How to eliminate bedbugs from an apartment using folk remedies? - briefly
Apply diatomaceous earth to seams, baseboards and furniture gaps, vacuum thoroughly each day, and spray a diluted solution of tea‑tree oil (10 ml per litre of water) on visible bugs and their hiding spots.
How to eliminate bedbugs from an apartment using folk remedies? - in detail
Bedbugs infestations demand swift, thorough action, especially when professional pest control is unavailable. Traditional household techniques can complement chemical treatments and, when applied correctly, reduce populations significantly.
Begin with sanitation. Remove all bedding, curtains, and washable fabrics; launder at 60 °C (140 °F) for at least 30 minutes. Dry on high heat for 20 minutes to kill any hidden insects and eggs. Vacuum every surface, paying special attention to seams, crevices, and mattress edges. After vacuuming, seal the bag and discard it outside the residence to prevent re‑introduction.
Apply the following folk methods, observing safety precautions and repeating each step weekly for at least four weeks:
- Heat exposure: Place infested items in a dryer on the highest setting for 30 minutes. For larger objects, use a portable heater to raise room temperature above 45 °C (113 °F) and maintain it for several hours; bedbugs cannot survive prolonged heat.
- Cold treatment: Seal items in airtight bags and store in a freezer at –18 °C (0 °F) for 72 hours. Freezing kills insects at all life stages.
- Diatomaceous earth: Lightly dust cracks, baseboards, and the underside of furniture with food‑grade diatomaceous earth. The powder abrades the exoskeleton, causing dehydration. Reapply after cleaning or if moisture accumulates.
- Essential oil spray: Mix 20 drops of tea tree oil, 15 drops of lavender oil, and 10 drops of peppermint oil with 250 ml of water. Add a few teaspoons of mild dish soap to emulsify. Spray directly onto seams, box springs, and hideouts. Oils act as repellents and may impair feeding, though they do not replace thorough cleaning.
- Baking soda and salt: Combine equal parts of baking soda and coarse salt. Sprinkle the mixture along baseboards and under furniture. The abrasive texture irritates the insects and reduces their ability to hide.
- Steam treatment: Use a handheld steamer delivering steam at 100 °C (212 °F). Slowly move the nozzle over mattresses, upholstered chairs, and carpet edges. Steam penetrates fabric fibers, killing bugs instantly.
Seal all cracks and gaps with caulk or expanding foam to limit migration routes. Install protective mattress encasements that zip tightly around the entire bed; these barriers prevent new insects from reaching the sleeping surface and trap any remaining ones inside.
Monitor progress with sticky traps placed near suspected harborage points. Replace traps weekly and record captures; declining numbers indicate effective control.
Maintain the regimen for a minimum of six weeks, as bedbug eggs hatch in 7–10 days and may survive initial treatments. Persistent application of the described methods, combined with rigorous housekeeping, can eradicate an infestation without resorting to professional chemicals.