When it comes to tackling a bed bug infestation, the desperate search for solutions can lead many down a rabbit hole of home remedies and DIY methods. While the Internet is full of creative yet dubious solutions, such as using essential oils or baking soda, as anyone who has ever had bed bugs can tell you: It's important to know what actually works. For a reliable and effective solution, pest control professionals often turn to Sterifab spray. Sterifab stands out as a proven bed bug spray that is effective, EPA-approved and non-residual.
For the unconvinced, we’re offering a quick review of common DIY bed bug remedies that you may be considering.
Common Home Remedies and Why They Fall Short
Many DIY bed bug removal techniques are touted as quick fixes, but their effectiveness is often overstated, at best. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most commonly suggested home remedies for getting rid of bed bugs and why they generally fail to deliver lasting results.
Essential Oils Essential oils like lavender, tea tree, and peppermint are frequently recommended as natural bed bug repellents. While they might have some insect-repelling properties, they typically don’t kill bed bugs or their eggs. These oils may repel bed bugs temporarily, but they don’t address the root of the infestation. Bed bugs are known for their resilience and can quickly return if the problem isn’t properly dealt with. Just one egg can lead to reinfestation, and no single essential oil can eradicate them.
Baking Soda and Salt Baking soda and salt are often suggested as drying agents that can kill bed bugs by dehydrating them. However, neither salt nor baking soda is effective at killing bed bugs. While these substances can act as mild desiccants, they’re not powerful enough to make a significant difference. Bed bugs can easily avoid treated areas, and even if they come into contact with these powders, the effects are minimal. Considering how bed bugs hide deep within cracks and crevices, these remedies won’t offer meaningful control or eliminate an infestation.
Vinegar Vinegar is another popular remedy, praised for its purported ability to kill bed bugs on contact. While vinegar can kill some insects, it’s not effective against all stages of bed bugs. Moreover, vinegar won’t prevent bed bugs from returning or deal with those already embedded in your furniture or walls.
Diatomaceous Earth Diatomaceous earth is a powdery substance that can be sprinkled in areas where bed bugs are found. It works by dehydrating insects, but it requires careful application and can take weeks to show results. Using food-grade diatomaceous earth is also important, as other types can be harmful.
The Risks of DIY Chemicals
In addition to their varying levels of effectiveness, home remedies might expose you to unnecessary risks. Many of these DIY solutions can be hazardous if misused or mixed improperly, potentially creating risky conditions in your home. For this reason, we recommend sticking to proven EPA-approved methods that are both effective for and conducive to your living space.
Why Professional Solutions Work Better
Bed bugs are notoriously difficult to eliminate because they hide in a variety of locations and can reproduce quickly. Effective bed bug removal requires a method that targets both the visible bugs and their eggs. This is where knowing how to get rid of bed bugs becomes essential.
Professional pest control methods offer a more effective and lasting approach to bed bug removal compared to DIY home remedies. Professionals use products, like Sterifab, that are proven to tackle bed bugs at every stage of their life cycle, including eggs, nymphs, and adults. These solutions often include integrated pest management strategies that combine multiple approaches for thorough eradication.
While Sterifab is one effective option among many, its unique formulation and nonresidual nature make it a standout choice.
Why Choose Sterifab?
Sterifab works by penetrating bed bugs’ exoskeletons and attacking their nervous systems, killing them on contact. Plus, it’s a non-residual product labeled for use on mattresses and upholstered furniture. Additionally, it gets rid of many other pests like fleas, ticks and mites, making it a versatile tool to keep in anyone’s arsenal.
For those dealing with bed bugs around babies or young children, it’s particularly important to choose a solution that does not leave a residue. Sterifab works quickly and you can usually go back to normal use of your home or office just 15 minutes after application. Simply clean all surfaces and objects thoroughly, spray the affected area generously, and wait for Sterifab to dry while you thoroughly ventilate the treated area. Be sure to check out our guide on how to use Sterifab for more detailed instructions.
For additional information on managing bed bugs in environments with young children, take a look at our blog Bugs and Babies - What You Need to Know.
Bottom Line? Use What the Pros Use!
While DIY solutions might offer some initial relief and seem like the easy way out, they often fall short of providing the overall coverage needed for complete bed bug eradication. So, whether you call in the pros or take a proactive approach with Sterifab, opting for proven solutions is key to finally putting bed bug problems to rest.
