How can I get rid of bedbugs in the apartment on my own and permanently using folk remedies? - briefly
Apply diatomaceous earth to cracks, seams, and mattress edges, then steam‑clean all textiles and surfaces, and treat with a diluted tea‑tree oil spray to repel survivors. Seal infested items in airtight plastic bags for at least two weeks to prevent re‑infestation.
How can I get rid of bedbugs in the apartment on my own and permanently using folk remedies? - in detail
Eliminating bedbugs without professional services relies on a combination of thorough sanitation, physical barriers, and natural substances known for insecticidal properties. The process must address all life stages—eggs, nymphs, and adults—to achieve lasting results.
Begin with a complete declutter of the living space. Remove unnecessary items that provide hiding places, such as piles of clothing, books, and upholstered furniture. Wash all textiles in hot water (minimum 60 °C) and dry on high heat for at least 30 minutes; heat kills insects at all developmental stages. For items that cannot be laundered, place them in sealed plastic bags and expose them to direct sunlight for several hours, as ultraviolet radiation and temperature spikes are lethal to bedbugs.
Next, treat surfaces with folk remedies that possess repellent or toxic effects:
- Diatomaceous earth – a fine powder composed of fossilized algae. Sprinkle a thin layer along baseboards, under mattress frames, and in cracks. The abrasive particles damage the insect exoskeleton, causing dehydration. Reapply after vacuuming or after any cleaning activity.
- Essential oil blend – combine equal parts tea tree oil, lavender oil, and peppermint oil with a carrier such as water or alcohol. Apply the mixture to mattress seams, box springs, and furniture crevices using a spray bottle. These oils act as repellents and may disrupt the insects’ nervous system.
- Baking soda – distribute a light coating on carpet fibers and upholstery. The powder absorbs moisture from the insects’ bodies, leading to desiccation. Vacuum thoroughly after 24 hours.
- Alcohol solution – use a 70 % isopropyl alcohol spray directly on visible bugs and their hiding spots. Alcohol penetrates the cuticle, causing rapid mortality. Avoid excessive moisture on fabrics to prevent mold growth.
Physical barriers reinforce chemical measures. Encase mattresses and box springs in zippered covers designed to trap insects; keep the encasement sealed for at least one year to ensure any remaining bugs die inside. Install double-sided tape around the legs of beds and chairs to capture crawling insects.
Maintain a regular monitoring routine. Place sticky traps near suspected harborage areas and replace them weekly. Inspect seams, folds, and joints of furniture for signs of activity—small reddish spots, shed skins, or live insects. Early detection allows timely re‑application of natural treatments before an infestation spreads.
Finally, control environmental conditions that favor bedbug proliferation. Reduce indoor humidity to below 50 % using dehumidifiers, and keep temperatures moderate; extreme heat or cold (above 45 °C or below –17 °C) for sustained periods eradicates the pests. Consistent housekeeping, combined with the described folk remedies, creates an inhospitable environment that prevents re‑infestation and promotes permanent elimination.