Does Alcohol Kill Bed Bugs? Risks, Safety Tips, and More Effective Alternatives!

Rubbing alcohol for bed bugs is often seen as a viable solution to eliminate the infestation. While this is technically correct, there’s more to the story. Rubbing alcohol does have the power to kill bed bugs upon direct contact by dehydrating them and dissolving their exoskeletons. However, it isn’t effective on stubborn infestations and doesn’t deliver permanent results. Alcohol has a low evaporation point, which means it evaporates quickly as soon as it is applied to a surface. 

Since it dries rapidly, it is successful in killing infestations partially only, and fails to reach the deep infestation hotspots such as wall cracks, furniture joints, crevices, and mattress seams.

Since homeowners seeking natural remedies to kill bed bugs often ask: Does alcohol kill bed bugs?, we thought to dig into this treatment option, and guide you properly.

What Is Rubbing Alcohol and Why Do People Use It on Bed Bugs?

Bed bugs haunt many homeowners in Canada every year. While looking for effective remedies to treat the problem, many people resort to rubbing alcohol for bed bug elimination. Let’s explore what rubbing alcohol is and whether or not it kills bed bugs and their eggs

Also referred to as isopropyl alcohol (IPA), rubbing alcohol is a popular solvent and disinfectant commonly used in hospitals, clinics, and even households. Rubbing alcohol is a mixture of water and isopropanol, which typically exists in 70% or 91% alcohol concentrations. Rubbing alcohol with a higher percentage of alcohol is stronger than one with a lower alcohol content.

But does isopropyl alcohol kill bed bugs?

How Can You Use Alcohol to Kill Bed Bugs?

When resorting to quick DIY remedies to kill bed bugs, homeowners must consider the safety factor. Alcohol is a flammable solvent, can irritate skin, and can also result in lung infections. If you do use rubbing alcohol, keep the area properly ventilated. Also, keep the solvent away from any open flame.

Here’s how you can use alcohol spray for bed bugs:

• Take either 91% or 70% isopropyl alcohol. For 70% alcohol, mix seven parts of alcohol with three parts of water. For 91% rubbing alcohol, take nine parts of water and mix it with one part of rubbing alcohol. If you are buying store-bought rubbing alcohol, you won’t need to dilute it.
• Pour the alcohol solution into a tightly sealed spray bottle. The tighter the bottle is, the less the chances of evaporation and leakage.
• Start spraying the solution on the common hiding spots of bed bugs. Typically, these include headboards, bed frames, folds, mattress seams, cracks, and baseboards.
• Alcohol doesn’t work on eggs, so ensure to reapply the solution every 2 to 3 days to tackle the new hatchlings.

Alcohol spray can reduce bed bugs when applied to early infestations. However, it isn’t effective on eggs and doesn’t eliminate severe infestations. For stubborn bed bug infestations, professional treatments are your best bet.

Does Rubbing Alcohol Kill Bed Bugs Instantly?

Yes, rubbing alcohol does eliminate bed bugs instantly upon direct contact. Alcohol dissolves the waxy exoskeleton of bed bugs, dehydrating them immediately. Isopropyl alcohol in concentrations of 70% and 91% does a good job of disrupting the bugs’ protective coating. A study published in the Journal of Economic Entomology in 2022 confirms that 70% to 91% alcohol solutions kill bed bugs within seconds if you directly spray them.

As rapidly as alcohol kills bed bugs, it evaporates at the same rate as well. That’s why it fails to permeate the deep bed bug hiding spots. You can get rid of visible bugs and nymphs with rubbing alcohol, but it won’t clear out an infestation in its full swing. For 100% and permanent results, professional bed bug heat treatment is the most reliable solution.

Risks and Limitations of Using Rubbing Alcohol

Rubbing alcohol comes with certain limitations and risks. Its flammability poses a danger of fire hazards, which sometimes scares homeowners. Studies also show that due to isopropyl alcohol’s rapid evaporation rate, it has a 40% to 50% kill rate for bed bug infestations. Alcohol has a very strong odor, which can irritate skin and lungs. Additionally, it can tarnish wood finishes, damage fabrics, and harm plastic items. It also doesn’t provide any residual protection, which means it kills bugs on contact, but it doesn’t prevent infestations.

Safer and More Effective Alternatives to Rubbing Alcohol

Rubbing alcohol is a popular DIY remedy for early infestations. That said, for lasting results and to effectively treat harsh infestations, consider using safer and more powerful treatment options. Some of these include:

• Professional heat treatment: Undoubtedly, it is the safest and most effective bed bug treatment, guaranteeing 100% results by eliminating bed bugs, nymphs, and eggs.
• Diatomaceous earth: It is a natural powder that kills bugs by dehydrating them. Diatomaceous earth is effective against mild infestations and has a 50% to 70% success rate.
• Steam treatment: It kills eggs and adult bugs with sweltering vapors at a temperature of 49°C and above.

To prevent infestations, a wise approach is to use natural remedies for bed bugs regularly. For severe and persistent infestations, it is best to hire professional pest control services, such as those offered by Heat Solution. Heat Solution is renowned across the Greater Toronto Area for its FREE property inspections for homes, which have helped many homeowners and businesses identify infestations on time.

Final Verdict

Rubbing alcohol has a lethal effect on bed bugs, but only when it comes into direct contact with them. It isn’t effective on eggs, evaporates quickly, and barely reaches hidden spots, which makes it a relatively ineffective treatment for stubborn infestations. If you are battling a severe bed bug infestation or want to stop an early infestation right in its tracks, resort to professional bed bug treatment. Contact Heat Solution today to book your FREE, no-obligation inspection.

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