How can I get rid of bedbugs using folk remedies in the apartment?

How can I get rid of bedbugs using folk remedies in the apartment? - briefly

Apply high heat by washing all linens at 60 °C, steam‑treating mattresses, and using a portable steamer on furniture; sprinkle food‑grade diatomaceous earth in cracks, and regularly spray a 5 % solution of tea tree or lavender essential oil diluted in water. Repeat each step weekly for at least a month and combine with thorough vacuuming to ensure complete eradication.

How can I get rid of bedbugs using folk remedies in the apartment? - in detail

Bedbugs thrive in cracks, seams, and fabric folds. Begin by locating active sites: small reddish‑brown spots on sheets, live insects in mattress edges, or shed skins in furniture joints. Removing the infestation requires a systematic approach that combines cleaning, isolation, and natural agents that disrupt the insects’ exoskeleton or respiratory system.

1. Physical removal

   • Vacuum every mattress, box spring, carpet, and upholstery on a high‑speed setting. Dispose of the vacuum bag in a sealed plastic container.
   • Wash all bedding, curtains, and removable fabrics at ≥ 60 °C for at least 30 minutes; dry on high heat.
   • Steam‑clean seams, crevices, and upholstery at ≥ 100 °C for a minimum of five minutes per area.

2. Barrier creation

   • Apply a tightly woven mattress and box‑spring encasement, sealing all edges with tape.
   • Seal baseboard gaps, outlet covers, and wall cracks with silicone caulk to prevent re‑entry.

3. Folk remedies

   Diatomaceous earth (food grade) – Sprinkle a thin layer around bed legs, under furniture, and in wall voids. Its microscopic silica particles abrade the insects’ cuticle, leading to dehydration. Leave for 48 hours, then vacuum.

   Essential oils – Mix 10 ml of tea tree oil or lavender oil with 200 ml of water, add a few drops of dish soap, and spray directly onto infested surfaces. The volatile compounds act as repellents and mild neurotoxins. Reapply every 24 hours for a week.

   Isopropyl alcohol (70 %) – Fill a spray bottle and mist cracks, seams, and visible insects. Alcohol dissolves the waxy coating on the exoskeleton, causing rapid mortality. Do not use on dyed fabrics that may bleed.

   Baking soda and salt – Combine equal parts, sprinkle along baseboards and under bed frames. Both substances desiccate the pests and can be vacuumed after 24 hours.

   White vinegar – Dilute 1:1 with water, spray onto infested areas, then wipe with a clean cloth. The acidic environment disrupts the insects’ respiratory system.

4. Heat exposure

   • Place infested items in a portable dryer set to high heat for 30 minutes.
   • Use a portable heater to raise room temperature to ≥ 45 °C for several hours, focusing on hidden zones.

5. Monitoring

   • Install interceptors under each leg of the bed; check daily for trapped insects.
   • Continue vacuuming and re‑applying natural agents for at least three weeks, as bedbugs can survive without feeding for extended periods.

6. Precautions

   • Wear a mask and gloves when handling diatomaceous earth to avoid inhalation.
   • Test essential‑oil mixtures on a hidden fabric patch to prevent discoloration.
   • Ensure adequate ventilation when using alcohol or vinegar to reduce fumes.

By integrating thorough cleaning, physical barriers, and the listed home‑based treatments, an apartment can be cleared of bedbugs without resorting to chemical pesticides. Persistence over several weeks is essential, as the insects’ life cycle demands repeated interventions.