Can baking soda kill bed bugs? Pest experts have a definitive answer – Homes & Gardens

Can baking soda kill bed bugs? If you're faced with this question, it is likely that you're tackling this notorious pest in your home. If this is the case, it's vital to follow the most effective extermination method possible and the solution is not baking soda.

Bedbugs are among the most detested and dangerous pests homeowners can face, and it's essential to take action against them as soon you have a sighting. If not, this insect may feed on your blood as your sleep prompting a host of health problems such as skin rashes and blisters. And, while there are many things you can clean with baking soda, its uses are most effective beyond the bedroom.

Here, pest experts decode the myth and share what to do instead.

No, baking soda will generally have no effect on bed bugs. They will not ingest it, and if they do walk through it, it will not cause them any problems.

'Bed bugs may avoid areas with baking soda, but they would just relocate to hide in cracks and crevices or find another path to get to the occupants of the bed.' explains Tim McMahan, the Owner of The Pest RX (opens in new tab).

(Image credit: Future)

The expert adds that bed bugs can hide for over 18 months without feeding, so you need to opt for another, more powerful solution that will ensure your bedroom ideas are pest-free for good.

'The best way to kill bed bugs (if you are at the beginning of an infestation) is heat,' Tim says. He recommends using a handheld steamer [such as this one from Amazon (opens in new tab)] before steaming areas where bedbugs hide. These are usually in cracks and crevices in your best mattress. You should, therefore, steam around the edge, between the mattress and the headboard, and between the mattress and the box springs.

It is also worth steaming your bed frame or anywhere where any two materials meet (for example, where two pieces of wood are screwed together). However, the steam can damage your glue and wood veneers, so it's worth taking extra care during this step.

(Image credit: Sanderson)

After steaming your best bed sheets, it is always a good idea to know how to clean your bedroom thoroughly, so you can sleep knowing you are in a safe, freshly-cleansed space. Mike Duncan, the National Technical Director, and Entomologist at Truly Nolen of America (opens in new tab), also urges you to dust all cracks with diatomaceous earth [also available on Amazon here (opens in new tab)] with a nylon paint brush.

'This will create a static charge to the product to adhere to the surrounding material,' he says.'Missing any cracks or crevices could cause a reoccurrence. Please be aware that 100 percent elimination is the only way to correct the issue with bed bugs.'

The method above should help kill bed bugs permanently, but there are some reasons why it may not work. If your infestation is growing, or you've lived with the pest for a longer time, you will need to call in a professional. They have the specialized equipment to take care of the pest quickly and efficiently.

(Image credit: Future)

No, as the experts warn, bed bugs are unable to walk through baking soda, so placing it as a deterrent would do no good. It is far more efficient to follow the steam-cleaning method for a recent infestation or seek help from professionals for a larger-scale problem.

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Can baking soda kill bed bugs? Pest experts have a definitive answer - Homes & Gardens