Can bed bugs live in a refrigerator? It is quite surprising but you can find some bed bugs in the refrigerator. That only happens if there is a heavy infestation. Or, it can also happen if the refrigerator is placed near the kitchen.
In some places, you will find a refrigerator next to the bed. It is common actually, especially for those small flat or apartment rooms. That is why it is completely possible for bed bugs to also infest it. A fridge doesn’t kill bed bugs.
So, in this article, let me share 4 effective ways to deal with bed bugs in refrigerators. The following techniques are originally referred from works at Integrated Pest Management Cornell University as follows:
- Inspection
- Hand wash
- Vacuuming
- Using heat
Now, let us dive in.
Related post : How to Get Rid of Bed Bugs in Cell Phones
Where to Inspect to Find Bed Bugs in Refrigerator?
The core of inspection is to make sure whether there are any bed bugs in the refrigerator or not. Basically, a good refrigerator is a safe place because the door there has a seal, right?
So, in order to check the bed bugs in the refrigerator, you need to check the gasket or seal on the doors. In these house appliances, what you look for is evidence that the bed bugs live there.
While you are doing this, make sure you do it carefully. It is because what you look for is their eggs, feces, and even the dead skin. Also, if you are familiar, the odor is also important.
You can use a magnifying glass and flashlight. So, there is nothing that can be missed.
Do We Literally Do Hand Wash?
If you think that you need to hand wash the whole refrigerator, then the answer is no. To get bed bugs out of the refrigerator, you don’t really need to wash all parts of the refrigerator.
Here, you have to focus on the gasket/seal of the refrigerator. At the inspection, you need to check that part right? Well, it is completely necessary to clean it.
It is because that is the only space that possibly allows the bed bugs to get in. However, it is not that easy because all refrigerators have a tight seal to keep the temperature inside.
To clean it, you need a toothbrush or cotton swab to scrub it. Do it carefully, so you will not break the seal/gasket.
Here, to treat bed bugs in electronics by hand wash, you do need a particular detergent to clean all the bed bugs, including its eggs and nymph.
What Parts That Needs to Vacuum?
When you found nothing in the gasket/seal on the door, you need to try vacuuming your refrigerator. But, in what parts? It seems impossible and doesn’t make sense, right?
So, why do bed bugs hide in the refrigerator? Actually, there are two parts of the refrigerator that are good for them to live namely the motor and the filter of the refrigerator.
But, how do I get out of bed bugs from refrigerator?
Here, you can use a crevice tool to reach the difficult part of the filter and the motor. So, you can suck them out.
In this case, the best vacuum you need to do this job is the one with HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filters. This filter can prevent any particles and dust to go outside into the air. So, it is very necessary to prevent bed bugs in small sizes, including eggs, from escaping.
Well, that kind of vacuum can be very expensive. Also, usually, a HEPA vacuum doesn’t come with any extra attachments.
Use Heat to Flush Bed Bugs in Refrigerator Out
When you find some difficulties to suck bed bugs inside, you need something to make them get out first. In this case, you need to use heat.
This trick is similar to the way people make bees get away from their nests by using smoke. But, in this way, you need at least 122°F heat, and the best is actually 125°F.
To do this effectively, you need a hairdryer. Just point the heat to the difficult parts that you cannot reach. So, they will get out. However, the problem is that there are some spots in the refrigerator that cannot be reached by a hairdryer. So, you need a space heater.
Here, by using a space heater, even the bed bugs’ eggs can be eliminated. This heater also can kill bed bugs in mattresses, couches, chairs, tables, books, shoes, papers, files, clothes, electronics, bedding, and more.
Well, that is about the 4 Effective Ways to Deal with Bed Bugs in Refrigerators. You can also check the following article How to Get Rid of Bed Bugs in Electronics to get other techniques in dealing with bed bugs in other household appliances.