Bed Bugs: Non-chemical Approaches to Consider

Bed bugs are making a comeback! Cities around the world are experiencing infestations at newsworthy levels. The obvious solution is to call the local professional exterminator. But some individuals are not comfortable with this approach. Improperly applied pesticides, and sometimes properly applied pesticides, can have negative effects on people, some choose to fight back without the use of man-made chemicals. For those folks, here are some options:

Bed bugs: non-chemical approaches to consider- Diatomaceous earth
This is simply soil made of ground up fossils. While harmless to mammals, the tiny pieces are jagged, and as insects crawl over it to get to their next meal, those edges cut insect bodies open. Spread this on the floor around and under the bed. It's even advisable to put it under the mattress. Make sure it is not the type used in swimming pools. Application should be even. The idea is to not allow areas for bed bugs to just go around the fragments.

Bed bugs: non-chemical approaches to consider- Steam cleaning
This approach offers the ability to kill bed bugs with heat. The two main drawbacks are a) There are no residual effects, and b) There is a risk of mold growth. Considering the most common area for bed bugs to infest is the bedroom, this concern is quite valid. It might actually be better to live with bed bugs than to suffer from mold in the mattress. Remember these bugs infest not only mattresses, but also furniture, clothing, baseboards, dresser drawers, and other furniture. If steam cleaning is used, it only works for those items not subject to water damage.

Bed bugs: non-chemical approaches to consider- Temperature extremes
If the battle against bed bugs is to be waged using this approach, make sure to do it properly. Items that can be placed outside in direct sunlight should be sealed in plastic first to not only increase the heat over 120 degrees Fahrenheit, but to also prevent them from simply running away. Exposing items to temperatures below 32 degrees Fahrenheit has to remain at those temperatures for two weeks consistently. Anything less is pointless.

Bed bugs: non-chemical approaches to consider- Mattress and pillow covers
Sometimes the best ideas are beautifully simple. The type of mattress and pillow covers that will work are those which completely cover the entire item and seal closed. It's important to seal up where the zipper terminates, since bed bugs are small enough to slip through the tiniest of openings. This seals the infestation within the mattress itself and does not allow anything into or out of, your mattress. If they cannot reach you, they cannot eat you. Bed bugs are resilient, though. The cover must remain in place for up to eighteen months, since they can go that long without feeding.

Sources:
Cornell University
IdentifyUS.com
University of Kentucky
BedBugsGuide.com