How is wormwood used as a remedy for bedbugs? - briefly
Dried wormwood leaves are placed in sachets or scattered near bedding, releasing volatile oils that repel and intoxicate bedbugs. Repeated distribution sustains an environment unsuitable for infestation.
How is wormwood used as a remedy for bedbugs? - in detail
Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium) contains volatile oils and bitter sesquiterpene lactones that repel and intoxicate Cimex lectularius. The plant’s strong aroma interferes with the insects’ sensory receptors, causing avoidance and mortality.
Preparation begins with drying the herb, grinding it to a fine powder, and mixing the powder with a carrier solvent. Two common formulations are:
- Powder‑spray: combine 30 g of dried wormwood with 1 L of water, let steep for 24 h, filter, and transfer the filtrate to a spray bottle.
- Oil‑emulsion: blend 20 g of powdered wormwood with 200 ml of mineral oil, add 800 ml of water, emulsify with a small amount of liquid soap, and shake vigorously before each use.
Application targets infested zones:
- Spray the liquid directly onto mattress seams, box‑spring frames, and cracks in headboards.
- Saturate fabric covers, pillowcases, and curtains, then allow to dry completely.
- Disperse the dry powder in crevices, under furniture, and along baseboards; leave for 48 h before vacuuming.
Safety measures include wearing gloves, ensuring adequate ventilation, and testing a small fabric area for discoloration. Wormwood is toxic if ingested; keep children and pets away from treated surfaces until the product is fully dry.
For optimal results, integrate wormwood treatment with mechanical controls: regular laundering of bedding at ≥ 60 °C, vacuuming of carpets, and sealing of wall voids. Repeating the application every two weeks during a severe infestation sustains the repellent effect and reduces population resurgence.