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Will Rubbing Alcohol Kill Bed Bugs?

Bed bugs can be one of the most persistent and frustrating pests to deal with. These tiny insects feed on human blood, leaving behind itchy bites and causing sleepless nights. The name “bed bugs” might trick you into thinking that these pests are only found in beds, but they can also hide in furniture, clothing, and other areas of your home.

When faced with an infestation, many people’s first thought is if rubbing alcohol will kill bed bugs. However, not only is this method ineffective, it can also be dangerous for you and your family. We will discuss what doesn’t kill bed bugs and offer safer and more effective solutions for getting rid of them.

What is a Bed Bug?

A bed bug is a tiny insect that feeds on the blood of humans and animals. They are small, oval, and brownish in color. Bed bugs have flat, apple-seed-sized bodies as adults, but after feeding, their bodies enlarge and take on a crimson hue. Although they cannot fly, bed bugs are able to move fast along floors, walls, and ceilings.

 Over the course of a lifetime, a female bed bug may produce hundreds of eggs, each approximately the size of a mustard seed.. Bed bug nymphs, or immature forms, must consume blood before each of their five skin-shedding cycles in order to reach adulthood. 

The bugs can produce three or more generations each year and reach full development in as little as a month under ideal circumstances. Luckily they do not spread diseases, but they are bothersome. They are not known to cause any serious health issues, but their bites can cause redness, itching, and discomfort.

What Doesn’t Kill Bed Bugs?Woman wearing white shoes and grey capri pants lifts the corner of a rug to vacuum underneath

The phrase “what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger” may be popular among humans, but it can also hold true for bed bugs. These pests are known for their resilience and ability to survive in a wide range of conditions. Here are some common methods that people try to use to kill bed bugs but in some cases can end up making the problem much worse.

  • Pesticides: Some people turn to pesticides as a way to get rid of bed bugs. However, these chemicals are often ineffective against bed bugs and can even cause them to scatter and spread to other areas of your home.
  • Extreme cold: Bed bugs can survive in extreme temperatures, so trying to freeze them out of your home will not work. This also puts you at risk for property damage or harm to yourself.
  • Vacuuming: Although vacuuming can assist in lowering the number of bed bugs in your home, it is not a guaranteed way to get rid of them entirely. It can be challenging to entirely eradicate bed bugs because their eggs can adhere to carpet fibers and resist suction.

Will Rubbing Alcohol Kill Bed Bugs Effectively?

The short answer is yes, but it will not solve your problems. While it might kill a few of the pests on contact, it is not a viable solution for a full-blown infestation. If rubbing alcohol did kill bed bugs and eradicate their colonies, it would be an amazingly easy solution. 

Rubbing alcohol evaporates quickly, which means it doesn’t stay around long enough to kill bugs that wander through the treated area later. Additionally, it has no residual effect on bed bug eggs, which means new bugs will hatch even after treatment. Lastly, using rubbing alcohol to kill bed bugs is hazardous. It is a flammable substance and can pose a significant fire risk if used in large amounts. Therefore, despite the common misconception, rubbing alcohol is not an effective or safe method for controlling bed bugs.

What Does Work?A man is pulling the corner of a fitted bed sheet over the mattress

Now that we know what doesn’t kill bed bugs let’s talk about what does work. Utilizing various techniques and being persistent in your efforts are the keys to getting rid of bed bugs. Here are some effective ways to eliminate these pesky pests:

  • Steam treatment: One of the few things that will genuinely kill bed bugs is high heat. Using a professional-grade steamer, steam clean your furniture, carpets, and other small areas and items where bed bugs may be hiding.
  • Encasement bags: These specially designed bags can be used to cover your mattress, box spring, and pillows, effectively trapping any bed bugs inside and preventing them from biting you while you sleep.
  • Professional pest control: In the event that you face a serious bed bug infestation, it is important to contact experts. They have access to stronger and more efficient remedies that can get rid of bed bugs in your house.
  • Prevention: The best way to deal with bed bugs is to prevent them from infesting your home in the first place. This includes regularly inspecting secondhand items before bringing them into your home, keeping clutter to a minimum, and being cautious when traveling.

Banishing Bed Bugs

These resilient pests require a combination of effective methods and persistence to get rid of them. Avoid using rubbing alcohol to kill bed bugs or extreme measures and instead, opt for safer and more effective solutions for dealing with bed bug infestations. 

Remember to always consult with a professional if you have a severe infestation, and take preventative measures to avoid future problems. You may easily get rid of bed bugs and restore tranquility to your house by using the appropriate strategy. So, never lose hope and keep fighting against these persistent pests!

Bed Bug Barbeque: The Ultimate Solution for Pests

Don’t let the menace of bed bugs disrupt your peace of mind! Take immediate action by contacting Bed Bug Barbeque in Cleveland, Ohio, today at (216) 221-1227. Our team of highly skilled professionals is equipped with a wide range of safe and effective solutions to ensure your home is completely bed bug-free. 

We are committed to delivering prompt and reliable services that prioritize the protection of your family and the restoration of your home’s comfort. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us now and bid farewell to those pesky bed bugs once and for all!

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