How can one get rid of bedbugs in an apartment using folk remedies at home? - briefly
Apply diatomaceous earth combined with a few drops of tea‑tree or lavender oil to seams, cracks, and mattress edges, then vacuum thoroughly and launder all bedding in water above 60 °C. Seal infested belongings in airtight bags for several weeks and raise indoor temperature with a portable dryer or direct sunlight to kill any surviving bugs.
How can one get rid of bedbugs in an apartment using folk remedies at home? - in detail
Bedbugs can be suppressed in a rental unit by applying a series of traditional household techniques, each targeting a specific stage of the insect’s life cycle.
First, reduce hiding places. Remove clutter, launder all fabrics on the hottest setting the material can tolerate, and vacuum every seam, mattress edge, and upholstered surface. After vacuuming, seal the bag and discard it outside the building to prevent re‑infestation.
Second, employ heat. Bedbugs cannot survive temperatures above 45 °C (113 °F) for more than a few minutes. Use a portable steam generator with a nozzle capable of delivering steam at 100 °C (212 °F). Direct the steam into cracks, crevices, bed frames, and the underside of furniture. Move slowly to ensure the heat penetrates at least 2 cm deep, the typical burrow depth.
Third, use desiccant powders. Apply a thin layer of diatomaceous earth or food‑grade silica gel around baseboards, under the bed, and in any voids. These substances abrade the insect’s exoskeleton, causing lethal dehydration. Reapply after each cleaning cycle, as the powder loses effectiveness when moist.
Fourth, create a chemical barrier with natural extracts. Mix equal parts of tea tree oil, lavender oil, and distilled white vinegar in a spray bottle. Fill the bottle with water to a total volume of 500 ml, shake well, and spray onto mattresses, box springs, and the perimeter of the room. Essential oils possess repellent properties, while vinegar disrupts the insects’ scent trails.
Fifth, trap adults. Place a shallow dish of soapy water beneath a lamp or a warm light source. Bedbugs are attracted to heat; they crawl toward the light, fall into the solution, and drown. Replace the solution nightly.
Sixth, monitor progress. Install passive interceptors (e.g., corrugated cardboard traps) under each leg of the bed and furniture. Check daily for captured insects, noting a decline in numbers as an indicator of treatment efficacy.
Finally, maintain vigilance. Repeat the entire sequence every two weeks for at least two months, as eggs may hatch after the initial treatment. Keep bedding sealed in plastic bags when not in use, and avoid bringing secondhand furniture into the apartment without thorough inspection.
By systematically combining these low‑cost, non‑chemical methods, a resident can achieve substantial reduction or complete elimination of bedbugs without professional pest‑control services.