How to Use Alcohol on Bedbugs

Bedbugs are unwanted house guests, and incredibly difficult to get rid of. It is important to consult a professional about this problem because these critters are well-known for their resiliency. In the meantime, several techniques can help alleviate the problem. One easy and inexpensive technique is to use isopropyl alcohol. Using this alcohol does not solve the problem, but it helps until a professional can eliminate the bedbugs.

Things You'll Need

• Isopropyl alcohol
• Plastic spray bottle

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Instructions

Instructions

• 1

  Pour isopropyl alcohol into a small plastic spray bottle.

• 2

  Ventilate the room; alcohol has a very potent smell, so open windows and leave doors open.

• 3

  Test the area you are spraying. Alcohol can damage stained or painted surfaces, so spray a tiny bit of alcohol on an inconspicuous area to ensure it does not ruin the furniture. Test the alcohol on a small portion of the mattress to see that it does not leave a stain.

• 4

  Spray the areas where bed bugs typically hide. Focus on the seams of the mattress and box spring, as these are highly populated areas for bedbugs. Coat the entire headboard and footboard of the bed frame. Bedbugs are excellent at hiding, so spray along the walls, along baseboards and all over furniture.

• 5

  Spray these areas several times a day. Isopropyl alcohol is a temporary treatment; it kills the bed bugs when directly sprayed, but the effect is not permanent. The alcohol dries and completely wears off. It does not remain on the treated area.

• 6

  Check to ensure the mattress and box spring are dry before placing clean sheets on the bed.

• 7

  Continue this treatment until a professional can eliminate the problem.