Where do bedbugs come from in the apartment and how to get rid of them at home with folk remedies? - briefly
Bedbugs usually enter an apartment through luggage, used furniture, or cracks connecting neighboring units. Home remedies such as hot‑water laundering, steam cleaning, diatomaceous earth dusting, and regular sprays of tea‑tree or lavender essential oil can suppress an infestation when applied consistently.
Where do bedbugs come from in the apartment and how to get rid of them at home with folk remedies? - in detail
Bedbugs typically enter a living space through external vectors. Common pathways include luggage transported from infested hotels, second‑hand furniture, clothing purchased at thrift stores, and items carried by visitors who have previously stayed in contaminated environments. Cracks in walls, gaps around plumbing, and unsealed windows provide additional routes for insects migrating from adjacent units in multi‑dwelling buildings. Once inside, the pests hide in seams of mattresses, box‑spring frames, upholstered furniture, and behind baseboards, emerging at night to feed on human blood.
Effective domestic control relies on thorough sanitation and targeted folk treatments. The following measures have demonstrated practical results when applied consistently:
- Heat exposure: Place infested linens, clothing, and small items in a dryer on high heat for at least 30 minutes; heat above 45 °C (113 °F) kills all life stages. For larger furniture, use a portable steam cleaner, ensuring steam penetrates seams and crevices.
- Cold treatment: Seal items in airtight bags and store in a freezer at –18 °C (0 °F) for a minimum of 72 hours; prolonged freezing eliminates eggs, nymphs, and adults.
- Diatomaceous earth: Sprinkle food‑grade diatomaceous powder along baseboards, under bed frames, and around furniture legs. The abrasive particles damage the insects’ exoskeleton, leading to dehydration. Reapply after vacuuming or cleaning.
- Essential oil spray: Mix 10 ml of tea tree oil, 10 ml of lavender oil, and 5 ml of peppermint oil with 250 ml of water. Transfer to a spray bottle and mist directly onto hiding spots. The strong scent disrupts feeding behavior and deters movement.
- Vinegar solution: Combine equal parts white vinegar and water, add a few drops of eucalyptus oil, and apply to cracks and seams. Acidity and aroma create an unfavorable environment for the pests.
- Baking soda and salt: Blend equal parts and sprinkle on mattress edges and sofa cushions. The abrasive mixture irritates the insects and absorbs moisture, reducing survivability.
- Vacuuming: Use a high‑efficiency vacuum with a HEPA filter to remove visible bugs, eggs, and shed skins. Immediately seal the vacuum bag or empty the canister into a sealed plastic bag before disposal.
After implementing these steps, repeat the cleaning cycle weekly for at least one month to intercept any survivors that hatch later. Seal any identified entry points with caulk or weatherstripping to prevent reinfestation. Maintaining reduced clutter and regular inspection of bedding and upholstery further limits the risk of recurrence.