How to get rid of bedbugs yourself with folk remedies? - briefly
Apply heat—wash bedding at 60 °C, steam‑clean mattresses, and expose infested areas to a hair‑dryer or portable heater—while simultaneously treating cracks and crevices with diatomaceous earth, a 1 % solution of tea‑tree or lavender essential oil, and a diluted vinegar spray. Follow with repeated vacuuming and sealing of entry points to prevent re‑colonization.
How to get rid of bedbugs yourself with folk remedies? - in detail
Bedbugs can be removed without professional services by employing traditional household solutions combined with systematic cleaning. The process begins with accurate identification, proceeds to targeted treatment, and ends with preventive measures.
First, confirm the presence of insects by inspecting seams of mattresses, box‑spring frames, headboards, and cracks in baseboards. Look for live specimens, shed skins, or dark fecal spots. Once infestation is verified, isolate the affected area.
Preparation
- Strip all bedding, curtains, and clothing; place items in sealed plastic bags.
- Wash fabrics in hot water (minimum 60 °C) and tumble‑dry on high heat for at least 30 minutes.
- Vacuum the mattress, box spring, and surrounding furniture thoroughly; discard the vacuum bag immediately.
Folk remedies
- Steam – Apply a high‑temperature steamer (above 100 °C) to seams, folds, and crevices. The heat kills insects and eggs on contact. Move the nozzle slowly to ensure penetration.
- Diatomaceous earth (food grade) – Sprinkle a thin layer on the mattress surface, along baseboards, and under furniture. The abrasive particles damage the exoskeleton, leading to dehydration. Leave for 48 hours, then vacuum.
- Essential oil blend – Mix 10 ml of tea tree oil, 5 ml of lavender oil, and 5 ml of peppermint oil with 100 ml of water. Transfer to a spray bottle and mist all infested zones. Oils act as repellents and may incapacitate insects. Reapply every 24 hours for a week.
- Baking soda – Distribute a light coating over the mattress and carpet edges. Baking soda absorbs moisture from the bugs, causing mortality. Leave for 24 hours before vacuuming.
- Alcohol – Use 70 % isopropyl alcohol in a spray bottle to treat visible insects and egg clusters. Alcohol desiccates the cuticle instantly. Do not saturate fabrics to avoid damage.
Post‑treatment monitoring
- Place sticky traps near suspected travel routes; replace weekly.
- Repeat vacuuming and steam treatment after 7 and 14 days to catch newly hatched bugs.
- Maintain low humidity (below 50 %) and keep room temperature around 20 °C, conditions unfavorable for bedbug development.
Prevention
- Encase mattresses and box springs with zippered protective covers rated for insects.
- Inspect second‑hand furniture before introduction.
- Reduce clutter that provides hiding places.
By following this sequence—verification, thorough cleaning, application of heat, desiccants, and repellents, and ongoing surveillance—homeowners can eliminate bedbugs without professional intervention. Consistency and attention to detail are essential for complete eradication.