How should ammonia be used against bed bugs? - briefly
Dilute household ammonia to a 5 % solution, apply it with a spray bottle to seams, crevices, and infested surfaces, and allow it to remain wet for at least 15 minutes before vacuuming. Use protective gloves and ensure good ventilation to avoid respiratory irritation.
How should ammonia be used against bed bugs? - in detail
Ammonia can be employed as a contact and fumigant agent against bed bugs, but effectiveness depends on correct preparation, application, and safety measures.
Prepare a solution using household ammonia (5–10 % ammonium hydroxide). Dilute with water to achieve a 2–3 % concentration for surface spraying; higher concentrations (up to 10 %) are used for confined spaces where vapor exposure is intended. Always test a small, hidden area first to confirm material compatibility.
Apply the liquid with a fine‑mist sprayer directly onto cracks, crevices, and the undersides of furniture where insects hide. Ensure thorough coverage, allowing the liquid to remain wet for at least 15 minutes before wiping or vacuuming. For vapor treatment, place an open container of undiluted ammonia in a sealed room, close all exits, and leave for 30–45 minutes. Ventilate the space thoroughly afterward.
Protective equipment is mandatory: wear gloves, goggles, and a respirator rated for ammonia fumes. Keep children, pets, and food items out of the treated area. Avoid using ammonia on porous fabrics or painted surfaces that may be damaged by the alkaline solution.
Limitations include reduced efficacy against eggs, limited penetration into deep voids, and the potential for resistance development. Ammonia should be considered a supplemental tactic, combined with heat treatment, mattress encasements, and professional pest‑management services for severe infestations.
Monitor treated zones regularly. Reapply the solution after a week if live insects are still observed, and maintain a clean environment to prevent re‑infestation.