Bed bug infestation is not only an annoying problem but can also be damaging to your health. getting rid of bed bugs is quite difficult. Still, there are a couple of methods that can efficiently help you in killing bed bugs. Out of numerous methods for getting rid of bed bugs’ problem, some suggested water.

Let’s find out if water is an effective bed bug killer.

Can Bed Bugs Swim In Water?

No, the bed bugs can’t swim in the water. However, using their tiny legs, bed bugs can float and slowly move around in low water levels. Low water level is an ideal condition that allows bed bugs to float. Here’s why.

  • Normal water temperature (at least 117 F water temperature is required to slowly kill bed bugs)
  • Less movement of water
  • Ease of handling bed bugs’ body weight
  • Surface tension

To kill the bed bugs, it is important that bed bugs fully drown in the water. This way, it would be impossible for them to come up and crawl on the rough surface. In low water conditions, bed bugs can climb up the water and grip the solid surface with their legs.

Submerging bed bugs in water is easier said and done. It’s impossible to catch every single one of them and dip them in water.

Can Bed Bugs Survive In Water With Detergent?

Now, bed bugs could probably survive by floating in the water. Does adding detergent make any difference? There seem to be conflicting opinions on this. Some detergents may be more effective than others in killing bed bugs.

One such study was conducted by Narinderpal Singh and his team at the Department of Entomology, Rutgers University. They studied the efficiency of essential oil-based pesticides and detergents in killing the bed bugs. The study was published in the Journal of Economic Entomology on December 1, 2014.

Based on the studies, the efficacy of detergents varies according to the ingredients used.

Eco Raider and Bed Bug Patrol stood out as promising candidates in bed bug control. This can be further aided by washing laundry in hot water.

Does A Hot Shower Kill Bed Bugs?

Water and high temperature, both are foes of bed bugs. Water at high temperatures can surely kill bed bugs. The instant destruction of bed bugs happens at 131°F although they still die off if exposed to a lower temperature for a certain duration.

Still, it’s unlikely that a hot shower will reach 131°F. Doctors suggested that hot shower should not exceed 105°F. At the recommended temperature, bed bugs are quite likely to survive a hot shower.

Can You Wash Bed Bugs Out Of Clothes?

Yes, washing your clothes can help eradicate the bed bugs out of your clothes. However, you need to follow some instructions.

For bed bugs, mattresses, inside of the pillowcases, nooks, and corners of your drapes, and cozy cushions are some of the most favorite places to live. However, if you regularly wash all these items with hot water, then you can surely get rid of bed bugs. Ideal temperature and washing time are 120 degrees Fahrenheit and 20 minutes respectively.

By now, it’s obvious that using water on its own to kill bed bugs isn’t an ideal solution unless it’s heated up.

Better Ways For Killing Bed Bugs

Steam cleaning

Steam cleaning, as the name indicates, uses steam to destroy bed bugs. There are many high-quality steam cleaners available in the market for you to choose from.

Diatomaceous Earth

Diatomaceous Earth is a non-toxic natural remedy against bed bugs. Simply spread this white powder all around your place, and it will exterminate bed bugs.

Bed bug spray

The use of good quality bed bug spray is the easiest and one of the most efficient methods for killing bed bugs.

You’ll need a holistic strategy in killing bed bugs. Banking on water to do the trick isn’t enough.