What are bed bugs afraid of in an apartment, and how can they be eliminated at home using folk remedies? - briefly
Bed bugs avoid temperatures above 45 °C, direct sunlight, and strong aromatic compounds like tea‑tree, lavender, peppermint, or clove oil. Home control can be achieved by steaming or heating infested zones, dusting with diatomaceous earth, freezing belongings, or spraying a diluted solution of these essential oils to disrupt and eradicate the insects.
What are bed bugs afraid of in an apartment, and how can they be eliminated at home using folk remedies? - in detail
Bed bugs are sensitive to extreme temperatures, certain natural chemicals, and strong scents. Temperatures above 45 °C (113 °F) or below -17 °C (1 °F) cause rapid mortality; exposure for 30 minutes at the high end or several hours at the low end is sufficient. They avoid environments rich in essential oils such as tea‑tree, lavender, peppermint, and citronella, which interfere with their chemoreceptors. High concentrations of carbon dioxide, which mimic human respiration, may initially attract them but can be used in traps to lure insects away from sleeping areas. Light is not a reliable deterrent, as bed bugs are nocturnal and will hide in darkness, but prolonged exposure to bright sunlight can reduce populations on exposed surfaces.
Folk methods that exploit these aversions include:
- Heat treatment: Place infested items (clothing, bedding) in a dryer on the highest setting for at least 30 minutes. For rooms, use portable heaters to raise ambient temperature to 50 °C and maintain for several hours, ensuring all cracks and crevices reach the target heat.
- Cold exposure: Seal small objects in sealed plastic bags and store them in a freezer at –20 °C for 48 hours. Large furniture can be wrapped and placed in a deep freezer if available.
- Essential‑oil spray: Combine 10 ml of tea‑tree oil, 10 ml of lavender oil, and 10 ml of peppermint oil with 500 ml of water. Add a few drops of dish‑soap as an emulsifier, shake well, and spray directly onto seams, mattress edges, and baseboard cracks. Reapply every 48 hours for two weeks.
- Diatomaceous earth: Lightly dust food‑grade diatomaceous earth along baseboards, under furniture, and in wall voids. The microscopic silica particles abrade the insects’ exoskeleton, leading to dehydration. Keep the powder dry; moisture reduces effectiveness.
- Baking soda and salt mixture: Blend equal parts baking soda and coarse salt, sprinkle in crevices, and leave for several days before vacuuming. The abrasive particles damage the insects’ cuticle while the salt draws moisture from them.
- Alcohol wipe: Apply 70 % isopropyl alcohol to cotton swabs and wipe directly on visible bugs. Alcohol dissolves the protective wax layer, causing immediate desiccation. Use cautiously on delicate fabrics to avoid discoloration.
- Vinegar rinse: Mix white vinegar with water (1:1) and spray onto mattress covers and upholstered surfaces. The acidic environment disrupts the insects’ respiratory system. Repeat weekly, as vinegar evaporates quickly.
For thorough control, integrate multiple tactics: start with heat or cold to reduce the population, follow with essential‑oil applications and diatomaceous earth to prevent re‑infestation, and finish with regular vacuuming of seams and upholstery. Maintain a clutter‑free environment, seal cracks, and wash all linens at 60 °C weekly to sustain the results.