Nontoxic Treatment for Bedbugs
Bedbugs are a part of the Cimicidae family. These parasites get their nourishment by sucking the blood from animals and humans. Typically, bedbug removal involves the use of insecticides. However, the chemicals can have adverse affects on humans and pets. A safer eradication method is through the use of nontoxic treatments. Does this Spark an idea?
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Bedbug Facts
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Bedbugs are deceptively small for the amount of trouble they bring. Bedbugs breed in mattress crevices, walls, floors and even electrical outlets or fire alarms. They cannot fly because their wings are vestigial, but they still have the ability to journey up to 100 feet. Bedbugs rest during the day and typically appear in the stillness of the night for their feeding frenzy.
Pyrethrin Treatment
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Pyrethrin is a natural product made from the chrysanthemum flower. It can cause quick decomposition of the bedbugs. According to Penn State University, the natural pyrethrins found in botanical insecticides will "knock down" a bedbug infestation.
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Alcohol And Water Treatment
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To kill bedbugs on contact, equal amounts of isopropyl alcohol and water can be combined in a spray bottle and sprayed generously into cracks and surfaces. This nontoxic treatment, however, does not have the staying power to kill other bugs. Alcohol and water spray requires plenty of ventilation while spraying.
Diatomaceous Earth Treatment
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Diatomaceous earth, a nontoxic pesticide that is mineral based, also eradicates bedbugs. It is an all-natural compound made from small fossilized water plants from the prehistoric time period. These diatoms are powder-like and can be easily sprinkled on surfaces. To insects, powdered diatomaceous earth is made up of tiny, razor-sharp edges, which either cuts their protective outer covering or shreds their insides when ingested.
Laundering And Housekeeping Treatments
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Thorough laundering and housekeeping practices reduce the spread of bedbugs and destroys them. Proper laundering includes the removal of all bedding and washing it on the hottest setting of a washer so the heat kills any remaining bedbugs. Good housekeeping requires a thorough cleaning of all the furniture, including placing furniture outside in the heat or cold to help kill the bugs by temperature exposure. A vacuum cleaner can aid in sucking up the eggs and larvae, but quickly dispose of the bags.
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References
- Photo Credit fire bugs image by Tomasz Plawski from Fotolia.com
