How can you fight bedbugs with folk remedies in an apartment at home by yourself? - briefly
Apply heat, diatomaceous earth, and a mixture of diluted essential oils (such as tea‑tree or lavender) while laundering all bedding at high temperature and vacuuming cracks daily. Follow with nightly steam treatment of furniture and sealing of crevices to block re‑infestation.
How can you fight bedbugs with folk remedies in an apartment at home by yourself? - in detail
Bedbug infestations demand immediate, thorough action. Successful eradication with household remedies relies on accurate identification, systematic treatment, and sustained prevention.
The first step is to confirm the presence of Cimex lectularius. Look for live insects, molted skins, and dark spotting on bedding, seams, and cracks. Use a flashlight to inspect mattress edges, box springs, headboards, baseboards, and furniture joints.
Once confirmed, apply the following folk solutions in a coordinated sequence:
- Diatomaceous earth (DE). Sprinkle food‑grade DE around bed legs, under furniture, and in wall crevices. Leave for 48 hours, then vacuum. DE’s abrasive particles desiccate insects on contact.
- Essential‑oil spray. Combine 10 ml of tea‑tree oil, 10 ml of lavender oil, and 10 ml of peppermint oil with 500 ml of water. Add a few drops of liquid dish soap to emulsify. Transfer to a spray bottle and mist seams, folds, and crevices twice daily for one week. Oils act as repellents and neurotoxic agents.
- Isopropyl alcohol. Apply 70 % ethanol to visible insects and their hideouts with a cotton ball. Alcohol dissolves the waxy exoskeleton, leading to rapid mortality. Reapply after each vacuuming session.
- Steam treatment. Use a handheld steamer delivering at least 120 °C. Direct steam into mattress seams, sofa cushions, and cracks for 10 seconds per spot. Heat penetrates hidden harborages, killing all life stages.
- Baking soda. Sprinkle a thin layer on carpet edges and upholstery, leave 24 hours, then vacuum. Baking soda desiccates insects and absorbs moisture that supports their development.
- Vinegar rinse. Mix equal parts white distilled vinegar and water. Wipe down wooden frames and plastic surfaces. The acidic environment discourages egg laying.
After each chemical or physical application, vacuum thoroughly with a HEPA filter. Empty the vacuum bag into a sealed plastic bag and discard outdoors to prevent re‑infestation.
Preventive measures solidify the treatment:
- Wash all linens, curtains, and removable fabrics at 60 °C, then dry on high heat.
- Encase mattress and box spring in zippered, insect‑proof covers.
- Seal cracks, gaps, and crevices with silicone caulk.
- Reduce clutter that offers hiding places.
- Maintain low humidity (below 50 %) using a dehumidifier, as moisture favors bedbug reproduction.
A disciplined routine—application of DE, essential‑oil spray, alcohol, steam, baking soda, and vinegar, combined with rigorous cleaning and environmental control—provides a comprehensive, self‑administered approach to eliminate bedbugs without professional chemicals. Continuous monitoring for several weeks ensures complete eradication.