A nightmare, to say the least; bed bugs are one of those pests that can drive you insane. As a result, people have been searching high and low for all kinds of natural remedies, and some theories even suggest using baking soda to get rid of bed bugs.
Unfortunately, there is no proven evidence that baking soda does, in fact, kill bed bugs. While it’s true that it’s a natural remedy, and while some people swear by it, there is no scientific evidence to back up these claims.
It’s important to note that even if you do use baking soda, it won’t solve the problem entirely.
Why Won’t Baking Soda Kill Bed Bugs?
Bed bugs have been around for centuries, even before humans developed synthetic pesticides. Their primary diet consists of human blood, making them almost impossible to eradicate with a single method.
Baking soda has abrasive properties; in theory, it could be used to scratch off the waxy protective outer layer of bed bugs.
This would theoretically cause them to dry out, preventing them from being able to reproduce. However, any bed bugs that don’t come into contact with the baking soda wouldn’t be affected, allowing them to continue propagating and leading to an infestation.
In addition, bed bugs are adept at hiding in tight spaces, making it difficult to coat them properly with baking soda. And even if you were able to apply a thick layer of baking soda around the suspected infestation area, chances are you’d need to repeat the process again and again for weeks or even months in order to completely eradicate the bed bug problem.
With that being said, killing bed bugs with baking soda alone is a myth. You’ll need to use an integrated pest management system to rid your home of bed bugs.
This involves combining several methods such as cleaning, vacuuming, non-chemical treatments (like steam and heat), and in some cases, chemical treatments (such as insecticides).
What are Some Baking Soda Alternatives for Killing Bed Bugs?
When it comes to dealing with bed bugs, most people think of using traditional chemical insecticides, but there are also a number of natural alternatives that can be just as effective.
Although baking soda may not be the miracle solution you’re looking for, there are still some natural remedies that may be able to help you get rid of those pesky bed bugs.
Diatomaceous Earth
Diatomaceous Earth (DE) is a fine powder made of fossilized diatom remains. These are tiny aquatic organisms with hard outer shells. In different cases, diatomaceous earth has proven to be effective in killing various pests, and it might just be able to help with your bed bug problem to some extent.
The tiny particles in DE act like microscopic blades that cut through the bed bug’s exoskeleton. This, in turn, will lead to dehydration and, eventually, their demise.
Its ability to absorb lipids from the waxy outer layer of bed bugs makes it a great natural alternative or an additional form of treatment.
Essential Oils
If you don’t have a severe infestation yet, and you shouldn’t let it reach that point, essential oils can be a great way to naturally repel bed bugs. Although essential oils won’t be able to kill bed bugs, they can be used to keep them away.
Not only are they less toxic than chemical insecticides, but their pleasant scent can also make your home smell wonderful!
Cinnamon oil, clove oil, peppermint oil, and lavender oil have all been found to be effective in repelling these nasties. When choosing an essential oil brand, always remember to go with pure, organic, and therapeutic-grade essential oils.
Extreme Temperatures
By now, we know that baking soda doesn’t have the power to kill bed bugs, or at least we don’t have any scientific facts just yet. However, extreme temperatures can do just that. Because extremely cold temperatures as low as -0.4°F won’t only kill bed bugs but their eggs as well.
On the other hand, extreme heat can also be effective in killing bed bugs and their eggs. Bed bugs don’t tolerate temperatures greater than 113°F – 130°F very well.
Home steam cleaners are great for killing bed bugs with heat. Minor infestations like those found on mattresses or other furniture can be treated with a steam cleaner, and you will see the results almost immediately.
Final Thoughts
While baking soda won’t kill bed bugs, there are still several natural remedies that can be used to help manage the problem.
There’s no scientific evidence supporting how baking soda can be effective in helping get rid of bed bugs. However, essential oils can help repel them, extreme heat and cold temperatures can kill them, and diatomaceous earth can be used as an additional form of treatment.
Using a combination of these natural alternatives, along with an integrated pest management system, is the best way to make sure that you can get rid of those pesky bed bugs once and for all.
