How can I eliminate bedbugs at home using wormwood? - briefly
Apply a concentrated wormwood essential‑oil spray to all infested surfaces, then vacuum and steam‑clean to eliminate insects and their eggs. Repeat the application weekly until no bedbugs are detected.
How can I eliminate bedbugs at home using wormwood? - in detail
Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium) contains volatile oils and terpenes that are toxic to bed‑bug nymphs and adults. Effective use requires a systematic approach.
First, confirm infestation. Look for live insects, shed skins, dark fecal spots on mattresses, and bites on the skin. Isolate the affected area by removing bedding, curtains, and clutter that can shelter insects.
Prepare the plant material. Dried wormwood leaves can be crushed into a fine powder or steeped in hot water to make a concentrated extract. For a spray, combine 30 g of powdered wormwood with 1 L of water, heat to 80 °C for 15 minutes, then cool and strain through a fine mesh. Add a few drops of mild liquid soap to improve adhesion to surfaces.
Apply the solution as follows:
- Spray seams, folds, and crevices of mattresses, box springs, and bed frames thoroughly.
- Treat the edges of furniture, baseboards, and behind wall hangings where bugs hide.
- Lightly dust powdered wormwood into cracks, then vacuum after 24 hours to remove dead insects.
Repeat the treatment every 3–5 days for at least three weeks, as bed‑bug eggs hatch in 5–10 days and may survive initial exposure.
Safety considerations:
- Wear gloves and a mask to avoid inhaling strong fumes.
- Keep children and pets away from treated areas until the spray dries.
- Test a small, hidden surface first to ensure no discoloration.
Complementary measures increase success:
- Wash all linens and clothing at 60 °C, then dry on high heat.
- Vacuum rooms daily, discarding bag contents in a sealed bag.
- Seal cracks in walls and floors with caulk to limit re‑infestation.
Monitoring after the final application involves placing sticky traps near suspected hideouts and inspecting them weekly for several months. Persistent detection indicates the need for additional wormwood treatments or professional pest control.