Does UV light Kill Bed Bugs? Stay tuned for the answer that might surprise you, along with some helpful prevention tips!
UV light has lethal effects on various insects. That’s why if you want to use this hack against the blood-sucking bed bugs. Read this article to find out Does UV Light Kill Bed Bugs?
Learn how long do bed bugs live on clothes here
What Are Bed Bugs?
Bed bugs are miniature, egg-shaped nocturnal parasites that survive by feasting on human and animal blood. A healthy female bed bug can produce up to 200-250 eggs in her entire life. Due to their 5-9 mm-sized flattened body structure, bed bugs can easily sneak in the cracks, gaps, holes, and crevices of furniture, mattresses, bedsteads, cushions, and headboards. Although bed bugs don’t spread diseases, their bites can cause itchiness, red, and inflamed skin.
Where Do Bed Bugs Come From?
Bed bugs are hitchhikers. They sneak into your home from the outside world through infested baggage, garments, and old furniture. Also, stay vigilant while visiting hotels, motels, and theatres, as they are the breeding places of bed bugs.
Can You See Bed Bugs With a Black Light?
Yes, it’s possible to see bed bugs under black light. Even, you can locate the hiding places of bed bugs by noticing their trails with black light. But Can UV Light Kill Bed Bugs? Without any further ado, let’s find out below.
Does UV Light Kill Bed Bugs?
According to this study, UV light eliminates bed bugs and destroys their eggs as well. However, you’ve to keep them still in an open place for a long time, which not seems possible and convenient at all. This hack is only effective when the bed bugs are under UV light for a longer period of time.
Other Natural Remedies For Bed Bugs
As you know, it’s not practically possible to kill bed bugs from UV light that’s why we’ve collected a few cheap natural remedies below.
1. Diatomaceous Earth
This study proves that food-grade diatomaceous earth (DE) is an effective go-to remedy to exterminate bed bugs. Thanks to the DE’s tiny abrasive particles, when bed bugs come into contact with them, their exoskeleton dries out, which leads to death.
Remedy
Sprinkle a sufficient amount of diatomaceous earth in the holes, cracks, gaps, crevices, and underneath the kitchen appliances, furniture, closets, and bed frames. If possible, take the stuff outside to use the diatomaceous earth.
2. Citronella Oil Spray
According to this source, citronella essential oil is a potent product that deters or exterminates bed bugs on contact and their eggs. This oil works because of its pungent odor and the ability to increase arthropods’ acidic condition.
Remedy
Combine 20-25 drops of citronella essential oil and 1/2 cup of lukewarm water in an empty spray bottle. Shake the solution well and spritz it all over the upholstered furniture, baseboards, carpet, mattress, bed frame, bedding, and other potential bed bug hiding areas.
Notes
- To treat the bed bug-infested non-washable stuff, leave them in direct sunlight for 5-6 hours.
- Keep your kids, pets, and elderly stay far away from the treated area.
- If possible, perform the above remedies in the garden under direct sunlight.
How to Prevent Bed Bugs Infestation?
Go through the below preventive measures to avoid bed bug infestation in the first place.
- As electrical outlets are the perfect hideout for hitchhikers, cover them adequately.
- Remove the heaps of clutter inside and outside your home to reduce bed bugs’ hiding places.
- Vacuum mattresses, box springs, and floors frequently to remove these parasites.
- Use door sweeps to halt bed bugs’ movements to other parts of the house.
- Be vigilant before purchasing pre-owned furniture and electronics, and check them carefully for infestation.
- Fix torn windows and screens promptly.
- Use silicone caulk to close all the holes, cracks, gaps, and other potential entryways.
- If you’re a frequent traveler, always store your clothes in a sealed, airtight bag because bed bugs mostly get transferred from hotels and motels.
- Inspect your pet’s bed and the surrounding area for bed bug infestation. Wash it daily in the washer in the highest settings.
- Beware of bed bugs from public places like changing rooms.
Find out can bed bugs drown here