What folk remedy can be used to eradicate bedbugs at home? - briefly
Food‑grade diatomaceous earth, spread in mattress seams, cracks, and baseboard gaps, desiccates and kills bedbugs. Complement the powder with hot‑water washing of linens at 60 °C and a high‑heat dryer cycle for thorough eradication.
What folk remedy can be used to eradicate bedbugs at home? - in detail
Traditional home remedies for eliminating bedbugs rely on physical disruption, desiccation, and natural insecticidal compounds. Effective options include:
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Diatomaceous earth (food‑grade). Apply a thin layer to seams, mattress edges, and cracks. Particles abrade the insects’ exoskeleton, causing loss of moisture. Leave in place for 48 hours, then vacuum thoroughly. Reapply after cleaning or when activity resumes.
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Essential oil blends. A mixture of tea‑tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia), lavender oil, and peppermint oil, diluted to 5 % in water or a carrier such as ethanol, can be sprayed onto infested surfaces. Oil constituents repel and intoxicate bedbugs, disrupting feeding behavior. Repeat application every 24 hours for a week, ensuring ventilation to avoid respiratory irritation.
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Heat exposure. Raising ambient temperature to 50 °C (122 °F) for at least 90 minutes kills all life stages. Portable heaters or a domestic dryer set on high can treat clothing, linens, and small items. Use heat‑proof containers and monitor temperature with a calibrated thermometer.
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Freezing. Items that cannot withstand heat may be placed in a freezer at –18 °C (0 °F) for a minimum of 72 hours. Prolonged cold exposure induces lethal ice crystal formation within the insects’ cells.
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Neem seed powder. Sprinkle fine neem powder into crevices and vacuum after 24 hours. Azadirachtin, the active compound, interferes with molting and reproduction, reducing population growth.
Safety considerations: wear a mask when handling fine powders, test essential‑oil solutions on inconspicuous fabric areas to prevent discoloration, and ensure heat or cold treatments do not damage household materials. Combining several methods, such as initial heat treatment followed by diatomaceous‑earth application, improves overall efficacy and reduces the likelihood of resurgence.