How to use tansy against bedbugs? - briefly
Combine 10 ml of tansy essential oil with 1 L of water, spray the solution onto mattress seams, cracks, and surrounding furniture, and let it dry. Reapply the treatment every 7–10 days until bedbugs are no longer detected.
How to use tansy against bedbugs? - in detail
Tansy (Tanacetum vulgare) contains pyrethrins and other volatile compounds that act as contact irritants to bed‑bug nymphs and adults. Effective application requires a systematic approach: preparation, placement, exposure, and monitoring.
Prepare a concentrated extract by steeping 1 cup of fresh or dried tansy foliage in 2 cups of hot water for 30 minutes. Strain the infusion, add an equal volume of white vinegar, and pour the mixture into a spray bottle. For a more potent formulation, macerate 2 ounces of dried herb in 1 liter of 70 % ethanol for 48 hours, filter, and dilute to a 10 % solution before use.
Apply the liquid to infested areas:
- Spray seams, folds, and crevices of mattresses, box springs, and upholstered furniture.
- Lightly mist the interior of luggage, travel bags, and storage containers.
- Treat cracks in baseboards, wall voids, and under floorboards where insects hide.
Allow the treated surfaces to remain moist for at least 2 hours. Repeat the application every 5–7 days for three successive cycles, as bed‑bug eggs may survive a single exposure.
For a dry method, scatter a thin layer of dried tansy leaves on the floor surrounding the bed and in closet shelves. Seal the area with plastic sheeting for 24 hours, then vacuum thoroughly, disposing of the collected debris in a sealed bag.
Safety considerations:
- Wear gloves and a mask to avoid skin irritation and inhalation of volatile oils.
- Keep the solution away from children, pets, and food‑preparation surfaces.
- Do not apply directly to skin or open wounds.
Combine tansy treatment with heat (e.g., steaming mattresses at ≥ 120 °F) and mechanical removal (vacuuming, encasements) to increase overall efficacy. Continuous observation for live insects will indicate whether additional rounds are required.