How can I get rid of bedbugs in an apartment at home using folk remedies? - briefly
Use high‑temperature steam and meticulous vacuuming of seams, mattress covers, and furniture to kill the insects, then wash all bedding and linens at 60 °C. Follow with a thin layer of diatomaceous earth and a diluted spray of tea‑tree or lavender oil to deter any survivors and prevent reinfestation.
How can I get rid of bedbugs in an apartment at home using folk remedies? - in detail
Bedbugs thrive in cracks, seams, and hidden folds of furniture and bedding. Effective elimination with non‑chemical methods requires a systematic approach that combines thorough cleaning, temperature extremes, and natural substances known to repel or kill the insects.
Begin by stripping the sleeping area of all linens, curtains, and removable upholstery. Wash each item in water hotter than 60 °C (140 °F) for at least 30 minutes; if the fabric tolerates it, use the dryer on the highest setting for 30 minutes. Heat destroys eggs and adult insects quickly.
Next, vacuum every surface, paying special attention to mattress seams, box‑spring crevices, headboards, and baseboards. Use a hose attachment to reach tight spaces, then immediately empty the vacuum bag or canister into a sealed plastic bag and discard it outdoors. This step removes a large portion of the population and reduces the number of hiding places.
Apply diatomaceous earth (food‑grade) liberally to the following locations:
- Mattress and box‑spring edges
- Bed frame joints
- Behind baseboard molding
- Under furniture legs
- Cracks in walls or floorboards
Leave the powder undisturbed for 48–72 hours. The microscopic silica particles abrade the insects’ exoskeletons, causing dehydration and death. After the exposure period, vacuum the residue thoroughly.
For temperature‑based treatment, use a portable steamer capable of producing steam at 100 °C (212 °F). Slowly move the steam head over:
- Mattress surfaces, especially seams and tags
- Upholstered chairs and sofas
- Curtain rods and drapery folds
- Carpet edges and under‑furniture spaces
Steam penetrates deep into fabric layers, killing both bugs and eggs on contact. Allow treated areas to dry completely before reuse.
Cold can also be lethal. Place infested items (e.g., small rugs, clothing, decorative pillows) in a freezer set to –18 °C (0 °F) for a minimum of 72 hours. Ensure the temperature is maintained throughout the period; intermittent warming can allow survivors to recover.
Natural oils with documented repellent or insecticidal properties can supplement mechanical methods. Prepare a spray by mixing:
- 30 ml of distilled water
- 15 ml of rubbing alcohol (70 % isopropyl)
- 10 drops of tea tree oil
- 5 drops of lavender oil
- 5 drops of peppermint oil
Shake well and apply to:
- Mattress tops, avoiding excessive soaking that could promote mold
- Bed frame joints and cracks
- Upholstery seams
Repeat the application every three days for two weeks, then weekly for an additional month to break the life cycle.
Baking soda and boric acid may be used as dusts in similar fashion to diatomaceous earth, though their efficacy against bedbugs is lower. If chosen, apply thin layers to the same target areas and vacuum after 48 hours.
Finally, encase the mattress and box spring in a zippered, bedbug‑proof cover rated to resist penetration by insects. Keep the encasement on for at least one year; this period exceeds the insects’ life span, preventing any survivors from escaping.
By executing these steps in sequence—heat washing, thorough vacuuming, abrasive powder treatment, steam or freezing, essential‑oil spraying, and protective encasement—an apartment can be cleared of bedbugs without resorting to synthetic pesticides. Consistency and attention to hidden habitats are essential for lasting success.