How to get rid of bed bugs in an apartment at home using folk methods? - briefly
Treat the area with high‑temperature steam, vacuum all seams and cracks, and discard the vacuum bag; then sprinkle diatomaceous earth or a diluted tea‑tree and lavender oil mixture into hidden crevices, wash all linens at ≥60 °C, and seal the mattress with an airtight encasement.
How to get rid of bed bugs in an apartment at home using folk methods? - in detail
Bed bugs thrive in warm, hidden spaces; eliminating them with household remedies requires thorough preparation, repeated actions, and careful monitoring.
Begin by stripping all bedding, curtains, and clothing. Wash items in water hotter than 60 °C (140 °F) for at least 30 minutes; dry on the highest heat setting for a minimum of 30 minutes. Heat destroys insects at all life stages and removes eggs adhered to fabrics.
Apply diatomaceous earth (food‑grade) to cracks, baseboards, and the undersides of furniture. Spread a thin, even layer; the fine silica particles abrade the insects’ exoskeleton, leading to dehydration. Leave the powder for 48–72 hours, then vacuum thoroughly. Repeat the process weekly until no sightings occur.
Use essential oils with insecticidal properties. Mix 10 ml of tea‑tree or lavender oil with 1 liter of water and a few drops of dish‑soap to emulsify. Spray the solution on mattress seams, box springs, and upholstered surfaces. Reapply every three days, focusing on night‑time when bugs are active.
Baking soda can be sprinkled on carpets and rugs, left for several hours, then vacuumed. The powder absorbs moisture from the insects, contributing to mortality. Combine with diatomaceous earth for enhanced effect.
Vinegar (5 % acetic acid) works as a contact irritant. Fill a spray bottle with undiluted white vinegar and mist directly onto visible bugs and their hiding places. The acidity disrupts the insects’ respiratory system. Use in conjunction with other methods; vinegar alone does not eradicate a population.
Encasement of mattresses and box springs with zippered, insect‑proof covers traps any remaining bugs inside and prevents new infestations. Ensure the cover is labeled “bed‑bug proof” and leave it on for at least one year.
Vacuum every mattress, sofa, and floor crevice with a hose attachment. Immediately dispose of the vacuum bag or empty the canister into a sealed plastic bag and discard outdoors. Vacuuming removes adult insects, nymphs, and eggs, reducing the overall load.
Seal all entry points: caulk gaps around baseboards, pipes, and window frames; install door sweeps. Reducing hiding places limits the bugs’ ability to spread.
Consider natural predators such as the Australian rove beetle (Dalotia coriaria). Introduce a commercially available population according to the supplier’s instructions; the beetles prey on eggs and nymphs, decreasing numbers over time.
Alcohol (70 % isopropyl) can be applied with a cotton ball directly onto individual insects. The rapid desiccation kills on contact. Use as spot treatment; it does not affect hidden populations.
Maintain a strict cleaning schedule: launder all linens weekly, wipe surfaces with hot, soapy water, and keep clutter to a minimum. Regular inspection of seams, folds, and furniture joints helps detect resurgence early.
Combine at least three of the above techniques and repeat the cycle for a minimum of four weeks. Persistence, thoroughness, and proper sanitation are essential for complete eradication without professional chemicals.