How to fight bedbugs in an apartment with folk remedies? - briefly
Apply diatomaceous earth to cracks, spray a diluted solution of tea‑tree or lavender oil on infested surfaces, and treat bedding and upholstery with 60 °C washes and a portable steamer. Repeat weekly and seal entry points to prevent re‑infestation.
How to fight bedbugs in an apartment with folk remedies? - in detail
Bedbugs infestations demand swift, thorough action. Traditional, non‑chemical tactics can reduce populations when applied systematically.
First, confirm the presence of insects by inspecting seams, folds, and cracks in mattresses, box springs, headboards, baseboards, and furniture. Look for live bugs, shed skins, dark spots (feces), and tiny eggs. Mark each finding to track treated zones.
Next, isolate the habitat. Remove all bedding, curtains, and clothing from the affected area. Wash textiles in hot water (minimum 60 °C) and dry on high heat for at least 30 minutes; heat kills all life stages. For items that cannot be laundered, place them in sealed plastic bags for two weeks, depriving bugs of a food source.
Apply the following folk remedies in the order listed:
- Diatomaceous earth (food‑grade). Lightly dust seams, crevices, and the perimeter of the mattress. The microscopic silica particles abrade the exoskeleton, causing dehydration. Reapply after vacuuming or after five days, as humidity can reduce effectiveness.
- Essential oil spray. Combine 20 ml of tea‑tree oil, 15 ml of lavender oil, and 10 ml of peppermint oil with 500 ml of water. Add a few drops of liquid soap to emulsify. Transfer to a spray bottle and mist directly onto bugs, hiding spots, and surrounding surfaces. Repeat every 48 hours for two weeks.
- Heat exposure. Raise room temperature to 50 °C (122 °F) using portable heaters or a professional heat‑treatment service. Maintain the temperature for at least four hours to ensure penetration into walls and furniture.
- Vacuuming. Use a HEPA‑filter vacuum to suction bugs, eggs, and debris from mattresses, upholstery, and floor joints. Immediately discard the vacuum bag in a sealed container.
- Baking soda or powdered charcoal. Sprinkle a thin layer on carpet fibers and upholstery; leave for 24 hours, then vacuum. Both absorb moisture and may deter egg hatching.
After treatment, monitor the area for at least one month. Place sticky traps near baseboards and under furniture to capture any survivors. Replace traps weekly and record catches.
If infestations persist after three cycles of the above steps, consider professional pest control, as severe cases often require insecticide applications beyond the scope of folk methods.