Does Vinegar Really Double As An Instant Bed Bug Killer?

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Just the thought of bed bugs is enough to frighten even the bravest person. These little bloodsucking pests are so tiny that it's hard to see them; they're terribly difficult to get rid of once they're established and are just plain gross. The idea of them creeping out of their hiding places and feeding on you as you sleep is disturbing. A question may then come to mind: Is there an effective, homemade way to get rid of them? Some say vinegar is the answer, but that's only partially true. Vinegar is very limited in its effectiveness because it can't destroy their eggs and can't stop an infestation. Let's take a deeper look.

You can use a vinegar spray to kill the bed bugs that you see, but it is the ones you do not see that will continue to cause trouble, hence the need for a professional eradication service. For most homeowners, DIY pest control is achievable, but bed bugs are an exception. According to experts, over-the-counter and DIY methods of eliminating bed bugs almost always fail in the long run. It can also be difficult to find infestations because of the bed bug's nocturnal nature. So, you may think you've eliminated them from your bedding, but you don't know that they are also living in your walls. For that reason, call the pros to get rid of bed bugs. 

No matter how bed bugs sneak into your home, professional eradication is likely always going to be your best option. This is especially true if you live in an apartment building or other multi-unit housing, as they can migrate from your neighbor's home (or from your home to others'). If that is the case, a building-wide strategy will need to be agreed upon, or their return is very likely. 

After getting professional help, pull out all the stops. Don't take any chances. As an extra precaution, put your mattress and box spring into a bug-proof mattress encasement after extermination — any remaining bugs will die inside.

Scientists say that bed bugs were one of the first pests to join humans in urban environments about 13,000 years ago. So, as distasteful as they may be, we've survived with them for a long time, and if you get professional help, you can get rid of them. Before you get too worried, make sure you actually have bed bugs, though, as they have many lookalikes. They are often confused with similar-looking bat bugs and carpet beetles. Bed bugs are typically about the size of an apple seed and are a brownish-red color.