How were bedbugs fought in ancient times? - briefly
Ancient peoples combated bedbugs with heat, smoke, and natural insecticidal agents such as cedar, rosemary, and sulfur. They also relied on mechanical removal, beating infested bedding and sweeping floors to dislodge the insects.
How were bedbugs fought in ancient times? - in detail
In antiquity, societies relied on a combination of physical, chemical, and cultural practices to reduce infestations of Cimex lectularius.
Physical removal involved scraping insects from bedding, beating mattresses, and exposing sleeping surfaces to direct sunlight. Sunlight’s heat and ultraviolet radiation were believed to kill the insects, so people often laid sheets and blankets out in the open during daylight hours.
Chemical approaches used substances available in the environment:
- Sulfur and ash: powdered sulfur or wood ash was sprinkled on sleeping areas; the irritant properties deterred the bugs and harmed their larvae.
- Herbal powders: crushed rosemary, lavender, and mint were scattered on bedding for their strong aromas, which repelled the insects.
- Animal fats and oils: heated animal fat was poured over mattress frames; the resulting coating created a barrier that made it difficult for bugs to climb.
- Smoke: fire pits or incense burners produced smoke that saturated sleeping quarters; the particulates suffocated insects and masked the scent of human blood.
Cultural measures included regular laundering of linens in boiling water, rotating or discarding infested fabrics, and constructing sleeping platforms above the ground to limit contact with contaminated surfaces. In some regions, people used raised beds supported by wooden frames, reducing the likelihood of bugs reaching the sleeper.
These strategies reflect a pragmatic blend of environmental resources, sensory deterrents, and structural modifications designed to control bedbug populations before the advent of modern insecticides.