How to Get Rid of Bed Bugs and Fleas: Effective Pest Control Techniques and Preventive Measures

ByEric Wilson Updated

How to Get Rid of Bed Bugs and Fleas?

To get rid of bed bugs and fleas, start by washing all bedding, clothes, and linens in hot water to kill the pests.

Vacuum bedding, furniture, and cracks in bed frames, walls, and wallpaper to remove any bed bugs.

Use steam cleaners to eliminate bed bugs from mattresses and box springs.

Apply diatomaceous earth or baking soda to dehydrate and kill bed bugs.

Place black walnut tea bags in hiding places and sprinkle tea leaves on mattresses and bedding.

Diluted tea tree oil can be sprayed on furnishings, mattresses, cabinets, and washed linens and bedding.

Boil cayenne pepper, oregano essential oil, and grated ginger to create a spray that repels bed bugs.

Lavender and peppermint oil can also be sprayed to eliminate bed bugs.

If infestation persists, hire a professional exterminator and regularly inspect and clean common hotspots.

Key Points:

  • Wash all bedding, clothes, and linens in hot water
  • Vacuum bedding, furniture, and cracks to remove bed bugs
  • Use steam cleaners on mattresses and box springs
  • Apply diatomaceous earth or baking soda to kill bed bugs
  • Use black walnut tea bags and sprinkle tea leaves on hiding places
  • Use diluted tea tree oil, lavender oil, or peppermint oil on furnishings and linens

Did You Know?

1. Did you know that bed bugs are attracted to the carbon dioxide we exhale? This is why they often target areas where they can easily find their preferred blood meal, such as the bedroom.

2. Although fleas are commonly associated with pets, there are over 2,000 species of fleas, and only a few dozen primarily infest domestic cats and dogs. The majority of fleas actually prefer to feed on other animals, including rodents and birds.

3. Bed bugs have been a nuisance throughout human history, with evidence of their existence dating back over 3,500 years. Ancient Egyptians even mentioned them in their medical texts, describing remedies and beliefs about the pests.

4. Fleas are exceptional jumpers! In terms of relative distance, fleas can jump up to 150 times their own body length. This would be equivalent to a human jumping the length of a football field in a single Bound.

5. While bed bugs and fleas can both cause itchy bites on humans, their feeding habits are quite different. Fleas typically bite multiple times in a row, leaving several clustered bites, whereas bed bugs usually leave behind a pattern of singular bites found in a straight line or zigzag pattern.

Hot Water And Vacuuming: Key Steps To Eliminating Bed Bugs

Bed bugs are a major nuisance that can disrupt our sleep and cause discomfort. These tiny insects live on clothes or bedding and hide in small and flat spaces, making it challenging to get rid of them. However, there are several steps homeowners can take to eliminate bed bugs and bring peace back to their homes.

One of the first steps in getting rid of bed bugs is to wash all bedding, clothes, and linens in hot water. The high temperature kills the bed bugs and their eggs, ensuring that they are completely eradicated. It is important to note that regular washing is not sufficient; the water must be hot, preferably at temperatures above 120°F.

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Another effective method is to vacuum the affected areas thoroughly. This includes not only bedding and furniture but also cracks in bed frames, walls, and wallpaper. The idea is to remove as many bed bugs as possible, as well as their eggs. It is recommended to use a vacuum cleaner with a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter to prevent the pests from escaping.

  • Wash all bedding, clothes, and linens in hot water
  • Vacuum the affected areas thoroughly (including bedding, furniture, cracks, and walls)
  • Use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter.

Natural Remedies For Bed Bug Infestations

For those looking for chemical-free solutions to combat bed bug infestations, there are several natural remedies available:

  • Diatomaceous earth: This powder is highly effective in dehydrating and killing bed bugs. Sprinkling it around the infested areas creates a barrier that bed bugs cannot cross. It’s important to note that diatomaceous earth is non-toxic and safe to use around children and pets.

  • Baking soda: While not a standalone solution, baking soda can be effective in dehydrating bed bugs. By sprinkling it on infested areas and leaving it for a few days, it can help control the pests. However, it’s best to use baking soda in combination with other treatment methods for more effective results.

  • Black walnut tea: An interesting natural remedy, black walnut tea can be used to repel and kill bed bugs. Placing used tea bags in hiding places for bed bugs, such as cracks and crevices, and sprinkling tea leaves on mattresses and bedding can create a hostile environment for these pests. The strong odor of black walnut is known to be unpleasant to bed bugs and can effectively deter them.

By utilizing these natural remedies, individuals can effectively combat bed bug infestations without relying on chemical treatments.

Tea Tree Oil, Baking Soda, And Other DIY Solutions

Tea tree oil, when diluted with water, can be an effective solution for killing bed bugs. It can be sprayed on furnishings, mattresses, cabinets, cushions, curtains, and washed linens and bedding. The strong scent of tea tree oil acts as a natural repellent for bed bugs, discouraging them from infesting these areas. However, caution should be exercised as tea tree oil can be toxic to pets if ingested.

In addition to tea tree oil, other DIY solutions can be used to repel bed bugs. A concoction made from boiling cayenne pepper, oregano essential oil, and grated ginger mixed with water can be turned into a spray. This mixture, when applied to infested areas, acts as a natural repellent, deterring bed bugs from colonizing the space.

Lavender and peppermint oil can also be used as a natural spray to eliminate bed bugs. These oils have a strong scent that bed bugs find repulsive. By diluting lavender or peppermint oil with water and spraying it on infested areas, homeowners can effectively reduce the bed bug population in their homes.

The key points are:

  • Tea tree oil, when diluted with water, can be an effective solution for killing bed bugs.
  • It can be sprayed on furnishings, mattresses, cabinets, cushions, curtains, and washed linens and bedding.
  • Tea tree oil acts as a natural repellent, discouraging bed bugs from infesting these areas.
  • Caution should be exercised as tea tree oil can be toxic to pets if ingested.
  • Other DIY solutions include a mixture made from boiling cayenne pepper, oregano essential oil, grated ginger, and water as a spray.
  • Lavender and peppermint oil can be used as a natural spray to eliminate bed bugs.
  • Dilute lavender or peppermint oil with water before spraying on infested areas to effectively reduce the bed bug population.
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Identifying And Dealing With Bed Bugs Vs. Fleas

It is important to accurately identify the pest responsible for the infestation to distinguish bed bugs from fleas or ticks. Bed bugs are small insects that reside in clothing or bedding and seek refuge in narrow and flat areas, whereas fleas are smaller and cause itchy and red bites.

If there is a misconception that fleas or ticks have caused a bed bug infestation, it is recommended to seek guidance from a physician to obtain a proper diagnosis. This will ensure the use of appropriate treatment methods to address the infestation and prevent any potential health hazards associated with the presence of fleas or ticks.

Professional Help: When To Call An Exterminator

While DIY remedies can be effective in eliminating small bed bug infestations, there are instances where professional help may be necessary. If the infestation is severe or if homeowners are unable to handle the problem on their own, contacting an exterminator such as Orkin or Terminix is recommended.

Exterminators have the necessary expertise and tools to effectively eradicate bed bugs. They can conduct thorough inspections to identify the extent of the infestation and develop a comprehensive plan to eliminate the pests.

Additionally, professional extermination services provide greater assurance that the infestation will be completely eradicated, minimizing the risk of future re-infestations.

  • DIY remedies may work for small infestations, but professional help is recommended for severe cases.
  • Exterminators have the expertise and tools to effectively eliminate bed bugs.
  • Thorough inspections are conducted to identify the extent of the infestation.
  • A comprehensive plan is developed to eradicate the pests.
  • Professional extermination services provide greater assurance of complete eradication.

Preventing Future Infestations: Regular Inspections And Cleaning

Preventing future bed bug infestations is essential to maintain a pest-free home. Here are some tips to help you prevent future infestations:

  • Regularly inspect past hotspots for bed bugs, such as beds, sofas, and other furniture, using a flashlight and magnifying glass.
  • Practice regular cleaning methods, including dusting and vacuuming, to eliminate bed bug hiding places.
  • Minimize clutter to reduce potential hiding spots for bed bugs.
  • Immediately place infested linens, clothes, and other items in a plastic bag for washing. Use the highest possible temperature setting to kill any remaining bed bugs or eggs.
  • Seal items that cannot be washed in an airtight plastic bag for several months.
  • Strip down and thoroughly wash contaminated furniture in hot water, if possible. In severe cases, dispose of heavily infested furniture to prevent the spread of bed bugs.
  • Consider using chemical sprays, bleach, steamers, or extreme temperatures to eliminate bed bugs and their eggs:
  • Infested items can be sealed in a black plastic bag and exposed to temperatures exceeding 95 degrees Fahrenheit in a car to kill the bed bugs.
  • Alternatively, seal infested items in a bag and freeze them for at least four days.
  • Continuously monitor the affected areas, and treat them again if any signs of bed bugs reappear.
  • If the infestation persists or becomes unmanageable, do not hesitate to call a professional exterminator for assistance.
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By taking these preventive measures and staying vigilant, you can successfully eliminate bed bugs and maintain a pest-free environment in your home.

Remember: Regular inspections and cleaning, proper handling of infested items, and appropriate treatment methods are key to preventing and dealing with bed bug infestations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kills both fleas and bed bugs?

One effective solution to eliminate both fleas and bed bugs is by using Hot Shot® BedBug & Flea Fogger. This powerful insecticide not only eradicates bed bugs, fleas, lice, ticks, and other listed insects, but it also incorporates Nylar® insect growth regulator. By doing so, it not only kills the existing pests but also hinders flea development into the biting adult stage and prevents reinfestation for up to 7 months. With this comprehensive approach, it offers a long-term solution to combat both fleas and bed bugs simultaneously.

What kills bed bugs instantly?

Aside from rubbing alcohol, another effective way to kill bed bugs instantly is by using high heat. Bed bugs cannot survive at temperatures above 113°F (45°C), so blasting infested items with high heat, such as with a steamer or a clothes dryer set on high heat, will effectively eliminate them. This method is particularly useful for treating smaller items or fabrics that cannot be easily treated with rubbing alcohol. By subjecting bed bugs to high temperatures, their bodies quickly succumb, eradicating the infestation swiftly and without the need for harsh chemicals.

What kills bed bugs permanently naturally?

One natural and effective way to permanently kill bed bugs is through the use of heat treatment. Bed bugs cannot survive in extreme temperatures, so subjecting infested areas to high heat can eradicate them. By using specialized equipment, the affected space can be heated to a temperature that is lethal to the bed bugs, ensuring their complete elimination.

Another natural method is the use of essential oils, such as tea tree oil or lavender oil. These oils have strong odor and insecticidal properties that repel and kill bed bugs. By diluting these oils in water and using them as a spray or applying them directly to infested areas, you can effectively combat bed bug infestations without the use of harmful chemicals. Regular application and persistence are key to achieving permanent results.

Do fleas bite humans in bed?

Yes, fleas can bite humans in bed. If a pet with fleas is not nearby and the fleas happen to fall off and land in the bed, they may seek out humans as alternative hosts. This can result in itchy bites on the skin, which may be the first sign of fleas in the bed for some people. However, it is important to note that not everyone may be sensitive to flea bites or may not have their pet sleeping with them, so they may not notice the presence of fleas until their pet exhibits constant scratching.

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