How to get rid of bed bugs at home quickly using folk remedies? - briefly
Apply a thin layer of «diatomaceous earth» to mattresses, cracks and furniture, then vacuum after 24 hours to remove dead insects; wash all linens at ≥ 60 °C and repeat the process weekly. Finish with occasional sprays of diluted «tea‑tree oil» or «lavender oil» on affected surfaces to repel any remaining bugs.
How to get rid of bed bugs at home quickly using folk remedies? - in detail
Bed‑bug infestations demand immediate action; conventional chemicals are not the only option. Several household items, when applied correctly, can suppress and eradicate the insects within days.
The first step is to isolate the affected area. Strip the mattress, pillowcases, and bedding; wash all fabrics in hot water (minimum 60 °C) and tumble‑dry on the highest setting for at least 30 minutes. Heat kills all life stages of the pest.
Next, treat cracks, crevices, and seams with the following folk solutions:
- Diatomaceous earth – Sprinkle a fine layer on the floor, bed frame, and furniture joints. The microscopic silica particles abrade the exoskeleton, leading to dehydration. Leave the powder for 48 hours, then vacuum thoroughly.
- Steam – Use a handheld steamer delivering steam above 100 °C. Direct the jet into mattress seams, box‑spring folds, and upholstery. The heat penetrates to a depth of several centimeters, destroying eggs and adults instantly.
- Essential‑oil spray – Mix 20 drops of tea‑tree oil, 15 drops of lavender oil, and 10 drops of eucalyptus oil with 250 ml of water. Fill a spray bottle, shake, and mist the infested surfaces. The oils act as repellents and possess mild insecticidal properties. Reapply every 24 hours for a week.
- Alcohol – Apply 70 % isopropyl alcohol to visible insects using a cotton pad. Contact kills instantly; the volatile nature also disrupts pheromone trails, reducing re‑infestation.
- Baking soda – Lightly dust the perimeter of the bed and surrounding floorboards. The powder absorbs moisture from the bugs, accelerating mortality. Sweep up after 24 hours.
After each treatment, vacuum the entire bedroom, paying special attention to seams and hidden corners. Empty the vacuum bag or canister into a sealed plastic bag and discard outdoors to prevent escape.
For persistent hotspots, combine methods: steam the mattress, then coat seams with diatomaceous earth, and finish with the essential‑oil spray. This multi‑layer approach attacks the pest at different stages and prevents survivors from repopulating.
Maintain a preventive routine: wash bedding weekly, keep clutter to a minimum, and monitor with sticky traps placed under the bed legs. Early detection coupled with the described folk remedies can eliminate the infestation rapidly without reliance on professional pesticides.