Bed bugs have existed for millions of years and can be dated back to 400 BC. The infestation caused by this creepy insect is no longer news. Bed bug infestation can be so bad that it may harm your health and lifestyle. Before the invention of modern techniques in dealing with an infestation, there had always been a local way of doing this. Even though, at that time, these methods were effective. But with time, as the ‘modern day’ bed bugs evolve, they have resisted most of the old techniques. Although some of these methods are still effective in dealing with bed bugs.
This article will highlight ten old methods used in treating bed bug infestation and how you can use them.
Sulphur
Sulphur is one of the oldest methods used to reduce the bedbug population. It is capable of killing bed bugs at all stages. Also, one of its advantages is that it poses no significant threat to humans and other valuable insects. There are several ways to use sulphur in treating bed bug infestation. You can decide to mix powdered sulphur with alcohol in a pot and then set it on fire. The smoke produced will fumigate the room and kill bed bugs contained; alternatively, you can just sprinkle the yellow sulphur powder on various infested areas. You can also use other forms of sulphur, such as sulphur flower, sulphur ointment, or sulphur dioxide.
Hot water
Bed Bugs can be found hanging in old clothes or textiles that have not been used for so long. You can use hot water to get the bugs out. However, be very careful when dealing with hot water, as it can burn you. The clothes should be washed well, usually at a temperature of about 60 degrees. You can then spread them in sunlight until they are completely dried.
Arsenic
Like sulphur, arsenic was one of the oldest methods used to treat bed bug infestation. This is usually done by mixing arsenic compounds with turpentine or water; you can then sprinkle these in areas infested by bed bugs. You can also decide to pour the mixture into a spray bottle, so you can spray all areas effectively. Alternatively, you can replace arsenic with Mercury and follow the same procedure.
DEET (N, N-diethyl-meta-toluamide)
For treating the mattress, spray or dust the treated area with this chemical. It is very effective in dealing with bed bugs. A study revealed that just 10% DEET concentration was able to deal with more than 94% of bed bugs in 9 hours. It can be done by vacuuming, but you should dust the treated area with a dry cloth to get the chemical on everything. Do not spray on any furniture. You can get it on, and it will not help. If you apply it to the furniture, make sure you clean it up and do a final clean-up.
Pesticide spray
You can use a pesticide spray (designed for bed bugs)around the bed frame and mattress. Make sure you keep all edible substances away, and you must allow them to dry. Also, ensure you read the directions and use them per the manufacturer's instructions. I recommend using a pyrethroid insecticide such as permethrin or fipronil. It is imperative to vacuum or dust everything that has been treated. Do not apply this chemical to the baseboard, where it can be breathed in by anyone. Pesticides can also be dangerous to pets.
Diatomaceous earth (DE)
Diatomaceous earth (DE) is a natural mineral composed of fossilized plants (algae). This mineral is very safe, natural, and non-toxic. You can apply this to the floor, walls, upholstery, and curtains. It is safe to use on all surfaces. As with the insecticide sprays, make sure you clean everything up. You can choose to have two dusters to keep large and small areas clean. If you only have one, you will have to dust off every surface more than once. Again, make sure you do a final clean-up.
Salt
Salt works similarly as diatomaceous earth; it absorbs moisture from insects, dehydrates them and eventually kills them. However, studies have shown that salt does not kill bed bugs because of their outer skeleton. But it can make them very uncomfortable or instead displace them from their initial locations.
Tea tree oil
Tea tree oil is derived from the distillation of an Australian plant (Melaleuca alternifolia). It has been revealed by some users to be effective for killing bed bugs. However, no scientific study has proven it to be essential.
Baking soda
Baking soda—otherwise known as bicarbonate soda. It has a chemical attribute that helps remove moisture, thereby drying up bed bugs. It may take 4–7 days to see the results. After this, you can vacuum the area where their remains could be found.
Cloth dryers
After washing bed bug-infested clothes or beddings, you can make use of cloth dryers to spread and expose more surfaces of the clothes to sunlight as the temperature from the sun can destroy bed bugs in a short while.
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FAQs
What are bed bugs attracted to?
Bed bugs feed on blood, so you'll find them in places where you spend the majority of your time, such as your bed, chairs, or the floor, especially if you have rugs. They are also drawn to warmth, CO2, and dark areas (after all, they are about to feed on you and don't want to be caught).
How long do bed bugs survive?
These creepy creatures never go extinct; they have hundreds of eggs to ensure their continuity. However, a typical bed bug can survive for about 2 years and can even survive for weeks without food (blood).
Where can I find bed bugs?
You can find bed bugs in cracks in your furniture (chair, table, bed, etc.). Get rid of those cracks, make use of pesticides, and stay safe and healthy.
How do bed bugs make you feel?
Because of the chemicals contained in their saliva, you may feel itchiness, and from that you could develop scars from scratching your skin, at which time blisters may appear. You usually feel uncomfortable when this is frequent.
Where do bed bugs hide in your body?
Bed bugs are not ticks that can cling to your skin and feed on your blood for an extended period of time.They prefer to live with their hosts. However, they usually attack most parts of your exposed body, like your face, arms, hands, and belly.
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