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Over the Counter Remedies for Bed Bugs

Common bed bugs, Cimex lectularius, are small, nocturnal insects indigenous to temperate climates that typically grow to no more than ¼ inch in length as adults. Feeding on human and animal blood usually occurs in less than 15 minutes, where the insect can engorge itself to three times its normal body size. Humans are commonly believed to be the main blood source of these pests, but they also seek out other warm-blooded hosts for meals including bats and mice. Female bed bugs can lay up to five eggs per day, which require an incubation period of 10 days. These juvenile insects require approximately five blood feedings before reaching maturity.

  1. Pretreatment

    • Several over-the-counter remedies are available to combat a bed bug infestation. Before treating the home for these parasites, all rooms should be cleared of clutter, bedding and clothing to minimize hiding places. Additionally, drawers should be opened and emptied to allow for fumigation. The area must then be painstakingly cleaned and inspected for signs of infestation, which includes fecal droppings, molted exoskeletons and blood spots caused by the anticoagulating saliva of the insects. After the area has been thoroughly cleaned by vacuuming or steam cleaning, the infested room may be further treated.

    Rubbing Alcohol

    • Rubbing or isopropyl alcohol may be used directly on mattresses and pillows. The alcohol will inhibit infestation due to its ability to desiccate the insects by drawing out water from their bodies. However, this method is much more efficient in killing the eggs of bed bugs as they will be more susceptible to the desiccating effect of the alcohol due to the eggs' thin coverings.

    Insecticides

    • Several insecticides are commonly marketed in garden centers of home improvement outlets and are available for both dust and spray applications. Hydoprene is a typical insecticide that eradicates an infestation by sterilizing the adult population, which prevents the production of new generations. This chemical may not be as efficient as commercial applications used by profession pest-control companies, though it will inhibit the population growth and eventually rid the area of a continuing infestation. Other ingredients in insecticides that have proven effective for combating bed bugs include allethrin, benseneacatate, chlorpyrifos, cyfluthrin, deltamethrin, fencalerate, permethrin, propoxur and resmethrin. Some of these compounds are more effective that others, but most work using the same principle as hydroprene, inhibiting the reproductive cycle. Be sure to read all directions before applying the insecticides to be certain that they are safe for use in or around bedding.

    Organic Insecticides

    • Insecticides containing pyrethrins and canola oil are "organic" options that are advertised as safe around children and pets and have a relatively low emission of pungent odors. While these compounds are not successful for ridding the area of adult insects, they have been shown to inhibit the reproductive cycles of insects and thus can prevent an on-going infestation.

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