Eco-Friendly Ways to Eliminate Bedbugs

Blood-Sucking Parasites are Making a Comeback in Hotels and Homes

Close-up of a bedbug; photo courtesy Liz Novack

Bedbugs have been making a comeback in recent years, and it is possible for them to hitch a ride into your home on luggage or clothes.

How can you visually identify them? Mayoclinic.com tells us, “Bedbugs are reddish brown, oval and flat, about the size of an apple seed. During the day, they hide in the cracks and crevices of beds, box springs, headboards and bed frames”.

If you’re trying to live a green lifestyle, you will want to get rid of a bedbug infestation without using harmful chemicals. The good news is that there are eco-friendly methods to deal with bedbugs.

These are methods to help you get your infestation under control without the use of toxic substances. Read on to learn more.

Use Your Vacuum to Suck Up the Pests.
One of the most effective ways to rid your home of existing bedbugs and their eggs is to do a thorough vacuuming of all of the areas where bedbugs are prone to hide.

You can use your vacuum attachments to go over bedding, upholstered furniture, curtains, and drapes. You will want to continue vacuuming your home on a frequent basis as well, to ensure every last bug has been removed.

Every time you are through vacuuming, be certain to carefully dispose of vacuum cleaner bags so that the nasty invaders do not infest your house again. Get the bags out of the house immediately.
Use Hot Water for Bedding.
You will want to frequently wash all bedding in the hottest water possible. When drying your bed linens, use the hottest dryer setting that is feasible for the material.

This is a good preventative measure to avoid an infestation, as bedbugs are not able to tolerate heat.
Get Rid of All That Clutter.
These household pests are just another reason (or justification) to engage in a bit of tidying up.

When you remove clutter from your home, you are giving your environment an appealing appearance. Better yet, you are eliminating hiding places that bedbugs can use to make into their homes.
Use Dry Ice in a Dog Dish.
Bedbugs are attracted to co2. If you spot signs & symptoms of bedbugs, put dry ice into a dog dish.

Then apply fabric around the outside of the dish for the bugs to climb. With this method, you can catch a number of pests. Be certain to place the dish in an area where your pets will not be able to investigate.
Steam the Pests Away.
Since bedbugs do not like heat, a steamer will work well to get rid of them. You can use a steamer throughout your home, concentrating on those areas where bedbugs are likely to hide out.
A 100% Latex Mattress Might Help
Some consumers report that a 100% latex mattress will keep these critters at bay. Others say this is not true.

In real life, the truth most likely lies somewhere in the middle. The slicker surface, as compared to fabric, probably does not provide as many nooks and crannies for them to hide. So even if this is not a complete solution, it may very well be a factor.
Have You Considered Diatomaceous Earth?
You may be thinking, “Huh?” Diatomaceous earth is an organic substance that is very effective in repelling bedbugs.

Traditionally, it has been used for an organic pest control in vegetable gardens, and the theory applies to bedbugs as well. And, it is also unattractive to other pests that can be a nuisance in your home.

It must be kept dry. You can purchase this type of earth in gardening centers and home improvement stores.
Use Vaseline.
Coat the legs of your bed with Vaseline to create a slippery surface that bedbugs will not be able to climb. That is one way to keep the pests out of your bed.

You can also place the legs of your bed in cans that are filled with soapy water, but this might be considered a last resort unless you wrap the legs in plastic to keep the water from rotting the wood.
Eliminate co2.
Since bedbugs love co2, you will need to eliminate it within your home. Simply open your windows and let in the fresh air. House plants are also nice to have around since they take in co2 and release oxygen.

You enjoy having visitors in your home, but bedbugs are not among them. Use the tips listed above to help rid your home of bedbugs in safe ways that won’t harm the environment or your family’s health.