
Gather the necessary equipment.
You’ll need a flashlight, laundry detergent, a washing machine, liquid bleach, a vacuum cleaner with a hose attachment, a spray bottle, rubber utility gloves, washcloths, and a bucket.
Inspect and prep the house thoroughly.
Use a flashlight to examine the bed, mattress, and any furniture carefully. Identify any spots with bed bugs (dead or alive), their eggs, or their dung or husks.
Before beginning the cleaning process, clear out any junk and ensure all corners and crevices are easily accessible.
Deep-clean the home.
Put any blankets and sheets in the laundry as they are likely to carry bed bugs.
Wash them with boiling water, bleach, and detergent; when drying, use the maximum possible heat they can stand.
Use the vacuum cleaner on mattresses, cushions, inside of drawers, and any other furniture.
Remove and seal the vacuum bag, then dispose of it.
Prepare a mixture of hot water and bleach in a spray bottle.
Wearing rubber utility gloves to protect your hands, spray liberally on the mattress (including bed corners, box spring, and edges) and any other affected furniture.
For any other areas besides the mattress and other furniture, a washcloth can ensure that no traces of bed bugs are left behind.
Dip the washcloth in your water-bleach mixture, then use it to reach areas like the insides of drawers and baseboards.
Give everything time to dry.
Bleach takes at minimum a few hours to effectively kill bed bugs, but it is advised to wait 24 to 48 hours to allow everything to dry.
Take preventative measures.
Once the bedbug infestation is at bay, taking a few preventive measures can help reduce the problem from recurring.
Use a protective cover on mattresses and box springs, and be sure to inspect it regularly for any holes.
Frequent cleaning (especially in nooks and crannies) and keeping clutter to a minimum can also reduce potential hiding spots for bedbugs.
For those in multi-family homes or apartment/condo complexes, installing door sweeps on the bottoms of doors and sealing any cracks and crevices can discourage bed bug movement through these spaces.
Bed Bug Eradication with Bleach in Your Laundry
While bleach can kill bed bugs present on your clothes or bed linen, the high temperature of hot water is often more effective at getting rid of them.
The heat from the water combined with the harsh properties of bleach can lead to a potent combination against bed bugs.
Pros and Cons of Using Bleach for Bed Bug Control
While using bleach to kill bed bugs might seem easy, available, and cheap, it’s essential to weigh the pros and cons before deciding on this course of action.
Pros of Using Bleach
- Availability: Bleach is readily available at most grocery stores and drug stores.
- Cost-effective: A large bottle of bleach typically costs only a few dollars.
- Direct contact kills: If you get bleach directly on the bed bugs, it can kill them on contact.
Cons of Using Bleach
- Toxicity: Bleach is harmful if swallowed or comes into contact with your skin. It’s not a safe option if you have kids or pets.
- Strong odor: Bleach has a harsh, unmistakable odor that lingers after use.
- Effectivity: Bleach is ineffective unless applied directly to the bugs.
- Dye alteration: Bleach can discolor bed sheets, mattresses, or other fabrics.
- Surface damage: Bleach can damage certain surfaces, especially fabrics, and cloth, if not diluted.
- Ineffectiveness on eggs: Bleach won’t kill eggs laid deep within the crevices of your mattress.
- Partial eradication: While bleach may kill a few bugs, it won’t eliminate an entire infestation.
The Verdict: Is Bleach an Effective Solution for Bed Bug Infestations?
While bleach can kill bed bugs on direct contact, it is not a guaranteed or scientifically proven method to completely eradicate a bed bug infestation.
The risks associated with using bleach, such as potential harm to your family and pets, and damage to your furniture and clothes, outweigh the potential benefits.
Therefore, seeking professional help to tackle bed bug infestations is advisable instead of resorting to bleach.
Professional pest control services like Terminix have trained technicians who can identify the extent of your infestation and find all the places where bed bugs are hiding in your home.
They use proven solutions to get rid of bed bugs effectively and safely, saving you from resorting to harsh chemicals.
