What Do Bedbugs Hate?

Light and Heat

• Bedbugs are nocturnal feeders and are sensitive to light so putting a mattress into direct bright sunlight can disturb them. They are generally not active during light periods although the have been known to seek food in these times if desperate. Apart from human body heat, bedbugs are heat sensitive so washing infected linen in very hot water is a good way to combat them.

Cold

• InsecticidesBedbugs do not like the cold and will be inactive when the temperature drops below a certain point. However, while they may not like the cold, it is not an effective means of combating them as bedbugs simply become dormant for the period of cold and resume activity once it passes. Bedbugs can go without food for over 100 days with no apparent harm and will simply resume their activities once conditions become favorable again.

Insecticides

• The most common way to eradicate bedbugs is through the use of approved and effective pesticides and insecticides applied by qualified and reputable pest exterminators. The quality and effectiveness of pest exterminators and insecticides can vary greatly so always seek out a service with great recommendations and a good reputation. With insecticides, the key is the application, not the quantity, as bedbugs can hide and conceal themselves in many unusual places -- for example, in the bed frame itself.

Warnings

• There are many products and substances that purport to get rid of bedbugs, including bleach, lavender oil or lavender spray, oranges, organic sprays and natural oils. These methods have been proven to be ineffective and in many cases take advantage of people's desperation to rid themselves of bedbugs without the expense of proper exterminators. Similarly, products such as bug-bomber sprays may cause bedbugs to flee the sprayed area but simply relocate nearby or re-inhabit the sprayed area at a later time.