Does Baking Soda Effectively Kill Bed Bugs?

If you’re dealing with a bed bug problem, chances are you’ve come across more than a few DIY methods online, baking soda likely being one of them. The idea is simple: sprinkle baking soda around the bed frame, box spring, or any crevices where bed bugs hide, and it’ll dry them out. But does it work?

Bed bugs are persistent. They hide in places you’d never expect, and by the time you notice signs of bed bugs, like itchy welts or small rust-colored stains on your sheets, the infestation might already be well underway. In a scramble to get rid of bed bugs, many people turn to home remedies that feel safer and more affordable than professional options. But before you commit to covering your mattress in powder or trying a new essential oil blend, it’s worth knowing what actually works and what just sounds promising.

Let’s break down the science (and the myths) behind using baking soda for bed bug control and whether it’s a dependable solution or just wishful thinking.

Key takeaways

• Baking soda may dry out bed bugs on contact, but it’s not a reliable or effective way to eliminate an infestation.
• DIY methods like essential oils, rubbing alcohol, or bleach may offer temporary relief, but don’t solve the root of the problem.
• High heat treatments and professional pest control services are the most effective ways to get rid of bed bugs completely.
• Spotting signs of bed bugs early and acting quickly with proven methods is key to stopping the infestation from spreading.

Can Baking Soda Kill Bed Bugs?

Short answer: no, at least not reliably.

The theory behind using baking soda is that it can dehydrate bed bugs by absorbing moisture from their bodies. In practice, though, this method doesn’t hold up well. While baking soda is absorbent, it’s not sharp or abrasive enough to break through a bed bug’s exoskeleton, and without that, it can't reach the moisture inside the bug to dry it out.

So even if you sprinkle baking soda generously under your mattress or along baseboards, the chances of it wiping out an entire infestation are slim.

What Happens When You Use Baking Soda?

You might notice a few dead bugs if they crawl through a thick layer of powder for long enough, but that doesn’t mean baking soda works as an effective treatment. It won’t:

• Reach bed bug eggs, which are often tucked deep in crevices
• Penetrate the entire infestation
• Offer any kind of long-term bed bug control

Plus, you'll need to vacuum constantly to keep the baking soda from building up or getting tracked around your home.

Why DIY Remedies Often Fall Short

Many DIY methods, like using tea tree oil, rubbing alcohol, or even lavender oil, sound appealing because they're natural. But they’re not always effective methods for handling something as stubborn as a bed bug infestation.

Here’s the reality: once bed bugs settle in, especially in places like your box spring, headboards, and tiny cracks in the walls, they’re hard to reach. And even if one remedy kills a few bugs, it won’t stop bed bug eggs from hatching later.

Some people even try using bleach as a DIY fix. While bleach may kill bed bugs on contact, it’s not safe to use across your furniture or bedding, and it won’t reach hidden bugs deep inside wall voids or floorboards.

How Baking Soda Compares to Other DIY Options

Here’s how baking soda compares to other common DIY options:

Diatomaceous earth is the closest natural alternative to baking soda, but with more proven results. It works similarly by drying out bugs, but its abrasive particles can penetrate the bed bug shell, making it more effective.

What Works Against Bed Bugs?

Here’s what gets rid of bed bugs:

1. Heat Treatment

Bed bugs can’t survive high heat. A professional exterminator may use special equipment to raise the temperature in your home above 120°F, hot enough to kill both bugs and eggs.

2. Vacuuming + Sealing Crevices

While vacuuming alone won’t solve the problem, it helps reduce the population. Sealing up crevices and bed frames afterward can slow the spread.

3. Encase Your Mattress

Use a bed bug-proof cover on your mattress and box spring to trap any existing bugs and keep new ones from getting in.

4. Professional Bed Bug Treatment

A trusted pest control company can offer targeted solutions like steam, residual dust, and bed bug traps. These treatments are tailored to your home and can help eliminate an infestation without guesswork.

Should You Still Try Baking Soda?

If you’re looking for a temporary, low-risk DIY remedy, there’s no harm in trying baking soda as part of your cleaning routine. Just know it’s unlikely to handle a full-blown bed bug problem on its own.

You’ll get better results if you combine it with vacuuming, laundering all linens in hot water, and sealing off hiding spots. But for any infestation beyond a few bugs, it’s best to consider pest control services that use proven, effective tools and techniques.

Final Thoughts

Using baking soda might feel like you're doing something proactive, but when it comes to bed bug control, you need a solution that works, not just one that sounds good. If you’ve been dealing with bed bugs for more than a few days, or if you keep spotting signs of bed bugs, it’s time to look beyond DIY remedies.

You don’t have to deal with this alone. Native Pest Management offers trusted, family-friendly bed bug treatment across South Florida. If you’re ready to take back your home (and your sleep), reach out today for help that works.