How can I get rid of bedbugs using folk remedies? - briefly
Apply diatomaceous earth to cracks, seams, and mattress edges, vacuum after 24–48 hours, and wash all bedding in hot water. Follow with steam‑treating furniture and occasional sprays of tea‑tree or lavender essential oil to deter remaining insects.
How can I get rid of bedbugs using folk remedies? - in detail
Bedbug infestations require prompt, thorough action. Recognizing live insects, shed skins, and dark spotting confirms presence. Once verified, natural approaches can complement professional treatment.
- Diatomaceous earth – Apply a thin layer to seams, baseboards, and under furniture. The microscopic silica particles abrade the insect’s exoskeleton, causing dehydration. Leave undisturbed for 48 hours, then vacuum thoroughly.
- Essential oils – Mix 20 drops of tea‑tree, lavender, or peppermint oil with 2 cups of water and a teaspoon of liquid soap. Spray directly onto cracks, mattress edges, and bedding. Repeat every 24 hours for at least a week. Oils act as repellents and may impair feeding.
- Heat exposure – Raise room temperature to 50 °C (122 °F) for a minimum of 30 minutes. Portable heaters or professional steamers can reach the necessary heat level, killing all life stages on surfaces and within fabrics.
- Cold treatment – Seal infested items in airtight bags and place in a freezer at –18 °C (0 °F) for 72 hours. Extreme cold eliminates eggs and adults in clothing, linens, and small objects.
- Vacuuming – Use a HEPA‑rated vacuum to remove insects from seams, carpet fibers, and upholstery. Empty the canister into a sealed bag and discard outside the dwelling.
- Alcohol solution – Apply 70 % isopropyl alcohol to visible bugs and their hiding places. Alcohol penetrates the cuticle, causing rapid desiccation. Reapply after each cleaning cycle.
- Baking soda and salt – Sprinkle a mixture along baseboards and mattress folds. Both substances absorb moisture from the insects, reducing survival rates. Sweep up after 48 hours.
Additional measures strengthen efficacy:
- Encase mattresses and box springs in zippered covers rated for pest control; keep sealed for at least 12 months.
- Wash all bedding, curtains, and removable fabrics at 60 °C (140 °F) or higher; dry on the hottest setting.
- Reduce clutter to limit hiding spots; maintain low humidity to discourage development.
Combine multiple methods for best results. Monitor progress with sticky traps placed near suspected routes. Persistent populations may require professional heat or chemical treatment, but thorough application of these traditional techniques often achieves substantial reduction without hazardous substances.