How to independently remove bedbugs at home in an apartment using folk remedies? - briefly
Apply diatomaceous earth to seams, cracks, and furniture, then vacuum after 48 hours; steam‑clean mattresses, curtains, and upholstery at ≥120 °C. Treat surfaces with a 1 % mixture of tea tree oil and rubbing alcohol, wash all linens at ≥60 °C, and seal non‑washable items in airtight bags for fourteen days.
How to independently remove bedbugs at home in an apartment using folk remedies? - in detail
Bedbugs require thorough detection before any treatment. Examine mattress seams, box‑spring edges, headboard joints, baseboards, and furniture crevices for live insects, shed skins, and dark spotting. Use a bright flashlight and a thin card to lift fabric for inspection.
Preparation of the living space minimizes re‑infestation. Remove clutter, wash all bedding, curtains, and removable fabrics at 60 °C, then dry on high heat. Vacuum carpets, upholstery, and floor joints, discarding the vacuum bag or cleaning the canister immediately. Seal cracks and gaps in walls, floorboards, and around pipes with caulk or silicone.
Folk remedies can complement mechanical measures. Apply each method according to the instructions, repeating after a week to address newly hatched bugs.
- Diatomaceous earth: Sprinkle food‑grade powder along mattress edges, behind furniture, and in floor seams. Leave for 48 hours, then vacuum thoroughly. The microscopic shards abrade insect exoskeletons, causing dehydration.
- Essential oils: Mix 20 drops of «tea tree oil» or «lavender oil» with 200 ml of water, add a few drops of «peppermint oil» for repellence, and spray onto infested surfaces. Reapply daily, focusing on folds and seams.
- Rubbing alcohol: Saturate cotton balls with 70 % isopropyl alcohol and place them in hidden cracks and under furniture legs. Alcohol evaporates quickly, killing contact insects.
- White vinegar: Combine equal parts vinegar and water, spray on mattress tags and bed frames. Vinegar disrupts the scent trails used for aggregation.
- Baking soda: Lightly dust baking soda on carpets and upholstery; it absorbs moisture and irritates bugs, reducing survivability.
- Heat treatment: Use a portable steam cleaner set to at least 100 °C. Direct steam into seams, folds, and crevices for several minutes. Heat penetrates deep layers, exterminating all life stages.
- Sunlight exposure: Relocate infested items to a sunny window for a minimum of six hours. Direct UV radiation and temperature above 45 °C are lethal to bedbugs.
After each application, repeat vacuuming and laundering to remove dead insects and eggs. Install interceptors under bed legs to monitor ongoing activity.
Safety precautions include wearing a mask when handling diatomaceous earth, ensuring proper ventilation when using essential oils, and avoiding excessive moisture that could promote mold growth. Regular inspection every two weeks confirms the effectiveness of the regimen and prevents resurgence.