This article includes a list of very simple, low-cost home remedies for warding off and controlling bed bugs. These all-natural bed insect removal methods are perfect for long-term use.
Pesticides and insecticides are used in some of the best bed bug extermination techniques. It goes without saying that some of these chemicals may be somewhat hazardous to people and animals; therefore, they should only be used as an immediate remedy in the event of an emergency with bed bugs.
Fortunately, there are numerous natural methods to deter bed bugs and aid in their long-term elimination.
Diatomaceous Earth
Diatomaceous earth (DE) is a chemical-free pesticide ideal for bed bugs especially due to their growing resistance to chemical-base pesticides. The DE powder is natural and safe to be used around humans and pets (made from fossil remains of tiny aquatic organisms).
This powder has sharp edges that cuts open the exoskeleton of bed bugs and kill the bed bugs by dehydrating them with it’s water and oil absorbing properties. While it takes more than 10 days to kill bed bugs, it has a mortality rate of higher than 90%.
The powder is so fine that it can easily reach tight spaces where other methods like fogging can’t reach. As long as it stays dry, diatomaceous earth stays effective for months.
Tip: Apply only a thin layer to prevent it from getting airborne and increase the chances of bed bugs coming into contact with it.
Note: Wear a dust mask to avoid getting an fine particles in your lungs.
Baking Soda
Baking soda has drying properties that kill bed bugs by absorbing the moisture from their body and starving bed bugs to death. It also has antimicrobial properties that help kill the bed bugs.
Spread a light layer over affected areas at home, layering it from every wall to the doorways and corners (including crevices and cracks). Allow the baking soda to sit for the entire week before vacuuming up all the baking soda and re-apply as needed.
Baking soda is safe for pets and humans.
Cayenne Pepper
Similar to baked powder, cayenne pepper contains antimicrobial properties that help drive bed bugs away.
Mix a tablespoon of the cayenne powder with oregano and grated ginger , and boil them in water (for about 5 – 7 mins). Strain and spray the solution around entry points of rooms that have bed bugs and areas where they may be hiding.
The strong scent of oregano essential oil together with spiciness of both ginger and cayenne will help drive bed bugs away.
Repeat this process every few days until the problem has been resolved.
Steam Treatment
Steam cleaning is a good alternative as there are some item
Steam cleaner can emit steam at temperature above 100 degrees which neither the adult bed bug nor their eggs can tolerate.
Invest in a handheld steam cleaner with strong vapor flow, or rent a professional one. Some even have multiple attachments that allows reaching to difficult spots.
Tip: As wet steam may damage fabrics and soft furnishings, be sure to switch to dry steam.
Note: Avoid steaming around electric outlets.
Vacuum Cleaner
This method needs no introduction. Vacuuming is a vital part in the battle against bed bugs.
It is best used after bed bug killers have been applied and left to do it’s work for awhile.
The suction wand of the vacuum is very effective in removing both the dead and surviving bed bugs from treated area.
Note: Careful when using vacuum to clean up powder-base bed bug treatments as they might cloak up the vacuum machine.
Tip: Try change the vacuum bag after each use (disposing them outside).
Tea Tree Oil
Known as one of the miraculous essential oils, Tea tree oil is known for its antimicrobial effects; containing antibiotic, antifungal, antiseptic, expectorant and antiviral properties.
The antibacterial properties also help eliminate all sorts of fungi, bacteria and viruses microbes. It also has antiparasitic properties capable of destroying bed bugs or suppressing growth.
Mix 20 drops of 100% pure tea tree oil with water into a spray bottle and then thoroughly spray affected areas like on furnishings or onto clothes. Also spray the oil around bed to prevent bed bugs from attacking while you’re asleep.
Mint Leaves
Mint leaves works as an effective repellent useful in preventing entry of bed bugs.
Sprinkle crushed mint leaves around the sleeping area or inside the kid’s cradleboard. Dried mint leaves packet can also be placed between linen closets and mattress.
Another option is to spray mint oil on every nook and corner.
Black Walnut Tea
Black walnut tea is believed to be a natural insecticide and repellent thanks to its antifungal and antibacterial properties.
To use, simply sprinkle dried black walnut tea on infested areas or place tea bags at suspected areas (like the creases of the bed, corners of the room, closet area).
Alternatively, mix lavender, mint leaves, sweet flag, thyme and black walnut into the sachet and hide sachet at conspicuous areas. The strong aroma of all these herbs can help repel bed bugs.
Tip: Used black walnut tea bags works too.
Lavender oil
lavender essential oil is another excellent and effective natural bed bug spray as it contains pest-repelling properties that are toxic to insects, but very safe for humans and pets.
The scent of lavender oil can cause nauseates to bed bugs and repels them. On top of repelling bed bugs, lavender essential oil is also effective in protecting clothes and linens fabrics from moths and other insects.
Bonus – A combination of lavender oil and peppermint oil can effectively kill the bed bugs: Simply mix water with about 15 drops of lavender essential oil and 15 drops of peppermint oil in a spray bottle. Shake well before applying mixture to infested areas. Continue to do this daily until all signs of the bed bugs are gone.
Pyrethrum
Pyrethrum
is an extract formed as a result of the combination of dried Coccineum
and Chysanthemum flower. Chysanthemum has natural insecticide which
directly attacks the nervous system and helps to kill bed bugs.