Does Bleach Kill Bed Bugs?

Bleach can kill bed bugs and their eggs on direct contact, but it’s not an effective or safe way to handle an infestation. Bed bugs hide deep in cracks, crevices, and furniture where bleach can’t reach, and using it around your home comes with risks to your health and property.

Let’s look at how bleach works, its limits, and safer alternatives you can rely on.

Can Bleach Kill Bed Bugs?

Yes, bleach can kill bed bugs by breaking down their exoskeleton, which causes dehydration and death. But it only works when the insect is directly sprayed or soaked.

Here’s what you need to know:

• Effective on contact: Bleach kills exposed bed bugs that are sprayed or soaked.
• Limited reach: It cannot penetrate furniture, cracks, or deep hiding spots.
• Safety risks: Bleach fumes can irritate your lungs and damage surfaces.
• Not a long-term fix: Surviving bugs continue to breed and spread.

Bleach might knock out a few visible pests, but it won’t eliminate an infestation on its own.

Can Bleach and Water Kill Bed Bugs?

Diluting bleach with water makes it even less effective. While concentrated bleach can kill on contact, mixing it with water reduces its strength, lowering its ability to break down bed bug shells. It is not recommended to use bleach and water to kill bed bugs.

How Long Does it Take Bleach to Kill Bed Bugs?

Bleach may kill bed bugs in as little as 10 to 60 seconds of direct exposure, depending on the concentration. But again, only the bugs that are directly hit with bleach are affected. But for the majority of bed bugs hiding out of reach, bleach has no lasting effect. That’s why it isn’t considered a reliable solution.

Does Bleach Kill Bed Bug Eggs?

Yes, bleach can kill bed bug eggs if applied directly. It oxidizes the eggshell, damaging its protective layer and dehydrating the developing nymphs inside.

The challenge is that bed bug eggs are tiny and often hidden in hard-to-see places, making it nearly impossible to treat them all.

Does Bleach Kill Bed Bugs and Their Eggs Together?

When bleach touches both bed bugs and their eggs, it will kill them together. But again, bleach can’t reach the ones tucked away in mattress seams, behind walls, or inside furniture. The hidden population survives, which keeps the infestation going.

Does Bleach Kill Bed Bugs in Laundry?

Adding bleach to laundry can kill some bed bugs, but the real power comes from hot water and high heat. Washing fabrics on a hot cycle and then drying them on the highest heat setting is one of the most reliable ways to eliminate both bed bugs and eggs.

But is bleach necessary to kill bed bugs in laundry? No. In fact, it can damage delicate fabrics and doesn’t add much benefit compared to heat alone.

Safer Alternatives to Using Bleach

Because bleach is harsh, risky, and limited in effectiveness, experts recommend other methods to actually eliminate bed bugs. Some safer and more reliable options include:

• Professional bed bug control services that use proven methods
• Heat treatments or steaming, which kill bugs and eggs in all life stages
• Targeted insecticides specifically designed for bed bugs
• Thorough vacuuming and cleaning to remove visible bugs and eggs

These approaches are more effective than bleach, without the property damage or health risks.

Need Help Getting Rid of Bed Bugs?

Bleach may kill a few bed bugs on contact, but it won’t solve the problem. The key to a truly bed-bug-free home is using safe, effective methods that target both the visible pests and the ones hiding out of sight. If you suspect bed bugs in your home, don’t rely on risky DIY fixes — contact our team today for professional bed bug treatment. We’ll confirm the problem and design a treatment plan that gets rid of bed bugs for good.

Worried about pests other than bed bugs? Our sister company, Crown & Shield, offers pest control services across Northern California for all types of pests. Contact them today to let them know how they can help you!