How To Clean Electronics From Bed Bugs
Keeping bed bugs away from electronics is a tricky business, especially if you live in an old building with wooden walls and carpeted flooring. But no matter what, keeping your tech as bed bug proof as possible is paramount to keeping your sanity during the early days of an infestation. If you’re reading this, it’s because you’ve discovered that sneaky little critters have claimed residency in your home. Now is the time to take action before they spread. Any electronics that cannot be removed from their current setting should be thoroughly cleaned and inspected for any small hiding spots – like behind your laptop screen!
Fortunately, there are a few things individuals can do to keep these pests out of the electronics that we love so much. This step by step guide will outline everything you need to know about cleaning electronics and preventing bed bug infestations.
Step 1: Use a Vacuum With a Beater Brush
First, grab a vacuum – and one with a beater brush attachment. The brush should be set to high, and the vacuum should be bagless whenever possible. When cleaning electronics that can be unplugged, unplug them and vacuum around the plug and the base of the electronic. This will prevent the vacuum from changing the position of the plug, which can cause potential issues later on. You may also want to vacuum out any drawers or cabinets with a vacuum that has a hose attachment. This will allow you to vacuum the entire drawer without having to remove everything. After vacuuming the area, wipe down the area with a clean, damp cloth. This will help pick up any debris that the vacuum may have missed. Next, use the beater brush to brush off any loose dirt, dirt that may have gotten stuck in the bristles of the vacuum, as well as any bed bugs that may have fallen out of their hiding spots. Be careful not to scratch the surface of the electronic, as this can cause damage. After you’ve finished vacuuming and brushing, take a look behind any and all drawers, cabinets, and vents. Bed bugs often like to congregate behind these areas.
Step 2: Use Isopropyl Alcohol and Cotton Swabs
Next, grab a bottle of 91% isopropyl alcohol and a few cotton swabs. Alcohol is a great disinfectant, but it has a particularly low evaporation point so it can evaporate quickly. This is great news for bed bug control, as the alcohol will kill the bed bugs on contact and evaporate quickly, preventing the bed bugs from building up a resistance. When cleaning electronics, you want to make sure to get both the tops and bottoms of every single plug and outlet. Be sure to clean both the inside and outside of each plug and outlet as well as any visible wires. Wiping down the inside of each plug with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol will help kill any bed bugs that may be inside.
Step 3: Use Commercial Electronic Cleaners
Next, you can use commercial electronics cleaners to help sanitize any electronics you cannot unplug. These sprays are meant to kill any bacteria, germs, and bed bugs that may be present. Be sure to read the label to ensure that the cleaner is safe for use on your electronic. You can spray the cleaner on both the inside and outside of the electronic, as well as on any wires, plugs, and the surrounding area. When cleaning laptops and computer towers, be sure to clean both the sides and the inside of the screen’s hinges. This will help prevent bed bugs from crawling up the screen and hiding there. Be sure to clean the inside of the screen as well as the outside.
Step 4: Steam Clean the Area with Hot Water
Finally, if you have access to a heavy-duty steamer, use it to thoroughly clean the area where your electronics are located. Bed bugs cannot survive being in scalding hot water, so this will help kill off any bed bugs hiding in your furniture or cabinets. When cleaning furniture, be sure to get into all the crevices and grooves, as bed bugs often like to hide in these places. Also, be sure to clean the undersides of furniture and furniture with drawers. Bed bugs are great climbers and can easily climb up the undersides of furniture and into the drawers or cabinets. When cleaning the area around your electronics, be sure to use plenty of water. The steam from the water will help kill any bed bugs that are present. Be sure to pay special attention to corners, edges, and any other parts of the area that is difficult to reach with a steamer.
Conclusion
Unfortunately, bed bugs are a reality that many people have to deal with on a regular basis. However, if you follow this step by step guide, you can keep your electronics clean and bed bug free while you rid your home of any existing bed bug infestations. With careful cleaning and a little extra attention to detail, you can keep your electronics bed bug free while you deal with an infestation. Be sure to keep your eye out for any suspicious bugs or signs of an infestation, and put this guide to good use as soon as you discover a problem.
