How can bedbugs be removed using folk remedies? - briefly
Apply food‑grade diatomaceous earth to seams, cracks and mattress edges, leave it for 24 hours, then vacuum thoroughly; wash all linens and clothing in water above 60 °C and dry on high heat. Follow with a spray of diluted essential oils—such as tea tree, lavender or peppermint—on surfaces to deter surviving insects.
How can bedbugs be removed using folk remedies? - in detail
Bedbugs can be tackled with a range of traditional home‑based methods, each targeting different stages of the insect’s life cycle.
A common approach involves heat. Washing all linens, clothing, and removable fabrics in water hotter than 60 °C (140 °F) for at least 30 minutes kills adults, nymphs, and eggs. After washing, dry items on the highest dryer setting for a minimum of 30 minutes. For non‑removable items, portable steam cleaners delivering steam at 100 °C (212 °F) can be applied directly to mattresses, box springs, and upholstered furniture; sustained contact for 10–15 seconds is sufficient to destroy the pests.
Dry heat can also be employed. Placing infested objects in a sealed container and exposing them to a temperature of 45–50 °C (113–122 °F) for several days eliminates hidden bugs. Sunlight on a mattress for several hours, provided the surface reaches the required temperature, may contribute to reduction, though it is less reliable than controlled heat.
Desiccation techniques rely on substances that absorb moisture from the insect’s exoskeleton. Sprinkling diatomaceous earth—food‑grade, fine‑powdered silica—along seams, cracks, and the edges of beds creates a lethal barrier. The abrasive particles abrade the waxy coating, causing dehydration. A thin, even layer should be left for at least 48 hours before vacuuming.
Essential oils possess insecticidal properties. A mixture of 20 ml of distilled water, 5 ml of isopropyl alcohol, and 10 drops each of tea tree, lavender, and peppermint oil can be sprayed onto infested areas. The solution must remain wet for several hours; repeated applications every 2–3 days for two weeks improve efficacy. Caution: avoid over‑saturation of fabrics to prevent staining.
Natural soaps and detergents disrupt the bug’s respiratory system. Dissolving 1 cup of liquid Castile soap in a gallon of warm water and applying the solution with a spray bottle to cracks, crevices, and the periphery of the bed creates a suffocating environment. Direct contact for at least 15 minutes is required before wiping the area clean.
Vacuuming serves both as a mechanical removal and a preventative measure. Use a vacuum equipped with a HEPA filter, focusing on seams, tufts, and hidden pockets. After each session, immediately seal the vacuum bag or canister in a plastic bag and discard it to prevent re‑infestation.
Finally, isolation can limit spread. Encase mattresses and box springs in zippered, fabric‑reinforced covers designed to prevent bug entry. Keep the encasements on for a minimum of 12 months, the typical lifespan of a bedbug, to ensure any surviving individuals perish.
Combining heat treatment, desiccants, essential‑oil sprays, soap solutions, thorough vacuuming, and protective encasements provides a comprehensive, non‑chemical strategy for eliminating bedbugs using readily available household resources. Continuous monitoring and repeated application of these measures are essential to achieve complete eradication.