Bed bugs have been in the news a lot lately. These little pests feed on human blood and cause major infestations in our homes. Getting rid of them is no mean feat, but if you don’t like chemicals that are harmful to the environment and to your health, you should know that there are more natural means that are still effective. That’s what we’re going to look at in this article.
Heat and cold: heat treatment against bedbugs
Heat treatment is a non-chemical technique for eliminating bed bugs and their eggs, using heat and cold.
However, specific equipment is required for this technique. However, for linen and fabrics, washing at 60°C will be effective. Freezing is another thermal method involving placing infested objects in a freezer at -20°C or -16°C for one hour.
Intensive treatment with a steam cleaner
Using a high-pressure steam cleaner offers another non-chemical technique for controlling bed bugs.
Steam superheated to over 100°C effectively treats bedbug-infested surfaces, mattresses and sofas. The intense heat kills the insects and their eggs, and also disinfects the treated areas. The steam cleaner is an effective device.
A natural repellent: diatomaceous earth
Diatomaceous earth is a natural repellent treatment. This repellent can help manage bedbug infestations, but it may not eliminate them completely. It’s a powder of microscopic algae fossils that acts as an abrasive on bedbugs, dehydrating them. Simply sprinkle diatomaceous earth on infested surfaces and leave for several days. Diatomaceous earth manages infestations, but it’s not a miracle solution for eradicating bed bugs either.
Meticulous cleaning and scraping for physical treatment
Meticulous cleaning of infested surfaces is an essential technique to help manage bedbug infestations. Regular dusting and cleaning of floors, furniture, mattresses and bed frames is essential to detect and eliminate bed bugs and their eggs.
Using a HEPA-filtered vacuum cleaner, you can suck up bedbugs and reduce their numbers.
Scraping removes eggs and bedbugs from surfaces. Use a wire brush or scraper for this process.
This method must be carried out with care to avoid damaging treated surfaces.
Cryo/Freeze spray for small surfaces
Cryo or freeze bombs are also effective on small surfaces. This process destroys eggs and bedbugs by rapidly reaching extremely low temperatures. These bombs are suitable for treating small surfaces and nooks and crannies where bed bugs hide.
With this cryogenic gas, cryo or freeze bombs instantly freeze bedbugs and their eggs, killing them on the spot. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for use.
Conclusion:
There are several natural and effective methods for exterminating bed bugs without resorting to chemical products. Bear in mind that in some cases of serious infestation, professional intervention may be required. But these procedures can help you in the event of a minor infestation.
