Can You Crush and Kill Bed Bugs?

by Jessica Smith
(New Boston, Ohio)

Reader Question: What is the best way to kill bed bugs? I have these small bugs but I don't know if they are bed bugs or just some kind of insect. They look like a bed bug maybe but these bugs you can kill them if you smash them. Can you kill a bed bug by smashing them with a paper towel or toilet paper.

Editor Answer: Can you kill bed bugs and crush them in a paper towel or toilet paper?

Hi Jessica,

Yes you can crush and kill bed bugs. The problem is that bed bugs are great a staying out of view. Plus since they are nocturnal, they only come out at at night, usually just before dawn.

If you think you have bed bugs, the best approach is to confirm that you actually have them. Try and catch an insect and show it to a local entomologist at a University, an exterminator, or someone at a local cooperative extension. There are many pictures of bed bugs here that you can use to compare to yours.

There are several insects that look like bed bugs such as small roaches, so it pays to get a confirmation of the problem, and then quickly arrange for treatment. Bed bug infestations quickly grow, with an adult female being able to lay up to 500 eggs.

Good luck! If you want to call an exterminator, the Service Magic network is a good place to start since they screen exterminators and will provide up to 3 free quotes.

Best of Luck.