Spray for Furniture to Fight Bedbugs

Preparation

• Before spraying the furniture for bedbugs, remove any linens, blankets or pillows, then vacuum each piece with a standard vacuum cleaner. Remove any brushes or attachments, and place the bare nozzle directly against the fabric, then move the vacuum slowly over the surface. Work methodically moving from left to right, top to bottom, paying particular attention to any creases, tucks or folds in the fabric; this is where bedbugs like to hide. Clean the vacuum and discard the contents immediately.

Commerical Insecticide

• Once an item has been thoroughly swept, cover it with a light coat of insecticidal spray. There are only a few commercial products on the market that have been specifically developed to fight bedbugs; they are powerful, but toxic and must be handled with care. Consequently, people with children or pets may wish to try an organic pesticide. Organic pest sprays are derived from plant materials, and they tend to be less harmful than synthetic chemical treatments. For example, pyrethrin spray is derived from the chrysanthemum flower, and while it is mildly toxic to mammals if ingested, it is relatively safe to use around the home. That being said, according to the Penn State Department of Entomology, while pyrethrins may repel bedbugs temporarily; they do not kill them or deter their presence for extended periods of time.

Home Remedy

• Though it is even less powerful than pyrethrin, rubbing alcohol is often used to remove bedbugs from infested furniture. According to the experts at American Pest Control, isopropyl alcohol kills bedbugs on contact; though it is not a long-lasting treatment, it is affordable, readily available and nontoxic. Unfortunately, it does nothing for the bedbugs that cannot be seen, nor does it have any effect on eggs or larvae.

Steam Cleaning

• According to The Bed Bug Guide, unlike most surface treatments and sprays, steam kills bedbugs on contact and destroys their unhatched eggs. To eradicate bedbugs, the appliance must be capable of generating steam that is at least 120 degrees Fahrenheit, and while most home steamers easily reach this temperature, it may be best to rent an industrial machine. If possible, choose a model that features a "dry steam" setting to decrease the odds of developing a subsequent problem with mold or mildew.