If you are dealing with a bed bug infestation, there are some natural remedies that may help. However, these should never replace professional treatment and may not completely eradicate the issue.
A great way to prevent bed bug infestation is by clearing away clutter and trash in your home. This will keep the current infestation at bay and prevent future ones from taking root.
Baking Soda
Many people who suffer from bed bug infestations turn to baking soda as a natural solution. They believe it dehydrates the bugs, leading to their death.
Unfortunately, there is no scientific proof that it works. Furthermore, its breakdown upon contact with water means it won’t absorb the thick fluids on a bed bug’s shell.
Other home remedies to get rid of bed bugs include using rubbing alcohol. However, this should never be used due to its potential hazards for both your health and the environment.
It is essential to note that rubbing alcohol will only suffocate insects, potentially putting you and your family at risk. For optimal results, utilize a more reliable approach which will eradicate all populations of these pests simultaneously.
Diatomaceous Earth
Diatomaceous earth is a chemical-free powder that dehydrates bed bugs and other pests. While it’s safe for humans and pets, caution should still be exercised as inhalation may cause irritation if come into contact with skin or lungs.
It has abrasive and astringent properties that help destroy the waxy layer of insect cuticle through sorption and abrasion. This damages the ultrathin lipid barrier, leading to moisture loss and eventually death.
One of the primary components in DE is silicon dioxide, which naturally occurs in many minerals and sediments of water, lakes and rivers. As a natural desiccant it can be applied to various surfaces including mattresses.
Apply the duster or dry paintbrush with a thin, even coat; this will prevent your area from being an obstacle for insects to cross over.
Essential Oils
When seeking a natural remedy for bed bugs, essential oils are the way to go. Not only can they be applied aromatically, topically and internally to combat these pesky insects, but they’re also safe enough for internal consumption as well.
Lavender, thyme, peppermint and tea tree oils are all inexpensive and safe for use around your family and pets. Lavender, thyme, peppermint and tea tree oil can all be effective against these pesky pests.
These oils can be sprayed on any potential hiding places for bed bugs and will keep them away. With regular application, these natural bed bug killers become an effective and efficient tool!
If you find rusty or red stains on your mattress, bedding, or furniture, these are dried blood from bed bugs. Additionally, bed bugs leave dark spots and black dots in the form of dots on mattresses, carpeting, and furniture.
Herbs
Many herbs, such as rosemary and sage, can be effective bed bug deterrents. Burning them in your home produces a smoke that bed bugs cannot inhale;
Crush these plants and distribute them throughout your home. Alternatively, mix them in a solution and spray it on any infested areas such as mattresses and box springs.
Mint leaves are an effective natural insect repellent and have been scientifically proven to deter bed bugs from entering your house. You can place crushed mint leaves around entry points as well as cracks and crevices in your mattress for additional protection.
Baking soda – An effective natural remedy for bed bugs, baking soda is a household ingredient that acts as an abrasive to draw moisture out of pests’ bodies. Once they become suckered, the baking soda dehydrates and kills them.
Diatomaceous earth, another natural product that can help eliminate bed bugs from your home, is composed of the fossilized skeletons of small aquatic creatures called diatoms. It contains tiny shards which can kill insects when ingested.