How can I independently destroy bedbugs in an apartment using folk remedies at home? - briefly
Use heat, steam, and natural desiccants: wash all linens in water above 60 °C, steam‑clean mattresses and cracks, then sprinkle diatomaceous earth or a mixture of baking soda and essential oil (e.g., tea‑tree or lavender) around infested areas, leaving it for several days before vacuuming. Repeat the process weekly until no insects are observed.
How can I independently destroy bedbugs in an apartment using folk remedies at home? - in detail
Eliminating bedbugs without professional services relies on thorough preparation, consistent application of natural agents, and rigorous sanitation.
Begin with a complete inspection. Use a flashlight and a thin card to probe seams, mattress tufts, baseboard cracks, and furniture joints. Mark confirmed spots with tape to track treatment progress.
Preparation of the environment
- Remove all bedding, curtains, and removable upholstery. Wash at 60 °C (140 °F) or higher; dry on the hottest setting for at least 30 minutes.
- Vacuum floors, carpets, and upholstered surfaces slowly, pressing the nozzle into crevices. Empty the vacuum bag or canister into a sealed plastic bag and discard outdoors.
- Declutter rooms to reduce hiding places; store items in sealed containers or zip‑lock bags.
Folk remedies and their application
- Diatomaceous earth (food‑grade) – a fine powder of fossilized algae. Sprinkle a thin layer on floor edges, under furniture, and within mattress seams. Leave for 48 hours, then vacuum. Reapply after each cleaning cycle.
- Steam treatment – generate steam at 150 °C (300 °F) for at least 20 seconds per spot. Direct steam into mattress folds, box‑spring cavities, and wall voids. Steam kills insects on contact and disrupts eggs.
- Essential oil blend – combine 10 ml each of tea tree, lavender, and peppermint oil with 1 liter of water. Add a few drops of dish‑soap as an emulsifier. Spray generously on infested surfaces; repeat every 24 hours for a week. The strong odors deter movement and may affect respiration.
- Baking soda and salt mixture – mix equal parts, sprinkle onto carpets and rugs, leave overnight, then vacuum. The abrasive texture irritates insects and dries out moisture they require.
- Heat exposure for small items – place clothing, linens, and toys in a dryer on high heat for 30 minutes. Alternatively, seal items in a black garbage bag and expose to direct sunlight for 4–6 hours; temperatures above 45 °C (113 °F) are lethal.
Follow‑up actions
- Conduct weekly inspections for at least six weeks, as bedbug eggs hatch in 5‑10 days.
- Repeat diatomaceous earth applications after each vacuuming session.
- Maintain low humidity (below 50 %) and keep indoor temperature moderate; dry conditions reduce survival rates.
- If infestations persist after three treatment cycles, consider professional heat‑treatment or pesticide options.
Consistent execution of these steps, combined with diligent sanitation, can eradicate bedbugs using readily available household methods.