How to use WD-40 for Bed Bugs

wd-40 kills bed bugs

In this article, we will answer the question: How to use WD-40 for bed bugs?
Bed bugs are persistent pests that can bring pain and anxiety for individuals.

Their tiny size, nocturnal nature, and ability to hide in various nooks and crannies make them challenging to eliminate. In the quest to find effective solutions, people often wonder if WD-40, a popular multi-purpose lubricant, can get rid of these pests.

In this article, we get into the topic of bed bugs and WD-40, examining whether this household product holds any potential as a remedy for these bothersome insects. Let’s explore the facts and separate reality from misconceptions.

 

How do bed bugs infest homes?

They can infest homes through various means, including:

  • Hitchhiking:  They are skilled hitchhikers and can latch onto luggage, clothing, or furniture. They can be unknowingly brought into homes after staying in infested hotels, using public transportation, or visiting infested areas.
  • Second hand furniture and items: Infested furniture, mattresses, or clothing purchased from thrift stores or acquired from friends and family can introduce bed bugs into a home.
  • Shared living spaces: They can easily travel between adjacent apartments, condominiums, or shared living spaces through cracks, electrical outlets, or pipes.
  • Visitors: Guests who unknowingly carry these insects on their belongings can introduce them into a home, especially if they have recently stayed in an infested location.

 

It is important to be vigilant when traveling, acquiring second hand items, or having guests to minimize the risk of bed bug infestations.

 

Are bed bugs visible to the naked eye?

Yes, they are. Adult bed bugs are approximately the size of an apple seed, ranging from 4 to 5 millimeters in length. They have a flat, oval-shaped body, and their color varies depending on their feeding status. When unfed, they appear translucent or light brown, while after feeding, they become engorged and turn reddish-brown. Although they can be challenging to spot due to their ability to hide in tiny cracks and crevices, careful inspection of infested areas can help you detect their presence.

 

Are bed bugs only found in beds?

They are not only found in beds. While they are commonly associated with beds and mattresses due to their preference for feeding on human blood during sleep, they can infest various other areas in a home. They can hide in cracks and crevices of furniture, walls, baseboards, carpets, curtains, electrical outlets, and even luggage or clothing. They have the ability to move and spread throughout a dwelling, seeking harborage close to their hosts. It’s important to inspect and treat all potential hiding spots when dealing with a bed bug infestation.

 

What is WD-40?

WD-40 is a widely recognized brand of multi-purpose lubricant and penetrating oil. The name “WD-40” stands for “Water Displacement, 40th formula,” indicating its original purpose as a water displacement compound. It was developed in 1953 by a chemist named Norm Larsen while working for the Rocket Chemical Company.

WD-40 has versatile applications and has become popular for a wide range of uses beyond its original intention. You can use it as a lubricant to reduce friction, prevent rust and corrosion, and loosen stuck or squeaky parts. Its formula consists of various petroleum-based solvents and lubricants that make it effective for tasks such as freeing up rusted bolts, lubricating hinges and door locks, protecting tools from moisture, and cleaning and polishing surfaces.

In addition to its lubricating properties, you can use WD-40 to remove adhesives, grease, and tar stains from surfaces. It is available in aerosol cans with a small red and blue logo, and the product has gained a reputation for being a handy household item and an essential tool in many industries. However, it’s important to note that WD-40 may not be suitable for all applications, and it’s advisable to follow the instructions and use it in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations.

 

Will WD-40 keep Bed Bugs away?

No, WD-40 is not an effective solution for keeping bed bugs away. WD-40 is primarily a lubricant and penetrating oil and does not possess properties that repel or eliminate bed bugs. They are small parasitic insects that feed on the blood of humans and animals, and their presence in a home typically requires specialized pest control methods for eradication.

A material that showed some results to repel bed bugs is Sulfur. To learn more, check our article on Sulfur and Bed Bugs.

 

Do Bed Bugs hate WD-40?

There is no scientific evidence to suggest that bed bugs hate WD-40 or that WD-40 is an effective repellent or deterrent for bed bugs. WD-40 is primarily a lubricant and penetrating oil and is not designed or formulated to repel or eliminate them. While WD-40 may have some temporary effects on bed bugs due to its oily texture. It is however not a reliable or recommended solution for dealing with an infestation.

 

Does WD-40 kill Bed Bugs?

While WD-40 may have some incidental effects on bed bugs, it is not a bed bug killer. WD-40 is primarily a lubricant and penetrating oil, and its efficacy in killing them is limited.

 

Does WD-40 kill Bed Bugs Eggs?

WD-40 is not specifically designed or recognized as a bed bug egg killer. While it may have some incidental effects on their eggs due to its oily nature, its efficacy in killing bed bug eggs is limited. Their eggs are quite resilient and can be challenging to eliminate completely.

 

How to use WD-40 for Bed Bugs

If you still want to try using WD-40 for bed bugs, even though it is not specifically designed for that purpose.

Here are some general steps to consider when using insecticides for bed bugs:

  • Identify the affected areas: Inspect your home to locate areas where they are present. Focus on areas near the bed, including mattresses, box springs, bed frames, headboards, and nearby furniture.
  • Prepare the area: Remove clutter and personal items from the room to provide better access for treatment. Seal and bag any infested clothing or bedding for laundering or disposal.
  • Follow safety precautions: Wear protective clothing, gloves, and a mask to minimize exposure to the insecticide. Open windows and provide proper ventilation while applying the insecticide. It is important to maintain a safe distance between children and pets and the treated areas until the product has completely dried.
  • Apply the insecticide: Follow the specific instructions on the product label regarding the application method, dosage, and timing. Insecticides for bed bugs are commonly available as sprays or dust formulations. Apply the insecticide to cracks, crevices, and other hiding places where they are likely to hide. Such as along baseboards, bed frames, and furniture joints. Avoid applying insecticides directly to surfaces where you come into direct contact, such as mattresses or bedding.
  • Monitor and repeat treatment if necessary: Keep an eye on the infested areas and monitor for any signs of bed bugs. Repeat the insecticide treatment if needed, following the recommended interval mentioned on the product label.

 

Looking for another home remedy? Beauveria bassiana, a fungus that has shown promising results in repelling bed bugs. To learn more, you can check our article on Beauveria bassiana and bed bugs.

 

What Kills Bed Bugs Instantly?

There are a few methods and products that can provide immediate or near-instant kill of bed bugs. Here are some options:

  • High heat: They are highly sensitive to heat, and exposing them to temperatures above 120°F (49°C) can kill them. You can use a clothes dryer on high heat to treat infested clothing, bedding, and other fabric items.
  • Insecticidal sprays: Certain insecticides labeled for bed bug control can provide quick knockdown of bed bugs. Pyrethroid-based sprays or aerosols are commonly used for this purpose. It’s important to carefully read and follow the instructions on the product label when using insecticides.
  • Contact sprays: Contact sprays formulated specifically for bed bugs can be used to directly spray and kill individual bugs on contact. These sprays usually contain ingredients that have a rapid knockdown effect.

 

What can I spray to get rid of Bed bugs?

When it comes to using insecticides for bed bug control, it’s important to choose products specifically labeled for that purpose and to follow the instructions provided.

Here are some types of insecticides for bed bug control:

  • Pyrethroid-based insecticides: These contain active ingredients like deltamethrin, cypermethrin, or lambda-cyhalothrin. They come in forms like sprays, aerosols, or concentrates, and examples include Temprid FX, Transport Mikron, and Demand CS.
  • Neonicotinoid–based insecticides: These have active ingredients like acetamiprid or imidacloprid. They are available as sprays or concentrates, and examples include CrossFire and Phantom.
  • Desiccant dusts: These insecticides work by dehydrating and drying out bed bugs. Common ones include diatomaceous earth (DE) and silica gel. Which you should apply with a duster in cracks, crevices, and hiding spots. (source)

 

It’s important to carefully read and follow the instructions on the product label, including the application method, dosage, and safety precautions.

 

Can you use regular Insecticide for Bed Bugs?

Using regular insecticides that are not specifically formulated for bed bugs may not be as effective in eliminating an infestation. They have developed resistance to many conventional insecticides over time. And they possess unique characteristics and behaviors that require targeted treatments.

Bed bug-specific insecticides are formulated to target the biology and behavior of these insects. They have specific active ingredients and are designed for use in cracks, crevices, and other areas where they hide. These products undergo rigorous testing to ensure their efficacy against them.

While general insecticides may kill some bed bugs on contact. They however may not reach all the hidden areas where they reside or effectively eliminate their eggs. Additionally, using the wrong insecticide or applying it incorrectly can be hazardous to your health or lead to ineffective results.

 

Conclusion

In this article, we answered the question: How to use WD-40 for bed bugs?
In conclusion, while WD-40 may have some incidental effects on bed bugs, it is not a reliable or recommended solution for treating infestations. WD-40’s primary purpose is as a lubricant and penetrating oil, and it lacks specific properties to effectively kill or repel these bloodsuckers.

To effectively treat an infestation, it is best to use insecticides specifically labeled for bed bug control. These products are designed to address the unique characteristics of bed bugs and provide more reliable results.

For those looking for information on the most efficient insecticide specifically formulated and tested for eliminating bed bugs. We recommend consulting our comprehensive Bed Bugs Spray Buying Guide.