How to use wormwood to get rid of bedbugs? - briefly
Apply dried wormwood or its essential oil to infested zones, letting the potent scent repel the insects, then vacuum the residue after 24–48 hours and repeat weekly until the infestation disappears.
How to use wormwood to get rid of bedbugs? - in detail
Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium) contains volatile oils and bitter compounds that act as insect repellents. When applied correctly, it can disrupt the life cycle of Cimex lectularius, reducing infestations in residential settings.
Preparation of an effective formulation begins with drying the aerial parts of the plant, then grinding them to a fine powder or extracting the essential oil through steam distillation. For a spray, combine 30 ml of pure wormwood oil with 970 ml of water, adding a few drops of non‑ionic surfactant to ensure even distribution. For a dust, mix 200 g of powdered herb with an equal weight of diatomaceous earth to enhance adherence to surfaces.
Application protocol:
- Remove visible insects and clutter from the affected area.
- Treat seams, cracks, and the undersides of mattress frames with the spray, ensuring thorough coverage.
- Distribute the dust mixture along baseboards, behind headboards, and inside furniture crevices.
- Seal treated rooms for 24 hours to allow the volatile compounds to act without ventilation.
- After the exposure period, vacuum all treated surfaces, disposing of the vacuum contents in a sealed bag.
Safety considerations include wearing gloves and a mask to avoid inhalation of strong fumes, and testing a small, hidden area for material compatibility before full application. Wormwood oil may cause skin irritation; contact should be limited to short durations. Children and pets must be kept out of treated spaces until the ventilation period ends.
Effectiveness declines as the oil evaporates; repeat the spray every 5–7 days for three cycles, and reapply dust after each vacuuming session. Monitoring should involve visual inspection of hiding places and the use of passive traps to confirm a reduction in activity. Consistent adherence to the schedule typically results in a noticeable decrease in bedbug populations.