Are there home remedies for bed bugs that actually work? Normally, you should leave your bed bug problem to the experts. But this doesn’t mean that you can’t take matters into your own hands while waiting for the bed bug exterminator to arrive. Here are a few steps that may help you reduce the colony of the bedbugs at your home.
1. Hot water
If you suspect that bed bugs have made a home in your bedding, blankets, and even your clothes, it’s time to give your items a thorough wash by a splash of steamy heated water. It’s important to use hot water when washing these items, as long as they can withstand the heat, to kill bed bugs. Heat treatment is an effective method for getting rid of these pesky creatures because they get dehydrated due to the intense heat. Place your clothes and linens in the dryer too to give them another dose of heat. The bed bugs will have little chance of surviving this.
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2. Vacuum
Make it a point to vacuum your bedding, furniture, and even the tiny cracks that you see on your bed frame, walls, and wallpaper. Even the box spring must be vacuumed as much as possible. Get a brush and use it to help loosen up any bugs and eggs that you see on your mattress, upholstered furniture, and the like. Afterward, remove the vacuum bag and seal its contents before disposing of it. Don’t forget to clean your vacuum too while you are at it.
3. Steam cleaner
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If you have a steam cleaner at home, you can also remove the bed bugs from your mattress and box spring. Research suggests that intense heat is one of the most effective ways to get rid of bed bugs instantly. However, an even better option is renting a professional steam cleaner or seeking professional help. The team may provide you with an in-depth analysis of the situation with the bugs at your place and what treatment is more likely to be effective. You may choose between- Hot Treatment, Cold Treatment, and Chemical Treatment as per convenience, need, and budget.
4. Diatomaceous earth
When it comes to natural remedies to get rid of bed bugs, diatomaceous earth is a good option to consider as it is a chemical-free powder that can eliminate different types of pests, including bed bugs. What it does is dehydrate the bed bugs, which kills them off. It may take up to a week before you see results. Be careful when using diatomaceous earth as it can be easily inhaled. Use a face mask to prevent this and make sure that you use gloves too. Only use the variation of diatomaceous earth EPA approved for this use.
5. Baking soda
Another example of home remedies to get rid of bed bugs is baking soda, which dehydrates the bugs by removing moisture. You can sprinkle a light layer of baking soda on areas you think these critters are staying in. Let the powder sit for a week before using your vacuum cleaner to suck up everything. You will need to do this often until there are no bugs or eggs left.
6. Black walnut tea
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Black walnut tea has antibacterial, antifungal, and insecticidal properties that can contribute to getting rid of the infestation in your home. Instead of tossing your used black walnut tea bags, place them in areas that are considered hiding places for bed bugs. This includes all cracks, crevices, and even on the baseboards and such. You can even sprinkle the dry tea leaves on your mattress, as well as bedding to remove not just the bugs, but the eggs too.
7. Tea tree oil
Another possible remedy to use to remove bed bugs in your home is tea tree oil. Tea tree oil is known for its antifungal, antiseptic, antiviral, and antibiotic properties, but it also has antiparasitic properties which can eliminate parasitic bed bugs. This remedy is only effective if you have a mild infestation on your hands. You should dilute 20 drops of tea tree oil in a spray bottle filled with water and spray on all the furnishings, mattress, cabinets, cushions, curtains, and the like. Any clothes, linens, and bedding must be washed in hot water to kill them off completely.
8. Cayenne pepper
What other home remedies for bed bugs can you use? How about a combination of cayenne pepper, oregano, and ginger? While this method will not kill bed bugs, the spiciness of ginger and cayenne mixed with the strong scent of oregano essential oil can repel these insects. It can also assist, along with other methods in controlling these pests. You will need one teaspoon each of cayenne pepper, oregano essential oil, and grated ginger, plus a cup of water. Mix all the ingredients in a pan and let it boil for about seven minutes. Strain afterward and transfer into a spray bottle. Spray the solution on all possible entry points of rooms that you feel will have bed bugs.
9. Lavender or peppermint oil spray
Lavender is commonly associated with rest and relaxation, so it may come as a surprise that it can be used to combat bed bugs. Just like in the case of tea tree oil, lavender oil can be used to spray on possible hiding places of bed bugs. You don’t even have to worry about any side effects because lavender essential oil is safe for you and your pets even. Peppermint oil, on the other hand, can help repel these pesky creatures because of its strong scent. Combine the two, and you will have a natural spray that can help get rid of bed bugs in your home.
Source: https://gardencourte.com
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