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How to Kill Bedbugs With Baking Powder

Bedbugs are extremely difficult to get rid of. The typical solution is to use a lot of chemicals. But there are a number of less-toxic substances that can help you deal with a bedbug infestation. Baking soda, for instance, helps kill bedbugs through desiccation, which is the drying-out of insects.

Things You'll Need

Flashlight
Bowl
Paintbrush
Vacuum

Instructions

- 1
  Identify all the spots in the house where bedbugs are present. Be extremely thorough and look in any cracks and crevices. Use the flashlight to get a better look in dark corners.
- 2
  Remove any clutter from the infected areas. Bedbugs and many other insects like to shelter in clutter. Take this material outside or treat it by applying baking soda. Do not move the clutter to another area of the house, as this will only spread the bedbugs.
- 3
  Put the baking soda in a bowl. Dip the paintbrush into the bowl.
- 4
  Use the paintbrush to spread a light layer of baking soda around any cracks and crevices where you suspect bedbugs are hiding.
- 5
  Use the paintbrush to spread baking soda between the mattress and the bed spring. Also cover all surfaces of the mattress as well as the frame.
- 6
  Apply baking soda anywhere else you suspect bedbugs to be. Infestations are typically centered around the sleeping area but can spread from there to other rooms.
- 7
  Vacuum the baking soda after several days and then reapply the treatment. Bedbugs are difficult to kill even with chemicals and you will likely need to apply baking soda several times.

Insects & Science