Bedbugs in the apartment: what to do at home quickly and effectively with folk remedies? - briefly
Apply high‑temperature steam to infested areas, vacuum seams and cracks, then seal the mattress with an encasement; simultaneously disperse a mixture of diatomaceous earth and a few drops of peppermint or tea‑tree oil around baseboards and furniture to deter survivors. Repeat the process every few days until no insects are observed, then maintain a low‑humidity environment and regular inspection to prevent recurrence.
Bedbugs in the apartment: what to do at home quickly and effectively with folk remedies? - in detail
Bed bug infestations in residential units demand immediate action to prevent spreading and to reduce discomfort. Effective home-based measures rely on thorough preparation, targeted treatment, and ongoing monitoring.
First, isolate the problem area. Strip bedding, curtains, and clothing from the infested room and place them in sealed plastic bags. Wash all textiles in hot water (minimum 60 °C) and dry on high heat for at least 30 minutes; heat kills all life stages. For items that cannot be laundered, expose them to direct sunlight for several hours or store them in a freezer at –18 °C for 72 hours.
Second, eliminate hiding places. Vacuum carpets, mattress seams, baseboards, and furniture cracks using a high‑efficiency nozzle. Immediately discard the vacuum bag or empty the canister into a sealed bag and remove it from the premises. Apply a fine‑toothed brush to loosen eggs from fabric folds and crevices before vacuuming.
Third, apply proven folk remedies:
- Diatomaceous earth (food grade). Sprinkle a thin layer along mattress edges, behind headboards, under furniture legs, and in wall voids. Leave for 48 hours, then vacuum. The powder abrades the exoskeleton, causing dehydration.
- Essential oil blend. Mix 10 ml of tea tree oil, 10 ml of lavender oil, and 5 ml of peppermint oil with 500 ml of water. Spray onto surfaces, focusing on seams and cracks. Oils act as repellents and may disrupt feeding behavior.
- Heat treatment with a portable dryer. Place infested items in a dryer set to the highest temperature for 30 minutes. Heat penetrates deep layers, eliminating hidden stages.
- Steam cleaning. Use a commercial-grade steamer delivering steam above 100 °C. Direct the jet into mattress folds, sofa cushions, and other soft furnishings. Steam destroys eggs and nymphs on contact.
- Silica gel packets. Distribute packets in closets and under beds. Silica absorbs moisture, creating an inhospitable environment for the pests.
Fourth, seal all cracks and crevices with caulk or expanding foam to reduce refuge sites. Install protective mattress encasements that zip closed, ensuring no gaps for entry.
Finally, monitor progress. Place sticky interceptor traps beneath each leg of the bed and furniture. Replace traps weekly and record captures. Continue the above regimen for at least two weeks, as bed bugs can survive several weeks without feeding.
Combining rigorous sanitation, physical removal, and the listed natural treatments offers a rapid, cost‑effective response to a domestic infestation without resorting to professional chemicals.