Bed bugs are one of the most annoying and stubborn household pests. The recent bedbug infestation in Paris has been making headlines globally, and it is quite understandable why. Bed bug bites can be extremely irritating and develop into painful welts. So, the first sign of bed bug infiltration into your home must be addressed immediately.
And how do you do so? Well, anyone’s first instinct would be to use a chemical-based pesticide or insecticide and get rid of the wretched bed bugs once and for all. But, unfortunately, most insecticides can be costly and harmful to humans, animals, and the environment. The optimal solution to the problem is using a natural or harmless substitute that can kill pests, and vinegar is an excellent option. Sounds interesting? Read ahead to know more!
Will Vinegar Kill Bed Bugs?
In plain and simple words, vinegar can kill bed bugs but the solution has to be strong enough. Vinegar contains an acid known as acetic acid, which is made from the complete fermentation of alcohol. Acetic acid in vinegar can cause damage to the nervous system of bed bugs and eventually kill them.
One of the most common types of vinegar found in the kitchen is white vinegar. But, can it kill bed bugs? Well, yes white can vinegar will kill bed bugs on contact, but it might not be the most effective method to control infestation. Now that we have answered the question – can vinegar kill bed bugs – let’s delve deeper into the topic.
How Does Vinegar Kill Bed Bugs?
The steps to use vinegar for bed bugs are –
- Get a mist bottle and fill it up with white vinegar that is extremely concentrated. You can even mix lemon juice to increase its effectiveness.
- Recognize areas where you have seen bed bugs hide. The key here is to undertake a preliminary inspection. Use a flashlight to invigilate your room and look for cracks and crevices on the walls and the nooks of furniture. Remember to check your mattress and bed frame, as well. But, if the bed bug infestation has risen, then professional Pest Control in Sarasota is a must.
- Once you know where the bed bugs are hiding, spray the vinegar solution in the areas thoroughly.
- Repeat the vinegar spraying process for a week or so and monitor the areas for any signs of their presence.
Things to Remember While Using Vinegar to Kill Bed Bugs
Pesticides like vinegar can be harmless and a toxin-free way to control pest infestation. But, they come with their fair share of problems. The main issue is that organic repellents like vinegar do not last long. Their effects are limited and you have to use them consistently. Once the vinegar dries up, it loses its value. In addition, another problem of using vinegar to kill bed bugs is that the bed bugs can simply go to another area and infest them instead. So, such organic pest repellants are a good short-term solution for minimal or embryonic bed bug infestation. For best results, always contact an expert!