Do mothballs kill bed bugs? The simple answer is that mothballs do not kill bed bugs and are ineffective in repelling them. Here are the basics:
- Mothballs will not kill bed bugs.
- Mothballs will also not have any effect on the eggs
- The most effective way to get rid of bed bug eggs is to use heat
Read on and find more about how bed bugs react to mothballs, and what other methods are effective in ridding your bed, furniture, curtains, and home of this annoying pest.
Do Mothballs Kill Bed Bugs?
While mothballs are super effective against moths, (as the name implies), they have no effect on bed bugs and their eggs. Another problem is that mothballs contain poisonous chemicals which can cause illness and may have bad effects on humans and pets.
While mothballs are super effective against moths, (as the name implies), they have no effect on bed bugs and their eggs.
We mentioned that kerosene is a very effective way to get rid of bed bugs, but kerosene is highly flammable. This means you must take care when using this chemical, and it will also not get rid of the eggs.
Luckily there are simple methods to get rid of bed bugs, but it may take some effort and time.
Easy Remedies To Get Rid Of Bed Bugs
We will now take a look at the best way to get rid of bed bugs without putting yourself, your family, and your pets at risk. Keep in mind that if the infestation is too extensive, it is better to get rid of the infected mattresses, furniture, etc.
Keep in mind that if the infestation is too extensive, it is better to get rid of the infected mattresses, furniture, etc.
It is also better to replace that furniture, such as bed bases, with metal frames instead of wood in places with bed bug issues.
1. Vacuum and Clean
Clean up, pick up any fabrics on the ground, and clear everything up. This will give bedbugs fewer places to hide.
If your bed, sofa, or any other furniture is infested with bed bugs, you can use the vacuum cleaner to suck them up. To prevent the bugs from infesting your vacuum cleaner, use a stocking by putting it over the pipe to catch them.
Remove the stocking when done and get rid of the stocking in a safe manner. Burning it is maybe the best option — preferably while cheering their destruction!
2. Steam
As mentioned before, heat will kill bed bugs and the eggs, but you should repeat the process more than once. This will make sure you don’t miss anything the first time around. What is great is that heat is non-toxic.
Bed bugs will not survive in temperatures above 140 degrees Fahrenheit. This can be used after a thorough vacuuming. The problem with steam is that it may cause damage to other things, such as the wood or fabric of the furniture.
3. Heat
Wash linens and sheets in very hot water and dry them in the dryer for about 40 minutes to make sure the bugs are dead. Unfortunately, the only way to apply heat to your bed or other infected furniture is with steam or a hair dryer.
4. Rubbing Alcohol
If you put some rubbing alcohol in a spray bottle, you can spray it directly on the infected areas for direct contact.
5. Baking Soda
This easily accessible ingredient can be used even though it is not toxic. It also dries up any moisture, including that inside the bed bugs and their eggs, making this a very effective solution to ridding your home of bed bugs.
Conclusion
Mothballs aren’t going to help you control a bed bug problem. You’re going to need more firepower than that.
All these methods can be used in combination with each other to attempt to control a bed bug infestation. But if you’re still struggling, it’s best to hire a professional for advice. Bed bugs can be extremely difficult to combat, so you may need a pro for help.
