How to quickly get rid of bed bugs in an apartment on your own using folk remedies? - briefly
Apply high heat by washing all linens at 60 °C and steam‑cleaning furniture and seams, then spread diatomaceous earth or a 1 % solution of tea‑tree and lavender essential oils in cracks and crevices, vacuum thoroughly each day, and repeat the process for at least two weeks to eradicate the infestation.
How to quickly get rid of bed bugs in an apartment on your own using folk remedies? - in detail
Eliminating bed bugs without professional services relies on thorough preparation, targeted application of traditional agents, and sustained monitoring.
Begin by isolating the infestation. Strip all bedding, curtains, and removable fabrics; place them in sealed plastic bags and wash at the highest temperature the material tolerates (minimum 60 °C). Dry on high heat for at least 30 minutes. Vacuum every mattress, box spring, furniture seam, and floor crevice with a HEPA‑rated vacuum. Immediately discard the vacuum bag or clean the canister to prevent re‑introduction.
Apply proven household substances directly to visible insects and likely hiding spots:
- Diatomaceous earth (food‑grade). Sprinkle a thin layer on mattress edges, bed frames, baseboards, and carpet fibers. The microscopic silica particles abrade the insects’ exoskeleton, causing dehydration. Leave for 48 hours, then vacuum thoroughly; repeat weekly until no new activity appears.
- Steam treatment. Use a commercial steamer delivering at least 100 °C. Direct the nozzle into seams, folds, and cracks for 10–15 seconds per area. Heat penetrates deep enough to kill all life stages. Follow with vacuuming to remove debris.
- Essential oil blend (lavender, tea tree, and peppermint). Mix 10 ml of each oil with 1 liter of water and a few drops of liquid soap as an emulsifier. Spray generously on infested surfaces, focusing on mattress perimeters and upholstered furniture. Oils act as repellents and may impair insect respiration. Reapply every 24 hours for a week.
- Baking soda and salt mixture. Combine equal parts, sprinkle on carpet and floor joints, leave for several hours, then sweep or vacuum. The abrasive texture disrupts the bugs’ mobility and can suffocate hidden individuals.
- Alcohol (70 % isopropyl). Saturate cotton balls or cloths and place them in tight crevices, under furniture legs, and inside closet corners. Alcohol evaporates quickly, delivering a contact insecticide effect. Replace daily until no insects are detected.
Maintain environmental conditions unfavorable to bed bugs. Reduce ambient humidity to below 50 % using a dehumidifier; low moisture hampers egg development. Keep indoor temperature between 18–22 °C; extreme heat or cold can be lethal, but the described methods avoid the need for costly equipment.
Conduct systematic inspections after each treatment cycle. Use a flashlight and a fine‑toothed comb to search for live bugs, shed skins, or dark fecal spots. Document findings; a decline in sightings over three consecutive weeks indicates successful eradication. If activity persists beyond this period, repeat the full regimen or consider professional intervention.
Finally, prevent re‑infestation by encasing mattresses and box springs in zippered, bug‑proof covers, washing new clothing and luggage before entry, and sealing cracks in walls or flooring with caulk. Consistent application of these folk‑based tactics can achieve rapid and lasting control of bed‑bug populations in a residential setting.