Bed bugs are definitely up there with some of the most unwanted residents of the insect world. And with good reason. Their presence often brings an itch and level of discomfort that would test the patience of the best of us.
It’s little wonder why most of us are keen to get rid of them. These days though, there’s more of a trend to try and get rid of bed bugs naturally rather than with chemicals.
Getting Rid Of Bed Bugs Naturally
First of all, make sure they are actually bedbugs, not fleas, ticks, or other insects.
Inspect for all signs of bed bugs to be sure it’s not another infestation. Bedbugs can look similar to other insects.
Use a magnifying glass and your nose to look for blood spots. A bedbug will have a brownish, almost blackish sheen to its skin. They also have short black and white stripes down their backs.
They also can’t jump or fly, but they can crawl on you and walk around.
There are many natural remedies that are safe for use in your home. There are also do-it-yourself methods you can use to get rid of bedbugs naturally.
Here are our top 20 tips for getting rid of bed bugs naturally…
1. Tee Tree Oil
There are many natural oils that can be used to prevent pests and bedbugs. Tea tree oil is a great choice and has anti-microbial properties make it a standout choice for pest control.
It not only destroys the bacteria and fungus that could lead to an infestation, but it is also inexpensive and has a pleasant odour. These properties make it a great alternative to chemical pesticides.
You could also be interested in 6 Amazing Home Remedies To Get Rid Of Bed Bug Fast.
2. Lavender Or Peppermint Oil
Essential oils are a great way to naturally treat bedbugs and other pests. Some essential oils, such as lemon, lavender or peppermint oil can be used to treat bedbugs.
When applied to the skin, these oils can provide a natural deterrent to bedbugs to keep them from feasting on you or your family.
3. Diatomaceous Earth (DE)
DE is an organic powder made from fossilized seashells. It can be used to naturally treat bedbugs. Simply mix DE into a solution of water and spray it on your bedding and furniture.
4. Silica Aerogel
Much like DE (above), Silica Aerogel is a dessicant that destroys the bugs protective coating and can be applied in a spray much like DE.
5. Natural Dye
Using natural dyes to treat bedbugs is another option. Natural dyes are safe to use and can be used to create your own homemade solution in a laundry tub, where you can submerge the items or sheets.
6. Baking Soda And Vinegar
You can use baking soda and vinegar to naturally get rid of bedbugs. The vinegar will help kill the bugs, and the baking soda will absorb the moisture from the bugs and leave them dry.
7. Black Walnut Tea
You can use black walnut tea to naturally get rid of bedbugs. Simply place a handful of black walnut tea leaves into a bowl and cover it with boiling water.
Allow the tea to cool and then strain the tea into a spray bottle. Spray the tea on your bedding and furniture to get rid of the bedbugs.
8. Wormwood
Wormwood can be used to get rid of bedbugs. Simply place the wormwood into a solution of water and allow the mixture to sit for a couple of hours.
Strain the mixture and use it as a spray.
9. Isopropyl Rubbing Alcohol
Isopropyl Alcohol is a great natural remedy to get rid of bedbugs. Simply spray a mixture of alcohol and water onto your bedding and furniture. The alcohol will kill the bedbugs and the water will help get rid of the moisture.
10. Citrus Peels
You can use citrus peels to naturally get rid of bedbugs. All you need to do is rub citrus peels on your bedding and furniture to deter the bedbugs.
11. Cayenne Pepper
Cayenne pepper can also be used to get rid of bedbugs naturally. It is used by rubbing cayenne pepper on the bedding and furniture where the bedbugs are hiding.
12. Turn Up The heat
You can kill bedbugs with heat as they only survive at temperatures of between 75 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit.
Turn your thermostat up to 78 degrees or set your air conditioner to 78 degrees. This will make them uncomfortable and look for a way to get out.
13. Use Hot Water
Bed bugs love to hang out on humans, so it makes sense that we find most of them in bedding mattresses and bed sheets.
When it comes to the bedsheets, make sure you wash everything in hot water for at least 30 minutes.
Make sure you also check your pets bedding as well. Getting rid of bed bugs is as much about finding them as it is about treating them. And while we often think of our own bedding, we don’t always think of where our pet sleeps.
14. Put Everything Through The Dryer
If you have a dryer in your home, turn it up to the hottest setting and put your clothing and bedding through a cycle for at least 30 minutes. This should be enough to kill off any remaining bugs that may have lasted through a wash cycle.
15. Steam Them Out
If you have access to a steamer, and the infested area is accessible, steaming the area can be a great option. If you’ve ever caught your finger under the iron you know how hot it can be when it’s steaming, and this isn’t where bed bugs want to be.
Make sure you keep well away from the steaming area when you use it.
16. Vacuum Them Up
You can kill bedbugs with a good vacuum. Bed bugs can’t jump or fly, so they have to walk to get into your home, which makes them prime targets to get sucked into the vacuum.
Make sure you vacuum your home regularly, especially under your bed and under your bedding.
17. Remove The Furniture Completely
While it may not be the ideal way of removing bed bugs, sometimes the best thing to do is to remove the furniture from the home altogether, especially if there are areas that prove difficult to access.
Bed bugs are often found in mattresses so it’s natural that they will move to the bed furniture as well. Before you buy that second-hand bed, look for signs of bedbugs on the bed frame, the box spring, and the headboard.
18. Use A Mattress Cover
Bedbugs can hide in the seams and folds of a mattress so they can be difficult to find at the best of times.
Prevent bed bugs from accessing these hard-to-get-at areas by using a mattress cover. This is a tightly woven cover that can stop bugs from getting in but also stops any existing bugs from feeding any further.
Keep in mind that bed bugs can live for up to a year without food though, so you will need to keep the cover on for at least that period.
19. Duct Tape
It can be difficult to remove bed bugs once you’ve found them. However if they haven’t managed to infiltrate your home just yet, rubbing duct tape over the affected area can pick them up quite effectively, as they stick to the tape and save you having to try and pick them out yourself.
20. Pyrethrum
Pyrethrum is an extract made from the chrysanthemum flower.
Diluting some pyrethrum in water and putting in a spray can be very effective in removing them as the mixture attacks the central nervous system of the bed bugs and kills them off.
Steps To Take If You Find A Bedbug
In addition to the above tips on how to get rid of bed bugs naturally, here are a few steps you can take if you ever come across these pests;
Determine the Severity of the Problem
When it comes to bedbugs, there is no such thing as a “minor infestation.” If you think you may have bedbugs, check all potential areas to gauge the size of the issue before calling on a pest control company.
Take Action To Eliminate The Bed Bugs
Once you’ve established the severity of the problem, you may want to consider getting rid of them with natural methods before you call pest control.
If that doesn’t work, you can contact a pest control company to exterminate the bedbugs. Be sure to get information on the different plans they offer.
Most pest control companies have an all-inclusive plan that includes the treatment and removal of bedbugs and all other pests.
It’s important to remember that bedbugs can hide in your home for months or even years. So you need to make sure that you are not getting them from other sources.
Check Your Results
You can check the results of your bedbug treatment by calling a pest control service after treatment to check for any further signs of bedbugs.
Otherwise, going back over the key areas and checking for signs that they might still be lurking is the most thorough way to make sure they won’t cause a nuisance to your home in the future.
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