Bed Bugs and Bleach: What You Should Know About the Hazards of this Combination!
If you’ve ever had the misfortune of dealing with bed bugs, you know how difficult they can be to get rid of. And while there are a number of pesticides and chemicals that can kill bed bugs, one of the most popular methods is using bleach.
However, what many people don’t realize is that using bleach to kill bed bugs can be just as dangerous as the pests themselves. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at the hazards of using bleach to kill bed bugs and explore some safer alternatives.
What are bed bugs?
What do bed bugs look like?
Bed bugs are small, flat, oval-shaped insects. They are usually brown, but may be reddish-brown or dark brown. Bed bugs are about the size of an apple seed (3/16” to 1/4” long). They have six legs and two antennae. Bed bugs can not fly and they move very slowly.
What do bed bugs feed on?
Bed bugs feed on the blood of humans and animals. They are attracted to the heat and carbon dioxide that we emit when we sleep. Bed bugs will bite any exposed area of skin, but they prefer areas that are soft, such as the neck, face, arms, and legs.
Where do bed bugs hide?
Bedbugs typically hide in cracks and crevices during the daytime and come out at night to feed. They can be found in a variety of places including:
• Furniture – especially in mattresses, box springs and headboards
• Bedding – including sheets, pillowcases and blankets
• Cracks in walls or floors
• Clothing – particularly in seams or folds
• Electrical outlets
• Picture frames
• Curtains
• Underneath carpeting
The dangers of using bleach to kill bed bugs.
Bleach is a poisonous chemical.
Bleach is a harsh chemical that can be dangerous to humans if used improperly. When bleach is mixed with water, it releases chlorine gas, which can be harmful to your lungs and eyes. Inhaling bleach fumes can also irritate your nose, throat, and skin. If you accidentally get bleach on your skin, it can cause irritation and burns. Moreover, using bleach to kill bed bugs can actually make the infestation worse because it will kill the bugs that are exposed to it, but will not eliminate the eggs that are hidden away in hard-to-reach places.
Bleach can damage your skin and eyes.
If you come into contact with bleach, it can damage your eyes and skin. If you get bleach in your eyes, it will cause pain, redness, watering, and burning. You may also experience blurred vision or even temporary blindness. If you get bleach on your skin, it will cause irritation and burns. In severe cases, inhaling bleach fumes can lead to chemical burns in the lungs or respiratory failure.
Bleach can damage your furniture and belongings.
In addition to being dangerous to humans, using bleach to kill bed bugs can also damage your furniture and belongings. Bleach is a harsh chemical that can discolor or damage fabrics and other materials. It can also eat away at certain types of plastics. If you use bleached sheets or towels when trying to get rid of bedbugs, you run the risk of ruining these items.
How to get rid of bed bugs without using bleach.
Use a vacuum cleaner.
The first step to getting rid of bed bugs is to vacuum your home thoroughly. This will remove any bed bugs that are already present and make it harder for them to hide. Be sure to vacuum all areas where bed bugs could be hiding, including under furniture and in cracks and crevices.
Use a steamer.
Another effective way to get rid of bed bugs is to use a steamer. The steam will kill the bed bugs on contact and also help to remove any eggs that may be present. Be sure to focus the steam on areas where bed bugs are likely to be hiding, such as cracks and crevices.
Use a professional pest control company.
If you have a serious bed bug infestation, it may be best to hire a professional pest control company. These companies have the experience and equipment necessary to get rid of bed bugs quickly and effectively.
The best way to get rid of bed bugs is to vacuum them up, steam them out, or hire a professional pest control company. Using bleach to kill bed bugs is dangerous and should be avoided.