How to Kill the Larvae & Eggs From Bedbugs

Bedbugs can hide in headboards and on the floor.

If your bed has been infested with bedbugs, immediate and swift action much be taken to eliminate the infestation and avoid any further spreading of the bugs. By using a combination of effective techniques, you can completely remove all bedbugs as well as their larvae and eggs without too much effort. Even though it's simple, the process needs to be done properly so that you can be sure all the bedbugs are truly gone.

Things You'll Need

• Bleach or laundry detergent
• Bedbug powder
• Vacuum with hose attachment
• Iron
• Ironing board

Instructions

1. Remove all linens from the bed and place them in the washing machine. Pour the amount of bleach or laundry detergent directed on the back of the individual package over the linens and run a regular cycle with the hot water setting selected.

2. Pour bedbug powder over the exposed mattress, as well as the floor surrounding the bed and any headboard or frame attached to the bed. Wait 45 minutes to an hour. Bedbug powder is a poisonous powder specifically formulated to eliminate bugs and their eggs and larvae.

3. Vacuum up all the bedbug powder, using the hose attachment to get the entire mattress and behind the headboard or frame.

4. Dry the washed linens as usual and spread them over an ironing board.

5. Run your iron over the linens using the steam setting.

6. Replace the linens on the bed.

Tips & Warnings

• If you don't wish to use steam on the bed linens after they are washed and you live in an area colder than 25 degrees Fahrenheit, you can leave the linens outside overnight to kill any remaining bugs, larvae or eggs.

References

• GH Organics: Natural Insect Control
• University of California: Bed Bug Management Guidelines
• University of Kentucky: Bed Bugs
• Getting Rid of Bed Bugs: How To Use Bed Bugs Powder