Can Alcohol Kill Bed Bugs?
WouterAlcohol is a common household cleaner that can kill bed bugs on contact. It works by two main mechanisms: first, it dissolves a substance. Second, it destroys the bugs’ cells. When rubbing alcohol comes into contact with a bed bug, it destroys its shell, killing the insect.
A bed bug’s shell is made of a thin layer of cells that helps to conserve moisture. When it is exposed to alcohol, the thin layer of cells that coats the bug’s shell is destroyed, causing the bugs to rapidly dry out. Alcohol is effective at killing bed bugs, but there is a downside to this method. It can cause nausea, vomiting, and irritation of the throat.
While rubbing alcohol is effective at killing bed bugs, it is unlikely to kill them completely. Although alcohol can kill adult bugs, the bugs that live inside their eggs are resistant to it. Because they hide in cracks and crevices, alcohol is unlikely to completely eliminate an infestation. In addition, bed bugs can develop a resistance to alcohol, making it impossible to completely kill an entire infestation.
The best way to kill bed bugs is to wash the infested clothing and linens frequently. Infested clothing and linens should be laundered at the highest temperature allowed by the manufacturer.
