One of the single most common questions people ask about bed bugs is how to kill bed bugs or what kills bed bugs?   There are a number of different effective options, and various people and companies are coming out with new ineffective “gimics” and “magic potions” almost on a a daily basis.   But don’t worry, we’re going to help you separate the “wheat from the chaff” if you will, and help you understand what really kills bed bugs in the most effective way.  There is far too much mis-information out there, don’t be mislead or scammed.

Most importantly, don’t under estimate bed bugs, the are incredibly resilient, multiply quickly, very effective at hiding, and difficult to kill and get rid of.

Use multiple treatment strategies

The single most important strategy for killing bed bugs is to use multiple treatment strategies.  Generally 2-3, depending on your preferences, budget, and home.   A multiple strategy approach is effective, as one strategy generally generally picks up where the other leaves off.  Here are a few examples:

• Bed Bug Steamer combined with bed bug sprays – A highly effective strategy, that penetrates into walls and crevices, and kills bed bugs.  Caution – spray AFTER you steam, otherwise you’ll vaporize the spray, which can be very dangerous.
• Bed Bug Steamer combined with diatomacious earth – This is a natural, non toxic and effective way to treat bed bugs

These are just two examples of treatment strategies, and there are many others.  Choosing the right one for you really depends on your personal situation.  Our treatment page can guide you down the right path.

Heat

Bed bugs die when exposed to heat exceeding 120 degrees.  As a result, heat treatment and bed bug steamers are highly effective.

Heat treatment for entire rooms or homes is best left to the professionals, as the process is complicated and the gear expensive.   The process is also dangerous if you don’t know what you are doing, as there is risk to damaging your home or catching it on fire.

Steam treatment is highly effective for the do it yourselfer.  Using a bed bug streamer (many normal steamers won’t work) both kills bed bugs and penetrates into hard to reach areas such as mattresses, outlets (makes sure the power is off), and behind trim and cabinets.

Quality bed bug pesticide sprays

A proven and effective method of killing bed bugs is to use an approved and proven pesticide sprays.  Unfortunately, over the years, bed bugs have started to become immune to some of these chemicals, but they can and do still work.  Sprays are best accompanied by heat treatment as the sprays cannot always reach into cracks and crevices in your home, where bed bugs live.

Sprays also have the side effect of often just pushing bed bugs into another area of your home as well.   You an read more about how to find proven and effective bed bug sprays, and tips on how to most effectively use them on our Bed Bug Spray page.

Diatomaceous Earth

Diatomaceous is a natural and pesticide free treatment strategy for killing bed bugs.  It basically attaches itself to the exoskeleton of the bed bug, and slowly dehydrates it, eventually killing it.   Diatomaceous earth is also very inexpensive, but there are some pros and cons you should consider before using it.

Diatomaceous earth on it’s own, is often not effective enough to completely rid yourself of bed bugs, and is often used in conjunction with heat, sprays, and other treatment strategies.