How to remove bedbugs at home using folk remedies? - briefly
Apply diatomaceous earth or a mixture of baking soda and essential oils (e.g., tea tree, lavender) to infested areas, then vacuum and repeat after 48 hours; steam‑treat mattresses, curtains, and cracks at 120 °C for at least 20 minutes. Seal all fabrics in plastic bags for two weeks to starve any surviving insects.
How to remove bedbugs at home using folk remedies? - in detail
Bedbug infestations demand immediate action. Traditional household solutions can suppress populations without professional chemicals, provided the process is systematic and repeated.
First, confirm the presence of insects by inspecting seams, tufts, and crevices for live bugs, shed skins, or dark spots. Isolate the infested area: strip bedding, wash all fabrics in hot water (minimum 60 °C) and dry on high heat for at least 30 minutes. Vacuum mattresses, box springs, and surrounding furniture thoroughly, discarding the vacuum bag or emptying the canister outdoors.
Apply the following folk remedies, each targeting a different life stage:
- Diatomaceous earth – Sprinkle a fine layer on mattress edges, floorboards, and cracks. Leave for 48 hours, then vacuum. The abrasive particles damage the insect exoskeleton, causing dehydration.
- Essential oil blend – Mix equal parts tea‑tree, lavender, and peppermint oil with water (1 ml oil per 250 ml water). Spray directly onto affected surfaces, focusing on seams and hideouts. Oils act as repellents and may impair respiration.
- Isopropyl alcohol – Saturate a cloth with 70 % solution and wipe visible bugs and egg clusters. Alcohol dissolves the protective wax layer, leading to rapid mortality.
- Steam treatment – Use a handheld steamer delivering water at ≥100 °C. Pass slowly over mattress, upholstery, and baseboards. Heat kills all stages within seconds; maintain steam contact for at least 10 seconds per spot.
- Baking soda – Lightly dust cracks and crevices. It dehydrates insects and absorbs moisture from eggs. Reapply after each vacuuming session.
Seal the mattress and box spring with zippered encasements designed to block insects. Keep encasements on for at least one year, as bedbugs can survive several months without feeding.
Repeat the entire protocol weekly for four weeks, then bi‑weekly for two months. Monitor with sticky traps placed near bed legs and under furniture. If counts remain high after six weeks, combine folk methods with professional heat or pesticide treatment.
Safety considerations: wear a dust mask when handling diatomaceous earth, ensure adequate ventilation when using essential oils, and avoid direct skin contact with concentrated alcohol. Store all remedies out of reach of children and pets.