How effective is turpertine for killing bed bugs?

Answer 1

The following are all reported methods individuals have tried in attempting to self-treat or prevent bed bugs and bed bug bites. Please note, that when attempting to self-treat a bed bug infestation the chances are that the infestation will only be made worse, causing more expenses and more heartache for everyone involved.

1. Leaving the Lights On

   What it is supposed to to - Sleeping with the lights on is meant to confuse bugs into not biting because they think that it is day time

   What it really does - Bed Bugs will still bite. They are usually most active during the dusk hours because they have a meal. Bed bugs are attracted to the CO2 and body heat emitted from your body. The will still detect you on the bed and will still bite. Not to mention the increased electric bill!

2. Eliminating Heat

   What it is supposed to do - Turning off the heat during the winter months is thought by some to freeze the bed bugs and in effect kill them off.

   What it really does - The lack of heat can freeze water pipes, propane lines, and more in your home, all the wile, not allowing the home to get cold enough to exterminate bed bugs. This requires EXTREME temperatures.

3. Olive Oil

   What it is supposed to do - Covering your body in olive oil before going to bed makes your skin so slippery that bed bugs cannot climb on or off of your body.

   What it really does - Bed bugs can slide underneath your body, and will continue to bite all areas of skin that are touching the mattress, that is, if they truly cannot walk on your body. Don't forget the messy sheets you will wake up to in the morning!

4. Bug Bombs

   What it is supposed to do - Setting off bombs inside the home full of insecticide (similar products are often used for fleas) will fully cover the area and effectively exterminate any bed bugs.

   What it really does - Bombing of an area for bed bugs has the tenancy to spread the infestation. All chemical bombings are risky procedures, and take the chance of contamination of many items. Bombing can also blow windows out of buildings due to the increased pressure inside.

5. Gasoline/Kerosene/Turpentine

   What it is supposed to do - Dousing beds, couches, and entire residences in diesel fuel or kerosene will inhibit the movement of bed bugs, and eventually kill them off for lack of food.

   What it really does - Can you say "Fire Hazard"? This method is not onlyextremely dangerous, there is also no proof that it is actually effective.

Other Myths

Sulfur Burning - burning sulfur inside of the home

Fire Extinguishers - Spraying on bed bugs to attempt to freeze them

Exterior Pesticides - using pesticides that are not effective against bed bugs

WD-40 - Spraying the chemical directly on bugs

Baking Soda/Rubbing Alcohol - Applying this combination to mattress, sofa, etc.

With all of the myths going on surrounding bed bug treatment and prevention, we at A3 Superior Pest Control ask that you do not attempt to self-treat. Please call a pest control professional. To contact A3 Superior, call 1-877-757-7767.

Answer 2

No i don't think it kills bed bugs.