How can I fight bedbugs in an apartment at home using folk remedies?

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How can I fight bedbugs in an apartment at home using folk remedies? - briefly
Apply diatomaceous earth to cracks, seams, and baseboards, then spray a diluted mixture of tea‑tree or lavender oil onto suspected spots, repeating the treatment weekly. Follow up by heating infested fabrics in a dryer or using a portable steamer to reach temperatures above 120 °F, which destroys any remaining bugs.

How can I fight bedbugs in an apartment at home using folk remedies? - in detail
Bedbugs hide in cracks, seams, and fabric folds, making thorough inspection the first step. Use a bright flashlight and a magnifying glass to locate live insects, shed skins, and dark spots (fecal stains) on mattresses, box springs, headboards, furniture joints, baseboards, and behind wallpaper. Mark each finding with a colored sticker to track treated areas.
Preparation of the living space

Remove all bedding, curtains, and removable upholstery. Place them in sealed plastic bags.
Wash textiles in hot water (minimum 60 °C) and dry on high heat for at least 30 minutes; heat kills all life stages.
Vacuum every surface, paying special attention to seams and crevices. Immediately discard the vacuum bag or empty the canister into a sealed bag and place it in an outdoor trash container.
Declutter rooms to reduce hiding places; store items in airtight containers.

Traditional remedies and their application

Diatomaceous earth (food‑grade) – a fine powder of fossilized algae.

Lightly dust cracks, mattress edges, and furniture joints.
Leave for 48 hours, then vacuum. Reapply weekly until no activity is observed.

Steam treatment – water vapor at ≥100 °C.

Use a handheld steamer with a narrow nozzle.
Slowly move over mattress seams, couch cushions, and baseboard gaps.
Steam each spot for at least 30 seconds to ensure penetration.

Essential oil spray – a mixture of peppermint, tea tree, and lavender oils (5 % total concentration) diluted in distilled water with a few drops of liquid soap as an emulsifier.

Fill a spray bottle, shake well, and mist directly onto observed insects and suspected harborages.
Repeat every 2–3 days; oils act as repellents and may disrupt feeding.

Heat exposure – portable electric heater or hair dryer set to high.

Direct hot air at infested zones for 5–10 minutes, maintaining a surface temperature of at least 45 °C.
Verify temperature with an infrared thermometer.

Baking soda and salt paste – combine equal parts, add minimal water to form a thick paste.

Apply to cracks and seams, allow to dry, then vacuum. The abrasive texture damages the exoskeleton.

Monitoring and follow‑up

Install passive glue traps near bed legs, under furniture, and along walls. Check traps weekly and record captures.
Repeat the inspection process after each treatment cycle; continue until no new evidence appears for at least two weeks.
Maintain a regular cleaning schedule: vacuum weekly, launder bedding weekly on hot cycles, and keep clutter to a minimum.

Precautions

Wear a mask and gloves when handling diatomaceous earth to avoid respiratory irritation.
Ensure adequate ventilation during essential‑oil application to prevent buildup of volatile compounds.
Test steam and heat on a small, inconspicuous fabric area to confirm heat tolerance.

By combining thorough inspection, heat, desiccation, and botanical repellents, a homeowner can significantly reduce or eradicate a bedbug problem without resorting to chemical pesticides. Consistent repetition of these steps is essential for complete eradication.