Experts Say This Popular Trick for Getting Rid of Bed Bugs Actually Works (No Special Supplies Needed)

While bed bugs can be a serious pest issue, rubbing alcohol is a common DIY solution many people turn to at the first sign of an infestation. But does rubbing alcohol kill bed bugs?

We asked pest control pros how to use it and what other natural methods will get rid of bed bugs.

Does Rubbing Alcohol Kill Bed Bugs?

Rubbing alcohol does kill bed bugs. It works by dissolving their exoskeleton and dehydrating their insides. However, it’s not the most effective method to eliminate a bed bug infestation.

“It doesn’t eliminate eggs or deeply hidden bugs,” says pest pro Jerry Eason.

The best type of rubbing alcohol to use is one with a 70% concentration, according to pest control expert Georgios Liakopoulos, because 90% and 99% concentrations have less water in them.

“Water slows down the evaporation rate, so the alcohol has more time to penetrate the bed bug’s exoskeleton and kill it,” Liakopoulos says.

Want more cleaning and organizing tips? Sign up for our free daily newsletter for the latest hacks, expert advice, and more!

Does Rubbing Alcohol Kill Bed Bugs Instantly? 

Adult and nymph bed bugs that come in direct contact with rubbing alcohol will die almost immediately. The rubbing alcohol works quickly to cut through the bugs’ outer layer and will kill bed bugs within 30 seconds.

However, once the rubbing alcohol dries up on fabrics and surfaces, it’s no longer effective.

“Rubbing alcohol evaporates fast, so it won’t kill bed bugs that come into contact with treated areas later,” Liakopoulos says.

How to Use Rubbing Alcohol to Kill Bed Bugs

Follow these steps to kill a small group of bed bugs if you notice them in your luggage or lurking around your home.

1. Fill a spray bottle with 70% concentrated rubbing alcohol.
2. Open the windows and doors in the rooms where you’ll be treating for bed bugs to increase the room’s ventilation.
3. Spray any visible bed bugs and common bed bug hiding spots, such as the seams, edges, and folds of the mattress and box spring.
4. Mist pillows, sheets, and blankets that have bed bugs with rubbing alcohol.
5. Using a cotton ball or rag, apply rubbing alcohol on the headboard and any wooden or metal parts of the bed frame.
6. Spray any cracks or crevices in wooden furniture near the bed or other places where bed bugs have been spotted.
7. After the rubbing alcohol has dried, vacuum up any dead bugs and wipe down hard surfaces with water and a cloth. Launder fabrics in hot water, if possible.

How to Prevent Bed Bugs

Save yourself some time and trouble by following these methods to keep bed bugs at bay. 

• Use bed bug-proof encasements: Select encasements that are certified to contain and prevent bed bugs to keep your mattress and box spring safe.
• Vacuum regularly: Vacuum the area around your bed and any nearby cracks and crevices to ensure you catch potential bed bugs before they climb up into your bed.
• Do not leave your luggage on the floor or upholstered furniture in travel accommodations: Keeping your belongings elevated will keep the critters from climbing in (they will only climb toward a human).
• Check mattresses when traveling: Pull off the sheets and peek into the crevices and seams around your mattress to check for bed bugs before you get comfy.
• Inspect secondhand furniture beforehand: Do not grab that couch off the street before giving it a thorough look. It is also wise to cover it in a black plastic bag and heat treat it before bringing it into your home.

Other Natural Ways to Kill Bed Bugs

If you don’t want to use rubbing alcohol, there are a few other methods you can try to eliminate bed bugs on your own: 

• Diatomaceous Earth (DE): This substance kills bed bugs by scraping away their exoskeleton, leaving the insects to lose moisture and dry out. Sprinkle DE on the baseboards, mattress, furniture, and other areas where bed bugs have been seen or are likely to hide. Vacuum the areas after one or two days. 
• Heat: Heat is recommended by the pros as the best DIY method for treating bed bugs. An easy way to kill bed bugs with heat is by washing items in hot water and then using the highest dry setting to eliminate the bugs. Liakopoulos also recommends using steam to kill bed bugs hiding in your mattress or other upholstered furniture.
• Cold: Bed bugs also can’t survive in extreme cold. You can freeze items that you suspect are infested with bed bugs (such as stuffed animals) to kill the insects. 

When to Call a Professional

Bed bugs are extremely tough to get rid of, so don’t wait too long before calling in professional help. Rubbing alcohol and other natural methods are only effective if the issue is minor. 

Eason recommends calling in an expert at the first sign of a greater infestation, such as seeing itchy red welts on your skin, tiny blood spots on fabric, or shedded skins.

“These pests are notoriously difficult to eliminate on your own, and they can spread quickly if not dealt with promptly,” Eason says. 

An exterminator will inspect your home to gauge the extent of the infestation and then create an elimination plan to quickly and effectively resolve the issue.