What folk remedies help against bedbugs? - briefly
Common folk treatments include «diatomaceous earth», essential‑oil sprays such as tea‑tree, lavender or peppermint, high‑temperature exposure, and mattress encasements, each acting to dehydrate, repel, or trap the insects.
What folk remedies help against bedbugs? - in detail
Traditional approaches to reducing bedbug populations rely on readily available substances and simple procedures.
Diatomaceous earth, a fine powder composed of fossilized algae, works by abrading the insects’ exoskeletons, leading to dehydration. Application involves sprinkling a thin layer along mattress seams, bed frames, and floor edges, then leaving it undisturbed for several days before vacuuming.
Essential oils with documented insecticidal properties serve as contact repellents. Tea‑tree oil, lavender oil, peppermint oil, and neem oil can be diluted (approximately 10 ml of oil per 100 ml of water) and sprayed onto infested surfaces. Reapplication every 48 hours maintains efficacy.
Heat treatment exploits the temperature sensitivity of bedbugs. Raising ambient temperature to 50 °C (122 °F) for a minimum of 30 minutes kills all life stages. Portable heating devices or professional steamers can target mattresses, upholstery, and luggage.
Cold exposure is effective when items can be sealed in plastic bags and placed in a freezer at –18 °C (0 °F) for at least four days. This method is suitable for clothing, bedding, and small accessories.
Vinegar, particularly white distilled vinegar, disrupts the insects’ respiratory system when applied directly. A solution of equal parts vinegar and water may be sprayed on cracks, crevices, and directly onto visible bugs. Repeated applications are necessary.
Baking soda and salt create desiccating environments. A mixture of the two can be dusted onto infested areas; the granules absorb moisture from the insects’ bodies.
Herbal powders such as rosemary, thyme, and clove possess repellent qualities. These can be ground into a fine dust and scattered around bed frames and baseboards.
When employing any folk remedy, safety considerations include ventilation, avoidance of skin irritation, and protection of pets and children. Combining multiple methods—thermal, chemical, and mechanical—enhances overall control, though professional extermination may be required for severe infestations.