Bed bugs are some of the most-resilient insects on the planet, and they can be a challenge to eradicate once they become established in living areas. While there are a number of effective pesticide products out there, they are also highly-toxic to humans and pets alike. However, there are also quite a few natural remedies that can work just as well. Here are a few options to consider if you ever have the misfortune of becoming overrun by these nasty little critters.
Baking Soda
Baking soda kills bed bugs by soaking up moisture and literally drying them out. Sprinkle a generous amount of soda wherever the bugs may be present, including nearby cracks and crevices. Let the powder sit for a week or so before sweeping or vacuuming it up, and re-treat the area at least once.
Diatomaceous Earth
This is one of the best natural pesticides out there, and it targets bed bugs in a few different ways. First, it absorbs moisture and causes dehydration. It also dries out oils and bodily fluids that the bugs need to survive. Finally, the sharp, jagged particles cuts up their digestive system and lungs once the powder gets eaten or inhaled. While it can take more than a week for treatments to work, it’s highly-effective and can kill more than 80% of the population following a single application. Follow the same steps outlined above, and be prepared to repeat the treatment once or twice for best results.
Herbal Spray
Pour 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper, oregano essential oil and grated ginger into a saucepan before adding in a cup of water. Boil the mixture for about 10 minutes before removing from heat and letting it cool to room temperature. Strain out the solids and pour the liquid into a spray bottle. Give it a good shake before spraying around the affected area, including furniture, bedding and clothing that has been infested. Repeat every few days until you don’t see them anymore.
Essential Oils
You can also make a spray from lavender and tea tree oil and follow the same steps above. Lavender oil is a well-known pesticide and repellent, and tea tree oil can help to kill eggs and larvae as well as inhibit insect growth and reproduction. Best of all, these oils work fast, and they can help to prevent a re-infestation from occurring. Some people have also experienced positive results by chopping up fresh peppermint leaves and sprinkling the pieces around affected areas as well.
Black Walnut Tea
This tea contains compounds that act as an insecticide and repellent. All you need to do is place used bags in cracks and crevices or around areas of bedding or linen where there is bed bug activity. It will drive many of them away, and a number of them will get killed off in the process.
Try these remedies for yourself, and chances are that at least one of them will help you to gain the upper-hand in your battle to keep infestations under control. However, it’s important to remember that prevention and being proactive will make a huge impact as well. Keep areas clean and clutter-free, remove any bugs you see right away, and consider pre-treating areas as a way to prevent infestations from occurring in the first place.
