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Chemical Pesticides to Kill Bed Bugs

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There are many chemicals and tools in the market that claim to help fighting your bed bug problem. However, our focus is advising on the most economical, safe to use and easily accessible products and equipment to control bed bugs. We will not talk about professional grade chemicals that been used by exterminators as they require special training related to mandatory safety standards. Dhanush and Nalaka Daundaratne have gone through the internet and gathered a list that most talk about and decided to explore their effectivity and practicality in exterminating bed bugs. So, lets see pros and cons of following items and techniques when used by a beginner or DIY method

 

  • diatomaceous earth/diatomite

  • Tea tree oil

  • Rubbing alcohol

  • WD40

  • Commercial bed bug foggers

  • Common bed bug pesticides in hardware stores

  • Steam/hot vapor and hot water

  • Hot air blowers/hair dyers

  • Freezing

Using Diatomaceous Earth to Kill Bed Bugs

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Diatomite is a very effective natural pesticide and an insecticide extracted from certain rocks found in freshwater streams and lakes. They are fossilized algae and plant materials in water. Diatomaceous earth holds some known medicinal properties what helps several gastrointestinal conditions. There is a more purified version that is edible. So, this is considered as one of the most safe and natural products that we can use to eliminate many bugs and insects in our environment. The action is primarily mechanical rather than chemical properties. Microscopically, these particles are shown to be sharp edged crystals. Upon contact, can cause a significant damage to many pest’s bodies and organs as lungs. Since the powder is typically very finely ground, it’s easily sticks to their skin or extra skeleton.

Pros

  1. When used properly, it’s highly effective to fight bed bugs in conjunction with several other products and techniques

  2. Diatomite works with other concerned bugs like termites, cockroaches, centipedes, biscuit bugs, etc. Refer to specific bugs given on this website to learn special considerations when using diatomite.

  3. It’s relatively cost effective and available in most hardware stores, natural medicine store and online via sellers as Amazon

  4. It’s a natural product and it’s relatively much harmless compared to advance chemical pesticides. It’s a great choice if you have allergies or sensitivities to strong chemicals.

 

Cons

  1. Availability may vary depending on the region of world.

  2. Since it’s a very fine powder, for people with asthma, certain allergic reactions to dust or similar must be cautious when using

  3. It will not kill the bugs immediately. Depending on the kind might take from 5-30 minutes upon contact to see the results. However, it’s great in controlling certain bugs as the second line of defense initially and as the primary product during the management as well as prevention stage

  4. You will have to sprinkle a significant amount on the concerned areas or around the house. This will make a pretty much of mess that can be uncomfortable. Also, if young children and pets are around, it will be challenging to keep the layer on the areas for a consistent period

  5. Diatomaceous earth tends to absorb moisture quite fast, and you might have to clean and replace quite often. Because, once they are moist, the powder loses the effectivity in holding on to the insect’s body which is our goal.

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Using WD40 to fight bed bugs

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WD40 is renowned multipurpose lubricant that’s been around us for over 5 decades. This chemical compound is used for many uses other than lubrication. While this is a mild irritant to our skin, WD40 is lethal for bed bugs. However, this can’t and must not be used as the first line of pesticide due to it’s possible toxicity if you use in large quantities in you living environment. In how to fight bed bugs information Dhanush and Nalaka Daundaratne will guide you how to incorporate WD40 with other products and techniques to maximize the success in elimination of bed bugs as well as similar pests as cockroaches

Can we use Rubbing alcohol to kill Bed bugs?

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The answer is yes and a big NO. There are many DIY post talking about use of rubbing alcohol to fight bed bugs. Although nymphs and adult bed bugs can be killed almost instantly, some bed bug eggs seem to survive through. However, we do not recommend using this chemical due to the extreme high risk of fire and health considerations.

3 -kerosene

Using Kerosene to Get Rid of bed bugs

In many countries around the world people use kerosene to kill bed bugs under certain restrictions. Usually, people brush on edges and cracks of wooden furniture that’s been infested by bed bugs. This is done outside in colder climates. So, this is not an ideal option if you are living in city. If it’s been used inside, the petroleum vapor that it will generate will bring a major fire hazard. Also, kerosene carries a strong odor and the gases created can cause health issues. Especially, is you have children, anyone with respiratory issue or similar.

Using Commercial bed bug foggers

In many countries around the world people use kerosene to kill bed bugs under certain restrictions. Usually, people brush on edges and cracks of wooden furniture that’s been infested by bed bugs. This is done outside in colder climates. So, this is not an ideal option if you are living in city. If it’s been used inside, the petroleum vapor that it will generate will bring a major fire hazard. Also, kerosene carries a strong odor and the gases created can cause health issues. Especially, is you have children, anyone with respiratory issue or similar.

Bed bugs and tea tree oil

Tea tree oil is a natural essential oil that many claims to be effective in repelling bed bugs and few others. Due to lack of our experience in using to control bed bugs, we conducted few tests using the oil on bed bugs to see how effective and practical in our point of view.

 

Pros

  • It is a natural product and unless you are allergic to it, tea tree oil will be a good option if you wish to minimize using commercial pesticides. We always advice to do a skin test before using any of the products or chemicals that mentioned here on our blog to identify any allergies.

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Cons

  • Our tests showed that while some bed bugs repel at presence of it in the environment, it wasn’t a 100% consistent reaction. Yet will be great if you are looking for a natural repellent to deal  with a light infestation or to apply on body to minimize the biting.

  • Direct contact of the tea tree oil at required concentration can kill bed bugs. However, some could survive through the exposure. Since our goal is to eradicate completely, we would not recommend tea tree oil as a primary or secondary pesticide. Especially, if the infestation is at moderate to advanced level

  • Relatively expensive and limited availability in large quantities that we might require depending on the size of the area and the stage of the infestation

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