How to get rid of bedbugs using home remedies? - briefly
Apply high heat—wash bedding at 60 °C, steam mattress seams and furniture—and dust seams and cracks with diatomaceous earth or a baking‑soda‑salt mix, then vacuum thoroughly and finish with a spray of diluted rubbing alcohol or tea‑tree oil to eliminate any survivors.
How to get rid of bedbugs using home remedies? - in detail
Eliminating bedbugs with household solutions requires a systematic approach that combines physical removal, environmental manipulation, and chemical alternatives that are safe for indoor use.
First, isolate the infestation. Remove all bedding, curtains, and clothing from the affected area. Wash fabrics in water that reaches at least 60 °C (140 °F) and tumble‑dry on the highest heat setting for a minimum of 30 minutes. Heat destroys all life stages of the insect.
Second, treat the mattress and surrounding furniture. Apply a high‑temperature steam cleaner, ensuring the steam reaches a temperature of 100 °C (212 °F). Move the nozzle slowly over seams, folds, and crevices for at least 10 seconds per spot. Steam penetrates deep enough to kill hidden bugs and eggs.
Third, use desiccant powders. Sprinkle a thin layer of food‑grade diatomaceous earth on the floor, bed frame, and any cracks in walls or baseboards. Leave the powder for 48 hours, then vacuum thoroughly with a HEPA‑rated filter. The microscopic silica particles abrade the insect’s exoskeleton, causing dehydration.
Fourth, apply natural repellents that have demonstrated insecticidal properties. Mix equal parts distilled white vinegar and water in a spray bottle; mist directly onto surfaces where bugs hide. Follow with a spray of tea‑tree oil diluted to 5 % (five drops of oil per 100 ml of carrier such as water or alcohol). Repeat applications every 24 hours for a week, focusing on bed frames, headboards, and nearby furniture.
Fifth, seal the environment. Install encasements designed for bedbug protection on mattresses and box springs, ensuring all seams are closed with a zip that locks. Cover the entire bed with a tight‑fitting sheet that does not allow insects to crawl out.
Sixth, maintain vigilance. Vacuum the room daily, paying special attention to edges of the carpet, baseboards, and under furniture. Empty the vacuum bag or canister into a sealed plastic bag and discard it outside the home. After vacuuming, spray a light mist of isopropyl alcohol on the vacuum hose and brush roll to eliminate any remaining pests.
Finally, monitor progress with passive traps. Place sticky pads or glue boards under the legs of the bed and near known hiding spots. Replace traps weekly and record captures to assess the effectiveness of the treatment.
Combining these steps—heat, steam, desiccants, natural repellents, encasements, rigorous cleaning, and ongoing monitoring—provides a comprehensive, non‑chemical strategy for eradicating bedbugs from a residential setting.