3 Step Guide – Using Borax To Kill Bed Bugs

Although they are known as bed bugs, they are not limited to a bed.

They can build a nest anywhere they can easily access their food source. They can cozy up on your couch, all over your furniture, or on other safe and secure structures such as chairs or tables.

Before you know it, you are dealing with a bed bug infestation!

These insects are tiny and hard to spot, but they grow slightly larger once they have a full meal, and you can spot them a little easier.

Remember that these tiny creatures reproduce rapidly, meaning that you should take immediate and swift measures to get rid of them as soon as you spot them.

You can employ several methods to eliminate them, and this post discusses using borax when dealing with a bed bug infestation.

**Before using borax, click here to read how to use it safely**

Using Borax To Kill Bed Bugs

What is Borax?

Borax is a naturally occurring chemical compound, a key ingredient in detergents and cleaning solutions.

Its stain-fighting and grease-removing properties are used in several cleaning recipes.

When ingested, it causes the disintegration of the internal organs, so borax is commonly used to eliminate certain kinds of pests and insects.


Can You Use Borax To Kill Bed Bugs?

bed bugs illustration

Yes, you can.

They can also eliminate bed bugs by suffocating them. The most common way to use borax is to sprinkle a generous amount of this chemical all over the infested area and leave it for at least a day.

Bed bugs don’t ingest borax, but this substance will make it difficult for them to breathe and eventually kill them. You can also add a small amount of borax and detergent when washing your clothes.

Make sure to buy a finer form of borax to remove the bed bugs faster.


Step By Step Guide To Killing Bed Bugs With Borax

Here is a 3 step guide you should follow when using borax for bed bugs.

Step 1 – remove all your linens, including bed sheets, and sprinkle a generous amount of borax on the infected areas.

Step 2 – Next step involves saturating the area. You do this by applying water to the surface. Use a plastic spray bottle and sprinkle water over the borax. Once you have sprinkled water, borax will start killing the bed bugs.

Step 3 – to reduce the changes that the bugs return, you will need to wash all the linens in hot water borax solution, including the towels, bedsheets, and clothes.


Safety Measures When Using Borax

safety first written on screen

Although borax is a naturally occurring substance, it is not 100% safe.

The compound can irritate the skin, lungs, and hands. Borax can also cause severe medical issues if not used correctly.

To limit the risks, you must use safety measures such as wearing long sleeves and gloves, and goggles.

Also, make sure to wash your hands properly after the borax application. If you have pets or children, keep them away from any area treated with borax and store out of reach.


What draws bed bugs to our homes?

There is a big misunderstanding among people that bed bugs are caused due to clutter and the build-up of organic matter. But in reality, these insects are not drawn to decay or filth like flies.

Bed bugs can thrive even in the cleanest spaces as long as there is room for hiding and easy access to a blood meal.

Bed bugs are commonly found in hotels, motels, theatres, etc. And you bring them home with you after you return from such places.

These bugs hitchhike on your luggage, clothing, and other personal belongings and accidentally end up in your house.

Bed bugs thrive on blood and require regular blood meals. But unlike mosquitoes, these insects can’t fly to their food source, nor can they live on their host like a tick. So the best way for them is to hide near a food source and come out to feed when it is safe.

But even when they show up to feed on the host, they do it discreetly. They come out of hiding in the middle of the night when it is the darkest. And when they bite into their victim, they inject something similar to a mild anesthetic to remain undetected.

Very sneaky!


Two practical and easy tricks to keep the bed bugs away

lots of dead bed bugs
  • Throw away all the affected fabric and upholstery
  • Wash all the fabrics with a potent detergent in hot water

The first way is a little expensive because you will have to part ways with your favorite linens, but it will eliminate the issue for good.


Things you need to do after you get rid of bed bugs

After using borax and clearing the bed bugs, you must take the necessary steps to deter another infestation.

The steps mentioned below will ascertain that the entire infestation is wiped out, preventing them from returning.

  • Dust your furniture and bed every day
  • Make it a routine to wash all your linens at least once a week. Try to use hot water for washing the fabrics.
  • Along with washing the linens and dusting the furniture, clean your house every day

All these steps will ensure that your house is free from all kinds of infestations.


Conclusion

Getting rid of insect and pest infestation takes a lot of work and time, but borax is a good tool if you want to kill bed bugs!

When using borax to kill bed bugs, you should repeat the procedure a few times to see 100% results. So the best thing to do is take preventive measures to keep yourself and your house away from bedbugs.

If you suffer from a bed bug infestation, you should also consider using alcohol to kill them.

Good luck!

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About the author

DIY Pest Control Enthusiast Since 1996

After spending the entire night lying awake in a cockroach-infested hotel, I have driven myself to build knowledge on all things pest control. Since then, I've tested pest control techniques to see what works and what doesn't. Now, here I am giving you all the info I have learned!

2 thoughts on “3 Step Guide – Using Borax To Kill Bed Bugs”

    • Hi Judy

      Rubbing alcohol has been shown to kill a large number of bed bugs per application. Although it isn’t the best way to get rid of them, it is certainly worth a shot!

      Hope that helps.

      Reply

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