How to destroy bed bugs in an apartment on your own using folk remedies?

How to destroy bed bugs in an apartment on your own using folk remedies? - briefly

Apply high‑temperature steam to all furniture, wash bedding at 60 °C, sprinkle food‑grade diatomaceous earth in cracks, and spray a diluted tea‑tree or lavender oil solution to kill and repel insects. Seal entry points, reduce clutter, and use sticky traps to monitor and prevent re‑infestation.

How to destroy bed bugs in an apartment on your own using folk remedies? - in detail

Bed bugs hide in seams, mattress tags, baseboards, and behind furniture. Begin by confirming infestation: small, reddish‑brown insects, dark spots (feces), and itchy bites. Remove all bedding, curtains, and removable fabrics; place them in sealed plastic bags.

Preparation

• Wash fabrics in hot water (≥ 60 °C) for at least 30 minutes, then tumble dry on the highest setting.
• Vacuum carpets, floorboards, and upholstery thoroughly; discard the vacuum bag or clean the canister immediately.
• Declutter to expose all surfaces and reduce hiding places.

Folk remedies and application

1. Diatomaceous earth (food‑grade)

   • Lightly dust seams, cracks, and the undersides of furniture.
   • Leave for 48 hours; repeat after vacuuming the dead insects.
   • Safety note: avoid inhalation; wear a mask.

2. Steam treatment

   • Use a handheld steamer producing steam at ≥ 100 °C.
   • Direct steam onto mattress edges, box springs, and furniture joints for 10–15 seconds per spot.
   • Move slowly to ensure heat penetrates cracks.

3. Essential oil spray

   • Mix 10 ml of tea tree oil, 10 ml of lavender oil, and 5 ml of peppermint oil with 500 ml of water.
   • Add a few drops of liquid soap as an emulsifier.
   • Transfer to a spray bottle; mist all suspected areas, focusing on seams and crevices.
   • Reapply every 3 days for two weeks.

4. Alcohol solution

   • Combine isopropyl alcohol (70 %) with equal parts water.
   • Saturate cotton balls and place them in hidden corners, under furniture legs, and inside mattress tags.
   • Replace cotton balls every 24 hours.

5. Baking soda and salt

   • Sprinkle a thin layer on floor edges and carpet borders.
   • Leave for 24 hours; vacuum thoroughly afterward.

Follow‑up

• Inspect weekly for live insects or new bite marks.
• Repeat diatomaceous earth dusting and essential‑oil misting until no activity is observed for at least two weeks.
• Maintain a high temperature environment (≥ 50 °C) for stored items; heat kills all life stages.
• Keep the apartment clutter‑free and regularly vacuum to prevent re‑infestation.

By systematically applying these traditional techniques, a resident can eradicate bed bugs without professional pest control, provided each step is executed consistently and safety precautions are observed.