Does Rubbing Alcohol Get Rid of Bed Bugs?

How does rubbing alcohol kill bed bugs?

Isopropyl alcohol, also known as rubbing alcohol, can kill bed bugs. However, using rubbing alcohol to resolve a bed bug infestation is inefficient and can even be dangerous. Even if using rubbing alcohol, we recommend contacting an Orkin Pro for safe bed bug control.

Does rubbing alcohol kill bed bugs instantly?

Rubbing alcohol with concentrations of 70-91% kills bed bugs quickly upon contact if applied correctly and directly to the pests. At this concentration, rubbing alcohol dissolves and desiccates the bed bug’s protective exoskeleton. Adult and nymph bed bugs that come in contact with high-percentage rubbing alcohol will die almost immediately. However, bed bugs are small and habitually hide in well-protected, hard-to-see places, so only using rubbing alcohol is largely inefficient since they may be hiding inside mattresses, within furniture, and in gaps and crevices within appliances or electrical outlets.

How effective is rubbing alcohol?

Studies have found that rubbing alcohol can kill bed bugs; however, no matter how high the concentrations of alcohol were, only a maximum of 50% of the sprayed bed bugs died. These tests were performed in enclosed containers where rubbing alcohol was applied directly to the bed bugs.

Since bed bugs are excellent hiders, using rubbing alcohol as a DIY treatment will probably miss bed bugs that will then continue laying eggs and feeding on blood. As a result, rubbing alcohol is not likely to control an entire bed bug infestation.

Is it safe to use rubbing alcohol on bed bugs?

Rubbing alcohol should be used carefully and sparingly since it is highly flammable. Improper use of rubbing alcohol is likely to create an unsafe situation.

What percent of rubbing alcohol kills bed bugs?

Rubbing alcohol with concentrations of 70-91% can kill bed bugs almost instantly if applied directly to the bed bugs.