Anyone who has never had a bed bug infestation will never believe how nasty and difficult it can be to get rid of. From personal experience (which still gives me the shivers whenever I remember it) and some research, we will offer you a few proven ways to get rid of beg bugs in your car.
Let’s get to know Mr Bed Bug so you can understand how much havoc it can wreck.
Bed bugs are some of the most persistent of bugs. Get this; an adult bed bug can stay without feeding for between 2 and 5 months. When they finally have an opportunity to feed, (Oh My!) they will so gorge on the victim that they get bloated with the victim’s blood. They then retire and digest this feed for the next few days, until they have their next victim.
If you have bed bugs in your car, worry not! There are many easy and effective ways to get rid of bed bugs in your car that suit your budget and your needs. Keep reading to find out what you can do to solve this itchy problem as soon as possible!
If you don’t mind using chemicals then Ortho Dual-Action Bed Bug Killer is great for you. However, if you prefer eco-friendly non-toxic solution EcoRaider’s Bed Bug Killer and Harris Diatomaceous Earth are more suitable for you. They’re all budget-friendly and get rid of your problem. Alternatively you can use intense heat or steam cleaning to get rid of bed bugs.
How to Get Rid of Bed Bugs in Your Car
There are a number of methods that you can use to get rid of bugs in your car and indeed other places. You may need to combine more than one method in some cases for a more efficient result.
Cleaning Your Car
Yeah, we know you clean your car, so do not feel insulted. However, when trying to get rid of bed bugs from your car, you need to do a much more thorough cleaning. More than just the bed bugs themselves, the eggs which can attach to seat covers and mats also need to be cleaned.
Take out the seat covers, rugs and anything you can throw into the vacuum cleaner. The combination of the heat of the washing and the dryer will kill both the bugs and any eggs that may have attached to the items.
You also need to clear out any debris which may include loose eggs and even some live bed bugs. To get the best result with this, you should consider using this Atrix Integrated Pest Management Vacuum. It will effectively suck them all up.
Using Heat
Bed bugs do not like intense heat (who does?). If you can expose them to heats of up to 120 degrees, they will be killed and their eggs cooked. People who live in areas with very intense sunlight can achieve this by simply spreading out the seat covers and rugs under direct sunlight. Remember that the temperature has to hit about 120 degrees for this to work.
If you can’t achieve this temperature naturally, you can use the The ZappBug Oven. This is an electric powered bug oven that will achieve up to 155 degrees and will exterminate bed bugs at their different stages – eggs, nymphs and adults. Simply drop the items into it and switch it on. It will get the job done and automatically switch off after the treatment.
Steam Cleaning
This is another ideal solution for those who do not want to use chemicals. With steam cleaning, rather than just taking out the covers and rugs and dropping them into a bug oven, you can steam the entire car. This allows you to kill more of the bugs at once.
An ideal choice for your car is the PurSteam Handheld Pressurized Steam Cleaner. It comes with a 9-piece accessory set that makes it possible to steam heat difficult-to-reach areas of your car. It also terminates bed bugs at every stage of their development.
Pesticides and Insecticides
If you do not mind the use of chemicals for this task, you can use pesticides and insecticides. Just spray it in your car and lock it up, making sure the windows are properly sealed. You need to spray a pesticide like Ortho Dual-Action Bed Bug Killer into corners and crevices because it kills the bugs on contact.
Many people are scared of pesticides because of the health risks. If you are such a person, you can use EcoRaider’s Bed Bug Killer. This is eco-friendly and non-toxic. You therefore have no fears of any harmful chemical residue. It will also kill the adult bed bugs, the eggs and nymphs.
Diatomaceous earth
This is a totally natural treatment. It is completely safe for humans as well as pets. It is a naturally occurring white powder that you can spread around your car to kill bed bugs.
You can get Harris Diatomaceous Earth, apply them to cracks and anywhere you know the bugs are. Once the bed bugs come in contact with the powder, they will die of dehydration.
Frequently Asked Question
How hot does a car have to be to kill bed bugs?
It should reach at least 120 degrees Fahrenheit.
Someone with bed bugs was in my car: Should I be worried?
Yes and No! Yes because the bed bugs can transfer from the person to your car seat. No because if you immediately treat your car using any of the methods described above, you will kill any bed bugs transferred to your car, stopping its spread.
Can you transport bed bugs?
Sadly you can. It can cling to your cloths, bag and any other item.
Can bed bugs survive in sunlight?
Though not designed to live in sunlight, they will survive if the heat from the sunlight is not up to 120 degrees.
Does cold kill bed bugs?
Bed bugs will die if exposed to temperatures of about 0 degrees for up to 4 days.
Do Bed Bugs die in the washing machine?
A combination of the washing and the heat from the dryer will kill bed bugs.
What are bed bugs attracted to?
Bed bugs are attracted warmth, blood and carbon dioxide. They love anywhere with loads of crevices for hiding.
What scents repel bed bugs?
They hate lavender, cinnamon, peppermint, thyme oil, clove oil, eucalyptus oil and other essential oils.
Conclusion
So, What is the most effective way to get rid of the bed bugs in your car?
Bed bugs are very persistent and pesky bugs. They are difficult to get rid of but they can be gotten rid of using the right method(s).
All of the methods mentioned above are effective but best method for you depends on your budget and your needs.
If you don’t want to use chemicals go for EcoRaider’s Bed Bug Killer or Harris Diatomaceous Earth.
And if you don’t mind using chemicals I recommend Ortho Dual-Action Bed Bug Killer.
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