Does Rubbing Alcohol Kill Bed Bugs? What You Should Know

Bed bugs are not just gross—they’re relentless. You think you’ve won the war after tossing your bedding in the dryer, only to wake up two days later with fresh bites and a grudge. And somewhere along the way, someone always says, “Just spray rubbing alcohol on them.”

But does rubbing alcohol kill bed bugs? Or are you just giving your mattress a spa day for no reason?

Here’s the breakdown—clear, honest, and hopefully without a fresh itch by the end.

Why People Use Rubbing Alcohol on Bed Bugs

Rubbing alcohol—usually isopropyl alcohol—has become a go-to DIY weapon for bug battles. It’s cheap, easy to find, and has that strong chemical smell that screams, “I’m doing something productive!” It evaporates quickly, which means it doesn’t leave residue. And most importantly: it can kill bugs on contact.

So it sounds like a dream, right? Spray the mattress, the couch, your socks—and boom. No more bed bugs.

Well… not so fast.

What Rubbing Alcohol Actually Does to Bed Bugs

Rubbing alcohol can kill bed bugs. Specifically, it dissolves their outer shell and dehydrates them to death. It’s like the desert in a bottle—bed bugs don’t stand a chance if they’re directly hit.

Here’s the catch: you have to spray it directly on the bugs. If you miss even by an inch, it won’t do much. And since bed bugs are Olympic-level hiders—slipping into mattress seams, wall cracks, and the buttons on your recliner—you’re rarely going to hit all of them.

Also, eggs? Alcohol is way less effective on those. So even if you massacre a few adult bugs, their eggy little revenge squad may still hatch and come after you later.

A Quick Myth Buster: “Rubbing Alcohol Will Get Rid of the Whole Infestation”

Nope. Not even close.

Think of rubbing alcohol as the bug-fighting equivalent of a kitchen towel when you’ve spilled a gallon of milk. Sure, you did something. But the floor’s still soaked.

You may kill a few bugs, and it might even give you temporary peace of mind. But as a full-blown solution? It’s like trying to dig a pool with a spoon.

Is It Safe to Use Rubbing Alcohol for Bed Bugs?

Let’s be real: rubbing alcohol is flammable. Like, very flammable.

Spraying it around your mattress, your couch, or (yikes) electrical outlets creates a fire risk that isn’t worth the handful of dead bugs you might score. There have even been cases where people accidentally started fires trying to “alcohol-bomb” their bed bug problem.

So unless you want a dramatic “burn it all down” solution—literally—this isn’t the safest route.

Better Ways to Handle Bed Bugs (Still DIY!)

Rubbing alcohol might be your first instinct, but let’s look at a few DIY alternatives that are safer and more effective:

1. Steam Clean Like a Maniac

Bed bugs and heat don’t mix. A good steam cleaner can kill bed bugs and their eggs on contact—no toxic chemicals, no fire hazard. Just make sure the steam gets into every crack and corner.

2. Vacuum Everything (Then Empty Outside)

Vacuum daily—mattress seams, carpets, baseboards. Then take that vacuum bag and toss it outside like it just insulted your grandmother.

3. Mattress Encasements

Trap bed bugs inside and starve them out. Encasements are cheap, effective, and make you feel like you’ve taken back control.

4. Diatomaceous Earth

This fine, chalky powder slices through bed bugs’ exoskeletons and dehydrates them. It’s slow but deadly. Just be sure to use food-grade DE and apply it in dry, undisturbed areas.

5. Launder Like You Mean It

Wash all bedding, clothes, and soft items on high heat. Dry them thoroughly. Repeat every few days while treating your space.

A Mini Story: “That Time I Thought I Beat the Bugs…”

So here’s the deal. I once sprayed every corner of my bedroom with rubbing alcohol before going on vacation, thinking I’d return to a bug-free life. Came back a week later, feeling smug—until I flipped the mattress.

They were back. Or maybe they never left.

Turns out, I gave them a break from my nightly attacks. Like a spa retreat. Lesson learned: you can’t just douse and dash.

Can You Combine Alcohol with Other Methods?

Sure, you can include it in your routine—but treat it like the hot sauce on your burrito. A little for extra kick, but not the whole meal. Use alcohol if you see a bed bug crawling. Zap it. But don’t rely on it to wipe out the whole colony hiding in your box spring.

Instead, use a multi-layered approach: heat, vacuuming, dust, laundering, and sealing. That’s your real combo meal.

Why Professional Help Might Still Be Needed

There’s a reason pest control companies exist. They have stronger tools, experience, and thermal treatment systems that can hit every bug and egg. DIY is great if you catch it early, but if your bites are showing up like Morse code… it might be time to call in the pros.

(And no, they won’t just show up with rubbing alcohol.)

Final Thoughts

So—does rubbing alcohol kill bed bugs?

Yes, but only on contact, and not reliably enough to solve the whole problem.

It’s like putting out a campfire with a squirt gun. Possible? Maybe. Practical? Not really.

For a truly bug-free home, go beyond the bottle. Use heat, use patience, and if needed—use the phone to call in the cavalry.

FAQ

Can I use rubbing alcohol on my mattress?
Yes, but it’s risky. Alcohol is highly flammable, and unless you’re spraying it directly on visible bugs, it likely won’t help much. Always test a small area first and never combine with heat sources.

How long does it take to get rid of bed bugs with DIY methods?
It depends on the infestation size and how consistent you are. With daily effort—steam, vacuuming, laundry, and traps—you might see results in a few weeks. But be ready for follow-up treatments for months.

Want a pest-free home without dousing your bed in flammable liquids? Then it’s time to ditch the alcohol spray bottle and go full DIY warrior—with smarter tools and a safer plan.