Bed bugs can be bothersome, at home. They can be uncomfortable. Especially, while you’re sleeping. Keeping them away will be most important. At the beginning stage of an infestation, be persistent. Try as many methods as possible.
If you don’t have insecticides, use natural ways. But be proactive. Bed bugs are unusual pests. Their elimination isn’t easy like eliminating mosquitoes and cockroaches. They are smaller. They breed fast. They are more troublesome.
Natural bed bug repellents and deterrents
A number of preventive measures have been discovered to keep bed bugs away. They include natural pest repellents and deterrents.
Lavender sachets
Sachets can be effective in keeping bed bugs away. This happens by using smells. Specifically, lavender. Bed bugs dislike lavender. Other essential oils can be used in sachets. They include cinnamon oil, lemongrass oil, clove oil, peppermint oil, tea tree oil, and eucalyptus oil. They are effective. But you will need to mix them. You will have to dilute them with another liquid. It can be water or carrier oil. Then, use them to spray around your house.
Silica gel
Silica gel can act as a sponge. It will absorb the moisture from bed bugs’ bodies. It has absorbing properties. Studies show that silica gel can kill almost 100% of adult bed bugs. This can happen in 24 hours. In 48 hours, it can eliminate them permanently.
If you have silica gel packets, from shoe boxes and medicines, tear them. Spread the contents on your mattress. It will kill the bed bugs. Vacuum the area. You have to remove the silica gel residue.
Neem oil
The neem tree produces neem oil. It can act as a natural insecticide. Mix it with water. Spray it on infested areas. It will repel the bed bugs. Neem oil disrupts them from breeding. It discourages them from staying there.
Soap and water
A mixture of soap and water can be effective for bed bugs. Sometimes, it can work, even better than pesticides. Spray it directly on the bed bug infestation. This can be on the carpets, mattresses and furnished sofas.
Diatomaceous earth
Diatomaceous earth is an option for repelling bed bugs. It is a chemical-free powder. It can eliminate many different pests. This includes bed bugs. It dehydrates them. This kills them. It can take up to 1 week before. Then, you will see results.
Additionally, be careful when using diatomaceous earth. It can be inhaled easily. Always use a mask and gloves when spreading it. It will prevent this from happening. Only use the formulations that EPA approves.
Baking soda
Baking soda can be a natural repellent for bed bugs. It dehydrates the bugs. It removes the moisture from their bodies. Put a thin and even layer of baking soda on a bed bug infestation. Let it sit for 1 week. Use a vacuum cleaner to remove it. Do this frequently. Then, all the bugs or eggs will be gone.
Black walnut tea
Black walnut tea has insecticidal properties. Bed bugs can be eliminated with them. Don’t throw away black walnut tea bags. Place them on bed bug infestations. This includes cracks and crevices. Also, around your bedroom and the baseboards. Sprinkle dried tea leaves on your mattress and bedding to remove the bed bugs and their eggs.
Cayenne pepper
Combine cayenne pepper, oregano, and ginger. They can be effective for bed bugs. This treatment won’t kill the bed bugs. The spicy properties of the ingredients and the strong scent of oregano can repel them. It’s better used to assist other bed bug treatment methods. Mix 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper. Then, mix oregano oil. Then mix ginger and water. Put them in a pan. Let the liquid boil for 10 minutes. Strain it. Transfer it into a spray bottle. Spray the solution on bed bug infestations.
Ineffective natural bed bug treatments
There are natural methods for getting rid of bed bugs. Many people recommend them online. But they are ineffective. Avoid them. Some of them are:
- Mothballs can be effective in repelling other insects. Specifically from eating fabric items. But they don’t work on bed bugs.
- Rubbing alcohol. Spraying rubbing alcohol on areas infested by bed bugs is done, sometimes. But it won’t kill all. They will still be able to multiply. Additionally, rubbing alcohol is flammable. This poses a fire hazard.
- Dryer sheets. Some people say to use dryer sheets to wipe upholstered furniture or mattresses, to remove bed bugs. Scientists don’t have evidence that this is effective.
Are natural bed bug repellents working?
Natural bed bug repellents, including tea tree oil, lavender, and baking soda, are recommended. This is because they have insect-repellent properties. There is little scientific evidence to support their effectiveness. They will not make bed bugs go away. Specifically, if you’re suffering from a bad bed bug infestation, seek a bug exterminator near you.
Final words
Bed bugs are annoying. They suck blood. They can leave red spots and rashes on your skin. They will itch for long. There are many ways to kill them. There are ways to repel them. But first, find where they are hiding. Target them, specifically. That can be under the furniture, in cracks, or inside wall cracks. Most commonly, it is in your bedroom, on your mattress, the box springs, and the bed frame.
