How can I get rid of bedbugs in the garden? - briefly
Apply a thorough soil treatment with diatomaceous earth or beneficial nematodes, and remove debris and excess moisture to disrupt the insects’ habitat. Follow with targeted insecticide sprays labeled for outdoor use if infestation persists.
How can I get rid of bedbugs in the garden? - in detail
Eliminating bedbugs from a garden requires an integrated approach that combines cultural, physical, biological, and chemical tactics.
Cultural measures reduce habitat suitability. Remove debris, fallen leaves, and excess mulch that provide hiding places. Trim vegetation to improve airflow and sunlight exposure, creating conditions less favorable for the insects. Rotate crops annually and avoid planting host plants near areas previously infested.
Physical actions target the insects directly. Use a high‑temperature steam cleaner on soil surfaces and plant stems; temperatures above 45 °C kill bedbugs within minutes. Apply diatomaceous earth in a thin layer around plant bases; the abrasive particles damage the exoskeleton, leading to dehydration. Install yellow‑light traps to monitor activity and capture adult specimens.
Biological options introduce natural enemies. Release predatory insects such as rove beetles (Staphylinidae) that prey on bedbug eggs and nymphs. Apply entomopathogenic fungi, for example « Beauveria bassiana », which infects and kills the pests without harming plants.
Chemical interventions serve as a last resort. Select products labeled for outdoor use against hemipteran pests, preferably with low toxicity to beneficial insects. Apply according to label directions, targeting soil cracks and plant crevices where the bugs shelter. Rotate active ingredients to prevent resistance development.
Preventive practices sustain control. Conduct regular inspections, focusing on plant roots, stems, and soil edges. Maintain proper irrigation to avoid overly moist conditions that attract bedbugs. Implement barrier fabrics under mulch to impede movement from adjacent infested zones.
By systematically applying these measures, a garden can be cleared of bedbugs and remain inhospitable to future infestations.