Some of you might know this feeling all too well: The one where you can’t get the shuteye you deserve because of creepy, crawly critters in your bed. It might have started as a tiny—seemingly harmless—little bite. But the discomfort builds, slowly and steadily, until you peel yourself from your bed while simultaneously trying to scratch every surface of your skin that you can reach.
If you are living this nightmare, then you have come to the right page. You may have stumbled here searching on “how to kill bed bugs and fast” and that’s okay – we’re here to help. We take bed bug hunting seriously.
It only takes one bite for some folks, and they call in a bed bug pro to handle everything. Of course, some people must try the do-it-yourself methods first. We have rounded up some of the methods we have heard people say works for them on how to kill bed bugs once and for all—keep on reading.
#1: Use Nail Polish Remover
This may sound like a solution straight out of an old wives’ tale, but it actually works. How? One word: acetone.
We’re talking about the same acetone that you likely have lying around the house. You see, they aren’t just for removing stubborn gel nail polish, but they’re great for killing bed bugs too. For this method to work, however, you have to make sure that you use a solution out of 100% acetone.
So, you think you have a bit of time on your hands to hunt down the bugs that have been plaguing your nights? Arm yourself with a bottle of nail polish remover and pour a bit on every bed bug you see. The satisfaction of seeing them dry up quickly might almost be enough to compensate for all of those lost hours of sleep. Just be ready with a vacuum to clean up all the dead bugs after you’re done.
Pro: It can be quite therapeutic to hunt down bed bugs.
Con: This method only works on full-grown bed bugs. You still need to figure out a way to kill their eggs.
#2: Try Diatomaceous Earth
To understand what this is, you first need to know about diatoms. Diatoms are single-cell aquatic organisms that are made mainly of silica. Once these organisms die, their fossilized remains are mined and then dried. The end product is what we now know in stores as diatomaceous earth.
There are many uses for this substance, but diatomaceous earth is more commonly used to kill any insect with an exoskeleton. Translation: it can kill bed bugs. It does so by dehydrating insects that it comes in contact with. To use, sprinkle it generously on any area where bed bugs are.
Pro: Diatomaceous earth may kill bed bugs in one of the most ruthless ways possible (it slowly erodes the waxy layer around insects until it eventually dies of extreme dehydration), but it’s actually a naturally occurring product and is thus safe for humans.
Cons: It takes a day or two to kill the bug. Plus, just like the acetone method, it does not get rid of bed bug eggs too.
#3: Pour Alcohol On The Bed Bugs
Now here’s a solution that you might readily have on hand. After all, alcohol seems like a common solution to forget about your bed bugs, but we’re not saying drinking it. And just as much as it kills bacteria and germs, it does the same with bed bugs too.
How exactly can rubbing alcohol get rid of bed bugs? It basically works the same as your nail polish remover. You can pour a bit of alcohol on your bed critters and watch them shrivel up and die.
Pro: We’re pretty sure you have rubbing alcohol lying about in your house. This is one method that does not require you to head to the specialty store to buy something for your bed bug infestation.
Con: Just as the previous methods, this too does not kill bed bug eggs.
#4: Throw Everything In The Dryer
Bed bug paranoia is real, and it should be taken seriously. If you feel like the infestation has extended beyond the corners of your bed, then you might be right. In your carpet, your curtains, your clothes–these are just some of the places that bed bugs can claim as their territory.
One solution: throw all of these in the dryer.
See, bed bugs cannot survive in the heat. Even at a regular 120 degrees Fahrenheit— about the same temperature as a normal dryer cycle— you can easily toast and kill these annoying critters. To go about this most effectively, make sure that you don’t overload your dryer. You want to distribute the heat properly so that it reaches everything in a single load.
Pro: Heat can kill full-grown bed bugs and even their eggs.
Con: It can be tedious to heat everything in increments. This method can just as easily eat up your whole day. However, one thing that we can say about this method is that it actually gets the job done thoroughly.
#5: Bust Out Your Trusty Vacuum Cleaner
When all else fails with bed bugs, it might be time to use your handy, trusty vacuum cleaner. Sure, this method may not kill bed bugs. And sure, vacuuming up bed bugs may not be as satisfying as watching these annoying critters shrivel and die–but it can give you a bed bug-free bed, and we think that is reward enough in itself.
Full-grown bed bugs, babies, and their eggs–you can finally say goodbye to all of these with the help of your vacuum cleaner. You may not be able to see them being sucked in the vacuum, but rest assured that this is an effective method. Just make sure to empty the vacuum bag and throw it out to keep the bed bugs from crawling back into your house.
Pro: It gets rid of even the littlest bed bug that you might not be able to see. It’ a quick and efficient, albeit not as satisfying, solution.
Con: Vacuuming bed bugs away isn’t as satisfying, and bed bugs can still crawl back inside if you don’t dispose of them properly.
Of course, the easiest method to make sure you get rid of bed bugs and don’t come back is hiring a professional with a solid guarantee. Many of these methods will kill adult bed bugs and assist in removal for a short period of time but don’t get the long-term results after bed bug eggs and nymphs go through their stages of development.
