Bedbugs are small insects that feed on blood, and often live on bedding, furniture, or even cracks in walls. They reproduce rapidly, with females laying hundreds of eggs, and their bites can cause itching and discomfort.
Acting quickly can help you prevent a minor inconvenience from escalating into a full-blown infestation, so we’ve put together some tips to help you get rid of the bedbugs in your home.
What kills bed bugs?
Unfortunately, there’s no instant fix when it comes to getting rid of bedbugs, but there are several methods that you can use to effectively eliminate them:
Unfortunately, there’s no instant fix for getting rid of bedbugs, and it can be very difficult to eliminate them yourself due to them being hard to find, the volume of the colony, and them being resistant to some insecticides.
The best thing you can do if you have bedbugs is call your local council or professional pest control service, who’ll be able to assess the extent of the infestation, recommend appropriate methods, and ensure all bedbugs are eradicated while minimising the risk to you and the environment.
Though it’s unlikely you’ll be able to get of them completely by yourself, here are our recommended strategies:
- Bed bugs are highly susceptible to heat, so cleaning infected bedding and clothing at a high temperature (60C) for at least 30 minutes can help you kill the bedbugs and their eggs on these fabrics.
- Though bedbugs can be resistant to some insecticides, there are sprays and powders on the market specifically designed to help you get rid of bedbugs. If using this strategy, you should carefully follow the instructions on the packaging to ensure your safety.
- Cleaning and vacuuming regularly can help you to not only remove bedbugs and their eggs, but also spot an infestation in its early stages.
Frequently asked questions about bedbugs
What chemical kills bed bugs permanently?
The safest and quickest way to get rid of bedbugs in your home is to contact your local council or pest control service. They will be able to help you get rid of the infestation, while keeping you and your home safe from potentially harmful chemicals.
What temperature kills bed bugs?
Washing your bedding, clothing and other infected fabrics at a temperature of 60C for at least 30 minutes can help kill bedbugs and their eggs. But this will unlikely lead to a full eradication in your home.
What kills bed bugs and their eggs?
To completely free your home of bedbugs, you should speak with your local council or pest control service. They’ll have the expertise and specialised treatments to effectively eliminate the pests, ensuring your home is free from infestation.
