How to get rid of bedbugs using folk remedies? - briefly
Apply diatomaceous earth to cracks, seams, and mattress edges, then vacuum thoroughly and repeat after 48 hours; supplement with a diluted spray of tea‑tree, lavender, or peppermint essential oil to deter remaining insects. Maintain low humidity and wash bedding in hot water weekly to prevent re‑infestation.
How to get rid of bedbugs using folk remedies? - in detail
Traditional approaches to eradicating Cimex lectularius rely on natural substances and simple household practices.
A thorough inspection precedes any treatment. Examine seams, mattress tags, box‑spring corners, headboards, furniture joints, and cracks in walls. Use a flashlight and a fine‑toothed comb to collect live insects and shed skins for identification.
Common folk solutions and their application
- Diatomaceous earth (food‑grade). Sprinkle a thin layer on all exposed surfaces, including bed frames, floorboards, and baseboards. Leave for 48–72 hours, then vacuum thoroughly. The microscopic silica particles damage the insects’ exoskeleton, causing dehydration.
- Steam cleaning. Apply steam at 150 °C (300 °F) for at least 10 seconds per spot. Target mattress seams, upholstery, and crevices. Heat penetrates hiding places and kills both adults and eggs.
- Lavender or tea‑tree oil spray. Mix 10–15 drops of essential oil with 250 ml of water, add a few teaspoons of alcohol to aid dispersion, and spray directly onto infestation zones. The volatile compounds act as repellents and may disrupt feeding behavior.
- Baking soda and salt mixture. Combine equal parts, dust lightly on surfaces, and leave for several days before cleaning. The abrasive texture can impair movement and desiccate insects.
- Heat exposure in a sealed bag. Place infested clothing or linens in a heavy‑duty plastic bag, seal, and expose to direct sunlight for 4–6 hours. Temperatures above 45 °C (113 °F) are lethal to all life stages.
- Alcohol (isopropyl) wipes. Dampen a cloth with 70 % isopropyl alcohol and wipe seams, folds, and crevices. Alcohol dissolves the protective waxy coating on the exoskeleton, leading to rapid mortality.
Supportive measures
- Reduce clutter to eliminate additional shelter.
- Wash all fabrics at 60 °C (140 °F) and dry on high heat.
- Seal cracks with caulk to prevent re‑entry.
- Rotate mattresses periodically to expose hidden bugs to treatment zones.
Monitoring
After implementing the above steps, repeat inspections weekly for at least one month. Use sticky traps placed near suspected pathways to gauge residual activity. Persistent detections warrant a second round of the same natural methods or professional intervention.