What should you apply to skin so that bed bugs won’t bite? - briefly
Apply an insect repellent that contains at least 20 % DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus to exposed skin. Such formulations deter bed bugs from biting.
What should you apply to skin so that bed bugs won’t bite? - in detail
Applying a topical agent that deters Cimex lectularius requires a product with proven repellent activity, appropriate concentration, and safety for skin contact.
Synthetic repellents with documented efficacy include:
- DEET (N,N‑diethyl‑meta‑toluamide): 20‑30 % concentration provides up to 4 hours of protection; higher percentages extend duration but increase skin irritation risk.
- Picaridin (KBR 3023): 10‑20 % formulation offers comparable protection to DEET with lower odor and reduced irritation.
- Oil of lemon eucalyptus (PMD): 30‑40 % solution delivers 2‑4 hours of repellency; suitable for individuals preferring plant‑derived options.
Natural extracts with limited but observable deterrent effect:
- Lavender oil: 5‑10 % dilution in a carrier reduces landing attempts; efficacy varies among strains.
- Tea tree oil: 2‑5 % concentration can repel, but may cause sensitization in some users.
- Peppermint oil: 3‑5 % dilution offers short‑term deterrence; requires reapplication every 30 minutes.
Physical and chemical adjuncts:
- Permethrin‑treated fabrics: Apply to clothing or bedding; contact kills or repels insects, providing continuous protection without direct skin application.
- Barrier creams containing dimethicone: Form a non‑penetrating film that reduces bite incidence by limiting mouthpart access.
Mechanism of action. Synthetic repellents interfere with the insect’s olfactory receptors, preventing host detection. Essential oils contain volatile compounds that mask human odor cues or produce aversive stimuli. Dimethicone creates a physical barrier that blocks proboscis insertion.
Safety considerations. Verify that the product is approved for dermal use, observe recommended concentration limits, and conduct a patch test to detect allergic reactions. Avoid applying repellents to broken skin, mucous membranes, or infants under two months unless specifically indicated.
For maximal protection, combine a synthetic repellent applied to exposed skin with permethrin‑treated clothing and regular laundering of bedding at temperatures above 60 °C. Reapply topical agents according to label‑specified intervals, typically every 4‑6 hours for DEET and picaridin, and more frequently for essential‑oil formulations.