How can clothing bedbugs be eliminated with folk remedies at home? - briefly
Use high heat (≥ 120 °F) in a dryer or iron to kill all stages, then dust fabrics with diatomaceous earth or spray a diluted lavender or tea‑tree oil solution, repeating after seven days. Ensure garments are sealed in plastic bags during treatment to prevent re‑infestation.
How can clothing bedbugs be eliminated with folk remedies at home? - in detail
Eliminating bedbugs that have infested clothing can be achieved with a series of proven household techniques that do not require professional chemicals. The process begins with isolation, proceeds through treatment, and finishes with verification.
First, separate contaminated garments from clean laundry. Place each item in a sealed plastic bag and store it in a freezer set to –18 °C (0 °F) for at least 72 hours. The prolonged cold exposure kills all life stages of the insect. After thawing, wash the clothing in the hottest water the fabric can tolerate, typically 60 °C (140 °F) or higher, using a heavy‑duty detergent. Follow with a high‑heat dryer cycle lasting at least 30 minutes; temperatures above 50 °C (122 °F) are lethal to bedbugs and their eggs.
If freezing or high‑temperature laundering is impractical, apply the following folk remedies:
- Steam treatment: Direct steam at 100 °C (212 °F) onto seams, folds, and hems for 10 seconds per spot. The heat penetrates fabric layers, destroying insects and eggs.
- Baking soda paste: Mix equal parts baking soda and water, spread a thin layer on the interior of garments, let dry, then brush off. Baking soda desiccates the pests, reducing survival rates.
- Essential‑oil spray: Combine 20 ml of tea‑tree oil, 10 ml of lavender oil, and 1 liter of water in a spray bottle. Lightly mist clothing, ensuring the solution does not saturate the fabric. The volatile compounds act as repellents and can interfere with the insects’ respiratory system.
- Sun exposure: Lay garments flat under direct sunlight for a minimum of six hours. Ultraviolet radiation and heat together cause mortality in bedbugs and inhibit egg development.
After any of these treatments, conduct a visual inspection. Look for live insects, shed skins, or dark spotting (fecal matter) along seams and pockets. Repeat the chosen method once more if any signs persist.
To prevent re‑infestation, store cleaned clothing in airtight containers, avoid placing items on the floor, and regularly vacuum surrounding areas. Maintaining these practices eliminates the need for chemical pesticides while ensuring garments remain free of bedbugs.