Does Bleach Kill Bed Bugs? If this is picking your curiosity, we have all the answers. Keep reading to learn more!
Did you wake up to an unpleasant allergic action on your skin? Well, it might be the job of the pesky bugs that shared your bed while you were asleep! If you wonder, Does Bleach Kill Bed Bugs? Read on to get the answers!
What Are Bed Bugs?
Bed bugs are small, oval, brownish, and flattened insects that feed on human blood at night; however, they also feed on warm-blooded animals like dogs, cats, birds, and rodents.
The flattened body camouflages them in the tiny crevices of the box springs, bed frames, headboards, and mattresses, making it difficult for the naked human eye to spot. An adult female bed bug can lay 200-250 tiny whitish eggs in her lifetime. Skin rashes, tiny blisters, and itchy reactions are some major concerns of bed bug bites.
Does Bleach Kill Bed Bugs?
Combating bed bug infestation is a time-consuming and harrowing experience. If you are looking for an on-the-go and robust solution, then bleach is an excellent remedy. However, does bleach kill bed bugs still remains a question!
Bleaching powder is widely used as a disinfectant to kill various viruses, molds, bacteria, and mildew from household items. When it comes to Will Bleach Kill Bed Bugs?—The hypochlorite present in the chemical oxidizes the bug’s exoskeleton, hence killing it.
Chlorine bleach has sodium hypochlorite, and oxygen bleach contains hydrogen peroxide; both are good bed bug removers. However, sprinkling the powder directly on the bugs isn’t a practical remedy as they are often burrowed deep into the mattress’ crevices.
How Does Bleach Kill Bed Bugs?
Now that you know Can Bleach Kill Bed Bugs or Not, here are some quick tips on making the remedy super effective!
1. Sorting & Handling of Infested Items
Before starting your cleaning war against these bugs, sort out the washable items from the bed bugs infested area and put them into plastic bags so they don’t spread to other areas of your home.
If they have made their homes in non-washable items like books, boxes, papers, or wall hangings, vacuum them thoroughly to get rid of the pesky little insects.
2. Washing & Drying of Washable Items
After gathering all the washable items like pillows, pillowcases, comforters, and sheets, run them in a washing machine with color-safe bleach at the highest possible temperature that is safe for the fabric.
Once done, dry them out under direct sunlight to get your bedding bug free.
3. Proper Storage Is a Must
Seal all your disinfected items into plastic bags and store them in a dry spot. Keep a thorough check on your clothes or the areas around your bed, and follow the disinfecting schedule every month to keep the pests at bay.
Precautions for Using Bleach
Now that you know—Does Bleach Kill Bed Bugs? keeping the precautions in mind is important to avoid mishaps!
- Always use a face mask and gloves before handling the chemical.
- Keep it away from the eyes or any open wound in the skin.
- Bleach in undiluted form is harmful.
- Do not use bleach in an excess quantity, as that might affect the fabric.