How to get rid of bedbugs at home using folk remedies? - briefly
Apply diatomaceous earth to mattress seams, furniture crevices, and carpet edges, then vacuum daily and follow with hot‑water washing and steam treatment to destroy remaining insects. Complement the process with a diluted spray of tea‑tree or lavender essential oil to repel any survivors.
How to get rid of bedbugs at home using folk remedies? - in detail
Bedbugs hide in seams, mattress tags, and cracks; thorough inspection identifies infested zones and guides targeted treatment. Removal begins with vacuuming all surfaces, discarding the vacuum bag, and laundering bedding at temperatures above 60 °C for at least 30 minutes.
Effective traditional methods include:
- Diatomaceous earth, food‑grade, spread thinly on seams and left for 48 hours before vacuuming; its abrasive particles desiccate insects.
- Essential oils such as tea tree, lavender, peppermint, and clove diluted (10 ml oil per 250 ml water) and sprayed onto infested areas; repeated application every 24 hours maintains contact toxicity.
- Heat exposure: placing infested items in a dryer on high heat for 30 minutes or using a portable steamer on mattresses and furniture; temperatures above 45 °C incapacitate bedbugs within minutes.
- Cold treatment: sealing small items in plastic bags and freezing at –18 °C for at least 72 hours; prolonged cold kills all life stages.
- Baking soda sprinkled on cracks and vacuumed after 24 hours; absorbs moisture and disrupts the insect’s respiratory system.
- White vinegar, undiluted, sprayed onto crevices; acidity irritates the exoskeleton and deters feeding.
Combining methods maximizes efficacy: apply heat or steam first to weaken insects, then treat with diatomaceous earth or essential‑oil spray, and finish with vacuuming. Repeat the cycle weekly for three weeks to address emerging eggs.
Safety considerations require wearing gloves and masks when handling powders, ensuring proper ventilation when using oils or vinegar, and verifying that heat or cold methods do not damage fabrics. Persistent monitoring after treatment confirms eradication; re‑inspection should occur after two weeks and again after one month.