How to get rid of bedbugs in a house using home remedies? - briefly
Apply high‑heat steam to mattresses, furniture, and baseboards, then launder all linens and clothing at a minimum of 60 °C to destroy insects and eggs. Follow with a thorough dusting of food‑grade diatomaceous earth or a diluted essential‑oil spray (e.g., tea‑tree or lavender) in crevices, vacuum the treated areas, and repeat the process weekly until no activity is observed.
How to get rid of bedbugs in a house using home remedies? - in detail
Bedbugs require a systematic approach that combines thorough inspection, physical removal, and targeted natural treatments.
Begin with a complete survey of sleeping areas, furniture, and wall voids. Use a bright flashlight and a magnifying glass to locate live insects, shed skins, and dark‑brown spots of excrement. Mark every infested spot with tape to track progress.
Preparation
- Remove all bedding, curtains, and removable fabrics.
- Wash items in hot water (≥ 60 °C) and dry on the highest heat setting for at least 30 minutes.
- Place non‑washable items in sealed plastic bags for later treatment.
Physical elimination
- Vacuum every surface, paying special attention to seams, folds, and crevices. Empty the vacuum canister into a sealed bag and discard it outdoors.
- Apply a high‑temperature steamer (minimum 100 °C) to mattresses, box springs, upholstered chairs, and baseboards. Steam for 10 seconds per spot, ensuring the nozzle remains in contact with the material.
- Encase mattresses and box springs in zippered, bedbug‑proof covers. Leave covers on for at least 12 months to starve any remaining insects.
Natural chemical alternatives
- Sprinkle food‑grade diatomaceous earth (DE) along baseboards, under furniture legs, and in cracks. Leave DE for 7–10 days, then vacuum thoroughly. DE’s abrasive particles dehydrate insects on contact.
- Mix a solution of 1 part white vinegar to 1 part water; spray directly onto visible bugs and their hiding places. Vinegar disrupts the insects’ respiratory system.
- Apply a diluted essential‑oil blend (e.g., 10 ml tea tree oil, 5 ml lavender oil, 5 ml peppermint oil in 1 liter water). Spray onto infested zones, avoiding excessive saturation that could damage fabrics. Essential oils act as repellents and can impair feeding behavior.
Sealing and prevention
- Use caulk to close gaps around baseboards, electrical outlets, and wall fixtures.
- Install door sweeps and window screens to limit entry points.
- Reduce clutter to eliminate hiding spots and make future inspections easier.
Monitoring
- Place adhesive traps near bed legs, behind headboards, and under furniture. Replace traps weekly and record catches to gauge treatment efficacy.
- Conduct a follow‑up inspection after two weeks, repeating steam, vacuum, and DE applications as needed until no live insects are observed.
By integrating thorough cleaning, heat exposure, and vetted natural agents, a household can eradicate bedbugs without resorting to professional pesticides. Consistent monitoring and preventive sealing ensure the infestation does not recur.