Yes, vinegar does kill bed bugs, but it has to be a strong solution of vinegar. Vinegar contains an acid called acetic acid. This acid is made from the complete fermentation of alcohol. The acetic acid in vinegar can cause damage to a bed bug's nervous system on contact, and will eventually kill them.
The acidity of vinegar is potent enough to disrupt the insect's nervous system and kill it. Vinegar is often used as a contact type insecticide, which means that you need to spray it directly unto the spotted bed bug to make it effective. Vinegar offers short term and limited effects on your fight against bed bugs.
Depending on the concentration of vinegar, spraying it directly on bed bugs and their eggs can kill them. The strong acetic acid will disrupt the insect's nervous system. This increases the possibility of killing these insects, but it may not work alone to treat an infestation.
The first problem is that many cleaners—like vinegar and dish soap—don't actually work (unless you were to somehow find and drown all the bed bugs hiding throughout your home). The next problem is that the cleaners that do work—like bleach and Lysol can ruin your upholstered furniture and carpeting.
Here is the solution which is easy and safe natural and homemade insect-killer: mix 1 cup of water with half a cup of apple cider vinegar, plus ¼ cup of sugar, and 1 tablespoon of molasses.
Pyrethrins and Pyrethroids: Pyrethrins and pyrethroids are the most common compounds used to control bed bugs and other indoor pests. Pyrethrins are botanical insecticides derived from chrysanthemum flowers. Pyrethroids are synthetic chemical insecticides that act like pyrethrins.
Lemongrass is an effective home remedy used for keeping bed bugs at bay. The compounds in lemongrass will not only repel bed bugs, but also kills them off by increasing the acidic condition inside the insects. Spray lemongrass in affected areas until your bed bug problem is no more.
Can you kill bed bugs with hydrogen peroxide? Hydrogen peroxide can kill bed bugs on contact. However, it is not as lethal to bed bugs as other chemicals such as isopropyl alcohol. Unfortunately, hydrogen peroxide also stains linens and clothing because it is a bleaching agent.
Steam Clean Often
The heat of the steam can kill bed bugs and their eggs. Take your steamer and slowly spray each room with it. Pay extra attention to the baseboards, closet shelves, window trim, and even the carpet. Make sure the steamer is set to at least 160 degrees Fahrenheit and use a low setting for the airflow.
Unfortunately, there is no scientific evidence that baking soda works to kill bed bugs. Baking soda is said to dehydrate bed bugs. While baking soda may kill off one or two bugs, it's rarely strong enough to get rid of an entire infestation.
The answer is yes – Lysol can help get rid of bed bugs. In fact, it's one of the most effective products for killing bed bugs and other types of insects.
Steam – Bed bugs and their eggs die at 122°F (50°C). The high temperature of steam 212°F (100°C) immediately kills bed bugs. Apply steam slowly to the folds and tufts of mattresses, along with sofa seams, bed frames, and corners or edges where bed bugs may be hiding.
Lightly spritz the mattress with straight distilled white vinegar to help kill bacteria and mold and discourage dust mites.
Washing your linens in a hot water wash has proven to be effective in killing bed bugs.
If you feel your sheets need a little something extra, vinegar makes a great natural pre-wash. Soak your sheets in a bucket of warm water and half a cup of vinegar for about an hour before you put them in the wash. This helps to whiten the sheet and also works as an incredible fabric softener.
Toothpaste
You will have to apply toothpaste on bed bug bites more than you would be aloe vera to get relief from itching. It's the menthol in the toothpaste that makes it a decent anti-itch remedy.
Get a mattress and box spring cover
An effective way to keep bedbugs that are hiding inside your bed from biting you is to invest in a good-quality covering for your mattress and box spring. The best option is to use a cover with a good seal that zips around your mattress and box spring.
Hygea Natural Bed Bug Laundry additive is a necessary step when dealing with bed bugs. Bed bugs are known to hide in mattresses, covers, clothing, furniture, outlets and anywhere away from your eye. Use to treat bed bugs from clothing, linens, drapes and other washable, machine-safe items.