How can I get rid of household bedbugs using folk remedies? - briefly
Spread diatomaceous earth in cracks and crevices, then vacuum regularly while treating mattresses and furniture with high‑temperature steam. Wash all bedding in hot water and apply a diluted solution of tea tree or lavender oil to deter any remaining bugs.
How can I get rid of household bedbugs using folk remedies? - in detail
Bedbugs infestations can be reduced without chemical treatments by applying proven folk techniques that target the insects at various life stages.
High temperature is lethal; washing bedding, curtains and clothing in water above 46 °C for at least 30 minutes, then drying on the hottest dryer setting for 20 minutes, destroys eggs and adults. Direct heat application with a portable steamer, held at a distance of 2–3 cm and moved slowly across seams, cracks and mattress edges, also achieves mortality.
Cold exposure works similarly. Items that cannot be laundered may be sealed in airtight plastic bags and placed in a freezer set to –18 °C for a minimum of four days; this duration ensures complete eradication of all developmental stages.
Desiccation agents deprive bedbugs of moisture. Sprinkling diatomaceous earth (food‑grade) along baseboards, under furniture legs and inside mattress folds creates a mechanical barrier; the fine silica particles abrade the insect exoskeleton, leading to dehydration. Application should be thin, evenly distributed, and left for several days before vacuuming.
Essential oils possess repellent and insecticidal properties when used correctly. A mixture of 10 ml of tea tree oil, 10 ml of lavender oil and 80 ml of water, applied with a spray bottle to cracks, crevices and the perimeter of sleeping areas, reduces activity. For a stronger effect, add 5 ml of neem oil; allow the solution to dry before re‑occupying the space.
Natural soaps and detergents disrupt the protective wax layer of bedbugs. A solution of 1 part liquid Castile soap to 10 parts warm water, applied with a cloth to infested surfaces, forces the insects to lose water rapidly, resulting in death within hours.
Vacuuming remains essential. Using a high‑efficiency vacuum with a HEPA filter, thoroughly extract debris from mattresses, box springs, upholstered furniture and floor seams. Immediately seal the vacuum bag in a zip‑lock bag and discard in an outdoor trash container.
Light and air circulation deter bedbugs. Keeping windows open during daylight hours, combined with a fan that creates a steady airflow across sleeping areas, discourages the insects from establishing colonies.
Combining these methods—heat, cold, desiccants, botanical extracts, soap solutions, mechanical removal and environmental manipulation—creates a multi‑pronged strategy that maximizes efficacy while avoiding synthetic chemicals. Regular monitoring, repeated application of the described techniques and diligent hygiene are necessary to prevent re‑infestation.