Last Updated on April 3, 2024 by Francis
Bed bugs are pesky insects that can cause discomfort and distress. They feed on human blood and can cause skin irritation, allergic reactions, and sleep deprivation. Bed bugs can infest your home quickly, and it is essential to take necessary measures to get rid of them. While professional pest control services are the most effective way to eliminate bed bugs, there are also several home remedies that you can try. In this article, we will discuss some of the most effective home remedies to kill bed bugs.
Bed bugs can be a nuisance and difficult to eliminate once they infest your home. While professional extermination services can be effective, they can also be expensive. Fortunately, there are several home remedies that can be used to kill bed bugs. In this article, we will explore some of the most effective remedies that you can try to get rid of these pesky insects without breaking the bank.
Understanding Bed Bugs
Before we dive into the home remedies, let’s understand what bed bugs are and how they infest your home. Bed bugs are small, reddish-brown insects that feed on human blood. They are about the size of an apple seed and can be found in cracks and crevices, including the seams of mattresses, headboards, and box springs. Bed bugs are active at night and can travel up to 20 feet to feed on their hosts. They can live for several months without feeding, making it challenging to get rid of them.
There are several home remedies to kill bed bugs that you can try. These remedies are safe, natural, and affordable. Here are some of the most effective ones:
Vacuuming
Vacuuming your home is one of the easiest ways to get rid of bed bugs. Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter to suck up the bed bugs and their eggs. Pay special attention to the seams of your mattress, box spring, and headboard. After vacuuming, seal the vacuum bag in a plastic bag and dispose of it outside your home.
Diatomaceous Earth
Diatomaceous earth is a natural substance that can be used to kill bed bugs. It is a fine powder made from the fossilized remains of diatoms, a type of algae. Sprinkle diatomaceous earth around the areas where bed bugs are present, such as your bed, couch, and carpet. The powder will dehydrate the bed bugs, causing them to die.
Essential Oils
Essential oils, such as lavender, peppermint, and tea tree oil, can be used to repel and kill bed bugs. Mix a few drops of essential oil with water and spray the solution around the infested areas. You can also add a few drops of essential oil to your laundry to repel bed bugs.
Baking Soda
Baking soda is a natural remedy that can be used to kill bed bugs. Sprinkle baking soda around the areas where bed bugs are present and leave it for a few days. The baking soda will dehydrate the bed bugs, causing them to die.
Heat Treatment
Heat treatment is an effective way to kill bed bugs. Use a steam cleaner to steam your mattress, box spring, and headboard. The heat will kill the bed bugs and their eggs. You can also put your clothing, bedding, and other items in the dryer on high heat for 30 minutes to kill any bed bugs.
Cold Treatment
Just like heat treatment, cold treatment is also an effective way to kill bed bugs. You can put your clothing, bedding, and other items in the freezer for a few days to kill any bed bugs. It is important to note that this method may not be effective against severe infestations.
Seal Cracks and Crevices
Bed bugs can enter your home through cracks and crevices. It is essential to seal these entry points to prevent bed bugs from infesting your home. Use caulk to seal any cracks and crevices in your walls, baseboards, and windows.
Wash Bedding and Clothing
Washing your bedding and clothing in hot water is an effective way to kill bed bugs. Use the hottest water possible and dry the items on the highest heat setting. This will kill any bed bugs and their eggs that may be present.
Use Bed Bug Traps
Bed bug traps can be used to capture and kill bed bugs. These traps use a sticky substance to trap the bed bugs, preventing them from moving around your home. Place the traps near the areas where bed bugs are present, such as your bed, couch, and carpet.
Avoid Clutter
Clutter provides a perfect hiding place for bed bugs. It is essential to keep your home clutter-free to prevent bed bugs from infesting your home. Avoid storing items under your bed or in other areas where bed bugs can hide.
FAQs – What home remedies will kill bed bugs?
Are there any home remedies to kill bed bugs?
Yes, there are several effective home remedies to get rid of bed bugs. These include using heat, diatomaceous earth, tea tree oil, lavender oil, and essential oils.
Does heat kill bed bugs?
Yes, heat is an effective home remedy to kill bed bugs. You can use a clothes dryer on high heat to kill bed bugs on clothing or bedding. You can also use a steam cleaner to kill bed bugs on furniture, carpets, and other surfaces.
How does diatomaceous earth work to kill bed bugs?
Diatomaceous earth is a natural product that comes from the fossilized remains of diatoms. It works by dehydrating bed bugs and other insects. When bed bugs come into contact with the diatomaceous earth, the powder adheres to their exoskeleton and dries them out, eventually killing them.
Can tea tree oil kill bed bugs?
Yes, tea tree oil is an effective home remedy to kill bed bugs. You can mix tea tree oil with water and spray it on infested areas to kill bed bugs. The strong scent of tea tree oil also repels bed bugs, making it a good preventative measure.
How do you use lavender oil to kill bed bugs?
Lavender oil is an effective home remedy to kill bed bugs. You can mix lavender oil with water and spray it on infested areas to kill bed bugs. The strong scent of lavender oil also repels bed bugs, making it a good preventative measure.
What other essential oils can be used to kill bed bugs?
Other essential oils that can be used to kill bed bugs include peppermint oil, eucalyptus oil, and clove oil. These oils can be mixed with water and sprayed in infested areas to kill bed bugs. The strong scents of these oils also repel bed bugs, making them good preventative measures.
