Natural Remedies for Bed Bugs: What Works and What Doesn't

When facing a bed bug infestation, many homeowners search for natural remedies for bed bugs or home remedies that work before calling professionals. While some DIY methods can help, most fail to completely eliminate infestations. Here's the truth about how to kill bed bugs at home effectively.

Most Searched Bed Bug Home Remedies - Tested

1. Heat Treatment (Works)

How to do it: Wash bedding at 140°F+ for 90 minutes or use a steamer on mattresses

Effectiveness: Kills live bugs but won't eliminate eggs or hidden infestations

2. Diatomaceous Earth (Partially Works)

How to use: Apply fine powder to bed frames, baseboards and cracks

Reality: Takes 7-10 days to kill bugs and doesn't affect eggs

3. Baking Soda (Myth)

Popular belief: Sprinkling baking soda kills bed bugs by dehydration

Truth: No scientific evidence supports this - bugs easily avoid it

4. Essential Oils (Limited Effect)

Common oils used: Tea tree, lavender, peppermint

Results: May repel but won't kill established infestations

Why Most Home Remedies Fail

• Bed bugs hide in invisible spaces (walls, electronics, furniture joints)
• Eggs are resistant to natural treatments
• Most methods only kill 40-60% of the population
• Without professional-grade pesticides, survivors repopulate quickly

When to Call a Professional Exterminator

Contact Silver Bullet Pest Control immediately if you notice:

• 5+ bites appearing regularly
• Blood stains on sheets
• Musty odor in bedroom
• Visible bugs in mattress seams