Using Mouth Wash to Kill Bed Bugs

I was recently informed that some schools are suggesting the use of antiseptic mouth wash to treat lice.

realizing that bed bugs are similar in nature, i filled a garden sprayer with mouth wash and went to work. so far not only does it kill on contact but they seem to turn to "mush" after a few minutes. i am also noticing that as they are driven out of their hiding places they are dying. not sure yet if there will be any residual effects of this but this seems to be a method worth checking into.

concept: think of how mouth wash feels in your mouth (when used properly). now knowing that mouth wash has some content of medical (not drinking) alcohol in it, when you mix this type of alcohol with water it can take your breath away (learned this using alcohol as a home remedy for lice). then you have the ingredients used for gingivitis, menthol being one, that create the "heat" in your mouth. add this to the fact that if a human swallows mouth wash they are directed to call poison control and seek medical attention, and you have a "good" reason to believe that it could be useful for bedbugs among other parasites.

i am trying this method and it seem s to be working.

Editor Response

Thanks for sharing your experiment. We found no research testing mouthwash on bed bugs. Mouthwashes that contain alcohol may kill some bugs they soak, much as rubbing alcohol does, but rubbing alcohol kills only about half of the bugs sprayed directly. Neither reaches hidden bugs or eggs, and neither leaves anything behind for bugs you miss.

Be careful spraying any alcohol-based liquid around a home. Alcohol is flammable, and alcohol used on bed bugs has started house fires.

Methods with much better evidence include drying clothes and bedding on high heat for at least 30 minutes, steaming seams and furniture, silica gel dust in cracks, and mattress encasements and interceptor traps. If bites continue after a few weeks, call 1-877-673-2704 for free quotes from local bed bug exterminators (we may be paid when you call).