Last Updated on June 29, 2023 by Alene Schill
Bed bugs are pesky little insects that feed on human blood and can be found in various places, including shoes. These tiny bugs can make their way into your shoes and hide inside, making it challenging to eliminate them.
If you have bed bugs in your shoes, you must immediately prevent them from spreading to other areas of your home.
We will provide practical methods to help you get bed bugs out of your shoes to keep your feet and home bug-free.
Whether you’re dealing with a minor infestation or a severe bed bug problem, these tips will help you eliminate them and keep them from returning.
Can You Wash Shoes To Get Rid Of Bed Bugs?
Washing your shoes can help remove bed bugs [1] hiding inside them. However, washing them correctly is crucial, as not all shoes can be washed in a washing machine.
Start by removing dirt or debris from your shoes and placing them in a plastic bag. Seal the bag tightly and put it in the freezer for a few days to kill bed bugs and their eggs.
Next, wash your shoes in hot water and dry them on high heat for at least 30 minutes. Inspecting your shoes thoroughly after washing is essential to ensure that all bed bugs have been eliminated.
While washing your shoes may help remove bed bugs, it may not be enough to eliminate a severe infestation.
In such cases, contacting a professional pest control company is best to help you eliminate bed bugs.
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Are There Any Natural Remedies For Getting Bed Bugs Out Of Shoes?
- Diatomaceous Earth – Diatomaceous earth is a natural insecticide made from fossilized algae. Sprinkle a small amount of diatomaceous earth inside your shoes and leave it for a few days before vacuuming it out. Diatomaceous earth works by dehydrating bed bugs, causing them to die.
- Essential Oils – Essential oils such as lavender, tea tree [2], or peppermint oil can effectively repel bed bugs. Mix a few drops of oil with water and spray it inside your shoes. Not only do these oils repel bed bugs, but they also leave a pleasant scent.
- Baking Soda – Baking soda is a natural deodorizer that can help absorb shoe moisture and odors. Sprinkle baking soda inside your shoes and leave it for a few days before vacuuming it out. Baking soda can help deter bed bugs by making the environment inside your shoes less hospitable.
- Heat – Bed bugs cannot survive in high temperatures. Place your shoes in a plastic bag and leave them in a sunny area for a few hours. Alternatively, you can use a hair dryer to blow hot air inside your shoes for several minutes. The heat will kill any bed bugs and their eggs inside your shoes.
How Do Bed Bugs Get Into Shoes?
Bed bugs are excellent hitchhikers who can quickly get into shoes unnoticed. They often hide in cracks and crevices in your home, such as in mattresses, bedding, and furniture.
“Give a girl the right shoes, and she can conquer the world.”
– Marilyn Monroe, American Actress
Bed bugs may climb onto your shoes and hide inside when you walk around your home. Also, bed bugs may be present where you keep your shoes, such as in a closet or storage area.
When you wear your shoes, bed bugs can crawl inside and make themselves at home.
Bed bugs can survive for months without feeding, so it’s crucial to be vigilant and take preventive measures to keep them out of your shoes and home.
What Are The Signs Of Bed Bugs In Shoes?
- Fecal Spots – Bed bugs leave behind small black or brown fecal spots resembling tiny dots. You may see these spots on the inside of your shoes.
- Live Bugs – You may notice minor, reddish-brown bugs inside your shoes. Bed bugs are about the size of an apple seed, so they can be challenging to spot.
- Cast Skins – As bed bugs grow, they shed their skins, leaving small, translucent shells behind. You may see these cast skins inside your shoes.
- Unexplained Bites – Bed bugs feed on human blood, and their bites can cause itching and discomfort. If you’ve been experiencing unexplained bites on your feet or ankles, it may be a sign of bed bugs in your shoes.
- Musty Odor – Bed bugs release a musty odor, which can be especially noticeable in areas with severe infestation. If you smell a musty odor coming from your shoes, it may be a sign of bed bugs.
FAQs
How long to dry shoes for bed bugs?
To effectively kill bed bugs with heat, shoes should be placed in a dryer on high heat for at least 30 minutes.
How to prevent bed bugs from getting into your shoes?
To prevent bed bugs from getting into your shoes, store them in airtight containers or bags, inspect them before bringing them into your home, and avoid placing them on the floor or in areas with bed bugs.
Final Thoughts
Getting bed bugs out of your shoes can be challenging, but it is necessary to prevent an infestation in your home.
The most effective way to get rid of bed bugs in shoes is by using heat treatment methods, such as a dryer or a steamer.
Additionally, taking preventative measures, such as inspecting shoes before bringing them inside and storing them in airtight containers, can help to prevent bed bugs from infesting your footwear in the first place.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your shoes are bed bug-free and help to prevent the spread of these unwanted pests in your home.
References:
- https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/guide/bedbugs-infestation
- https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/tea-tree-oil
Alene Schill is a property manager from Columbus, Ohio, who has dealt with numerous pest control agencies. She helps families find the perfect homes and knows very well that bed bugs are an ultimate deal-breaker. She enjoys cycling around Scioto Mile during her spare time.