How to Get Rid of Bed Bugs Organically

Bed bugs are small flat red insects that attack a person while she sleeps by living in different areas around the bed. If a person is bitten by bed bugs, she will develop a red bumpy rash that will itch. Additional signs of bed bug infestation are blood stains on the bedding or mattress. Instead of using harsh chemicals like boric acid to kill bed bugs, you can find organic methods to effectively get rid of the pests.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Laundry detergent
• Vacuum
• Steam cleaner
• Diatomaceous earth

1. Remove all of your bedding, including all pillows, shams, quilts and sheets. If you have a mattress cover this should be taken off as well. Wash the items in very hot water with an organic laundry detergent.

2. Throw out or wash any stuffed animals that are on the bed. Toys can also become infested with bed bugs and should be treated along with the bedding. If you don't want to throw the toys away, seal them in a plastic bag for at least 2 weeks.

3. Seal up any potential entrance points in your walls that the bed bugs may hide in. Fixing any holes can prevent bed bugs from reentering your sleeping quarters.

4. Vacuum the bed and the surrounding areas. Flip the mattress and vacuum both sides to ensure that you get rid of as many of the bed bugs as possible.

5. Use a steam cleaner with an organic cleaning solution to kill off the remainder of the bed bugs and their eggs. Extreme heat is effective at killing bed bugs, especially temperatures above 120 degrees F. Use the steam cleaner on any carpeted surfaces around the bed as well.

6. Try diatomaceous earth to get rid of bed bugs organically. This pest control product is made from the fossils of hard shelled algae. You sprinkle the dust in suspect areas to kill the bed bugs. You can purchase this product from Greg Robert Pest Supply.

Resources

• Greg Robert Pet Supply

[moikehagirl]

on 10/23/2009 great advise

[whealthy1]

on 5/16/2009 You don't need to go to all that hassle!! Just get Nature's Defender, an all natural, organic, non-toxic, 100% effective product that takes care of all non-beneficial insects and leaves the beneficial ones alone. This product is fabulous on your pets, your upholstery, your bed/linens, even on head lice. Go to www.wonderfuljudy.com and click on the banner on the left side. You will be glad you did!