Can Baking Soda Actually Kill Bed Bugs? We Asked Cleaning and Pest Experts

A bed bug infestation is not only frustrating but also challenging to get rid of. Properly eliminating them is crucial to ensure they’re entirely gone. While baking soda is often recommended as a DIY solution for bed bugs, does it actually kill them?

To get the facts, we consulted Sammy Wang, a senior scientist for P&G Fabric Care, and Shay LaRue, a virtual handyman expert at Frontdoor.

“Baking soda is not a proven method for eliminating a bed bug infestation,” Wang says. LaRue also warns against using this DIY remedy, noting that bed bugs are highly resilient, and baking soda is not potent enough to kill them either immediately or after extended exposure.

Keep reading to discover what baking soda actually does to bed bugs, alternative DIY methods, and whether they truly work.

What Does Baking Soda Actually Do to Bed Bugs?

Many people believe that baking soda kills bed bugs, but not only is this untrue, it can actually worsen the problem by causing the bugs to spread.

“Bed bugs reproduce quickly and using ineffective DIY solutions like baking soda could potentially allow for the infestation to grow and become even harder to treat,” Wang warns.

It’s a common misconception that because baking soda absorbs moisture, it will dehydrate bed bugs and eventually kill them. While it might stick to their bodies, it does not dehydrate, harm, or kill them. Both pest control and cleaning experts agree that it’s not an effective method.

“We recommend consulting the EPA or the National Pesticide Information Center sites for effective home treatments or contacting a professional pest control service,” Wang says.

5 Alternatives That Will Kill Bed Bugs

Heat

LaRue explains that the only truly effective way to kill bed bugs without using chemicals or pesticides is through extreme temperatures.

Heat is one of the most effective methods for eliminating bed bugs, and it can be done both as a DIY solution or by hiring a professional. The amount of heat needed can vary, depending on several factors in the home, LaRue notes.

Bed bugs don’t just live in mattresses; they can also hide in small spaces, electrical outlets, and furniture.

“At 122 degrees Fahrenheit, the bed bug eggs will die, at 118 degrees, the exposure will kill adult bed bugs,” LaRue explains, adding that exposure needs to last at least 20 minutes.

A heat treatment of this intensity should be left to professionals, LaRue advises. Most professionals treat homes at around 125 degrees Fahrenheit for over an hour. For laundry items, LaRue suggests using a dryer on the highest setting as a practical DIY option.

Freezing

Extreme cold can also kill bed bugs.

“Freezing bed bugs is effective as well, so long as the insects are removed, as due to their resiliency and their ability to adapt, bedbugs could potentially become active again once they thaw and warm up,” LaRue explains.

You can place items like clothing, accessories, or toys in sealed bags and store them in the freezer for up to a week. Afterward, immediately discard the frozen bed bugs to prevent them from returning.

Bed Bug Pesticides

Using an EPA-registered pesticide is a reliable method for dealing with a bed bug infestation. These products are safe and legally approved for home use. There are different types available, some for consumers and others for professional use only. Be sure to look for the EPA registration number on the label and follow the instructions carefully.

Diatomaceous Earth

For a chemical-free solution, consider food-grade diatomaceous earth, made from fossilized diatoms. Similar to baking soda, it comes in powder form, absorbs moisture, and is abrasive.

However, diatomaceous earth is much more effective at killing bed bugs on contact than baking soda. To use it, generously sprinkle the powder on mattresses, furniture, and any other areas where bed bugs are present. While it’s effective, it works slowly and may take one to three weeks to fully eliminate the bugs.

Call a Professional

The most effective way to ensure a bed bug infestation is completely eradicated is by calling a professional pest control service. These experts use a combination of heat, chemicals, and pesticides to treat mattresses, furniture, and even the smallest cracks in your home, ensuring that no bed bugs are left behind.