What are bedbugs afraid of in an apartment and how can you get rid of them with folk remedies? - briefly
Bedbugs are repelled by extreme temperatures, bright light, and strong scents such as tea‑tree, peppermint, and lavender oil. Folk methods to eliminate them include applying diatomaceous earth, steaming infested areas, washing linens at 120 °F, and regularly spraying a diluted essential‑oil solution.
What are bedbugs afraid of in an apartment and how can you get rid of them with folk remedies? - in detail
Bedbugs are highly sensitive to extreme temperatures, strong odors, and desiccating agents. Exposure to sustained heat above 45 °C (113 °F) kills all life stages within minutes, while prolonged cold below ‑10 °C (14 °F) eliminates eggs and nymphs after several days. Direct sunlight penetrates cracks and dries the insects, reducing their activity. Volatile compounds such as tea‑tree, lavender, peppermint, clove, and neem oils disrupt the insects’ nervous system and act as repellents when applied to seams, baseboards, and furniture. Fine particles of diatomaceous earth and silica gel abrade the exoskeleton, causing lethal dehydration.
Practical folk methods for eradication:
- Heat treatment: Place infested items in a dryer on high heat for 30 minutes; use a portable steamer on mattresses, cushions, and carpet edges.
- Cold exposure: Seal clothing, linens, and small objects in plastic bags and store in a freezer at ‑20 °C (‑4 °F) for at least 72 hours.
- Essential‑oil spray: Mix 10 ml of tea‑tree or peppermint oil with 250 ml water, add a few drops of dish‑soap, and spray directly onto cracks, seams, and hiding spots twice daily.
- Diatomaceous earth: Lightly dust a thin layer along baseboards, under bed frames, and in wall voids; reapply after vacuuming or moisture.
- Vinegar solution: Combine equal parts white vinegar and water, spray on surfaces where insects congregate; the acidity interferes with their cuticle.
- Baking‑soda paste: Blend baking soda with water to a spreadable consistency, apply to mattress edges and let dry; the alkaline environment is hostile to the pests.
- Salt granules: Sprinkle coarse salt in crevices; it draws moisture from the insects, leading to desiccation.
- Vacuuming: Use a HEPA‑rated vacuum to remove visible bugs and eggs from upholstery, carpets, and floor joints; immediately seal the vacuum bag and discard.
- Mattress encasement: Install zippered, impermeable covers over mattresses and box springs; maintain for at least 12 months to trap any survivors.
Successful control requires repeated application of these measures, thorough cleaning of clutter, and sealing of entry points such as cracks around pipes and baseboards. Combining temperature extremes with chemical repellents and mechanical removal maximizes mortality and prevents re‑infestation.