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Does Bleach Kill Bed Bugs? An Easy Solution
The last thing you want to happen is for bed bugs to invade your house, bite you and your family. You want bed bugs out of your house for good. There are multiple methods of killing bed bugs. A lot of manufacturers and stores sell pesticides to get rid of bed bugs. But is there anyway to use household tools to kill bed bugs? Does using bleach kill bed bugs? This article will help you get the answer for your bed bug problems.
What Is Bleach?
Bleach is a common household chemical used for cleaning and sterilizing all kinds of things, from clothes, carpets to even mattresses. Chlorine is the most common formula found in bleaches, which is used for whitening clothes and removing stains. It can also be used as a disinfectant, primarily in bathrooms and kitchens.
Bleaches contain strong anti-bacterial properties and are used in swimming pool sanitations to control algae, viruses and bacterial growth. They are also used for increasing the life of cut flowers and killing weeds.
Does Bleach Kill Bed Bugs?
The scent of bleach tends to suffocate bed bugs' respirator systems. They have no chance against these chemicals and they will die a slow and helpless death. So does bleach kill bed bugs? Every time you use bleach in the laundry, you are exposing bed bugs to an active ingredient called hypocholorus that causes the body structure to unfold. The active ingredient causes bed bugs to be immobile and eventually die.
Bleach will also kill bed bugs' eggs. If you find one bed bug inside your house, you probably could find more. Your house could become a breeding ground for these creatures. The chemicals in the bleach will instantly kill the unhatched bed bug eggs. The pillows, mattresses and clothes are some of the common places where bed bugs likely to hide.
Bed bug larva stands no chance against bleach. It breaks the life cycle of bed bugs before they even grow into adults. Bleach is considered to be one of the most effective ways of killing bed bugs and end their life cycle.
How To Use Bleach To Kill Bed Bugs
These techniques and methods will need things like:
- Washing machine
- A dryer
- Spray bottle
- Water
- Bleach or Clorox bleach
- Things that need to be sanitized (pillows, linens, furniture and others)
Use bleach in the laundry by putting in a small amount. It is a harsh chemical for cleaning garments and removing stains. It can also be an very effective way to get rid of bed bugs. Put your clothes and linens in a dryer and let it run for 20 to 30 minutes. Soaking is another way of killing bed bugs. It is best used for mattresses to surely kill bed bugs hiding inside.
You can eliminate bed bugs using bleach by adding part water and part bleach on a spraying container. It is very easy to use; just spray it on mattresses, pillows, walls and crevices. The solution will do the rest of the job: kill bed bugs and its eggs.
Use colour safe bleach when you want to spray it on mattresses, pillows and walls. Not only bleaches kill bed bugs, it can also kill colours on your stuff if what you use is not colour safe bleach.
To explore more information about bed bugs, go to How Long Do Bed Bugs Live.
Use Multiple Strategies
It is best to use multiple strategies to kill bed bugs. One method could not perform the job of the other. It ensures that all bed bugs and bed bug eggs are gone for good. Here are some other ways to kill bed bugs.
1. Heat Treatments
When expose to heat exceeding 120 degrees Celsius, bed bugs will instantly die. But leave heat treatments for the entire room or houses to the professionals. Using bed bug steamer will kill both bed bugs and will penetrate into areas that are hard to reach like mattresses and crevices.
2. Diatomaceous Earth
This is one of the most natural of way of killing bed bugs. It is a pesticide free treatment strategy. It attaches itself to the bed bug’s exoskeleton and kills it by slowly dehydrating it. It is often used with sprays, heat and other treatment strategies.
3. Pesticide Sprays
A proven and effective method. It's also the least advisable method since bed bugs have developed an immune system to the chemicals available in pesticide sprays. Besides, it should be remembered that some pesticide spray just pushes off bed bugs away from your things rather than killing it.
4. Chemicals or Natural Herbs
Some can be effective in killing bed bugs but often they are not strong enough to get rid of the whole infestation and save you from your bed bug problems.
Conclusion
One of the most cheapest and effective ways of killing bed bugs, their eggs and larvae is using bleach. There are multiple methods of using this, which includes spraying, washing and steaming the infected object. It is best to use a colour safe bleach to prevent ruining the colour of the fabrics. The bleach kills bed bugs by suffocating the insects and kills their eggs before they can even hatch or reach adulthood. Bleaches are very strong chemicals and should be used with precautions.
About the Author Emily Taylor
My name is Emily Taylor, gardening is my passion and I’m looking forward to sharing it with everyone. I know that there are millions of people out there want their backyard and garden be attractive just like their front yard, so I am here to help you create your own backyard paradise.