Bed bugs are small, brownish-red insects that feed on the blood of humans and animals. They are often found in mattresses, bedding, and furniture, and can be very difficult to get rid of. They are usually active at night times.
How to Identify if You Have Bed Bugs in Your Bed?
To identify if you have bed bugs in your bed, look for the following signs:
- Small, brownish-red insects in your bed or furniture
- Blood stains on your sheets or pillowcases
- Bites on your body that are often itchy and cluster together
- A sweet, musty smell in your bedroom
If you suspect you have bed bugs, it’s important to check your entire home for infestation. These pests can quickly spread from one room to another and are very difficult to get rid of without professional help.
Home Remedies for Getting Rid of Bed Bugs?
There are a few things you can do to get rid of bed bugs yourself, but it’s important to note that these pests are very difficult to eliminate completely. The best way to get rid of bed bugs is to hire a professional exterminator. In the meantime, here are a few home remedies for getting rid of bed bugs:
1. Baking Soda
Baking soda is a natural substance that can kill bed bugs. It works by dehydrating the bugs, which leads to their death.
To use this method,
- simply sprinkle baking soda around the infested area
- leave it for a week and then clean with a vaccum cleaner.
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2. Diatomaceous Earth
Diatomaceous earth is a powder made from the fossilized remains of algae. It works by dehydrating the bugs puncturing the bed bugs’ exoskeletons, which leads to their death.
- To use this method,
- simply sprinkle diatomaceous earth around the infested area
- leave it for a week and then clean with a vacuum cleaner.
- Make sure to not inhale this powder and it is better to wear a mask.
3. Hot Water
Wash your entire laundry including your clothes and bed sheets and pillows etc. with hot water. The hot water will kill all the bed bugs and their eggs instantly. This hot water wash is known to be very effective in getting rid of bed bugs.
[ Read: 11 Simple Home Remedies for Mosquito Bites ]
4. Vacuum Cleaner
Vacuum cleaning is a very effective way to get rid of bed bugs. It will help you clean all the nooks and corners of your house where these pests might be hiding. Make sure to dispose the vacuum bag after each use to avoid re-infestation.
5. Cayenne Pepper
Cayenne pepper is a natural substance that can kill bed bugs. It works by irritating the bugs and causing them to dehydrate and die.
- To use this method,
- simply sprinkle cayenne pepper around the infested area
- leave it for a week and then clean with a vacuum cleaner.
6. Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is a natural substance that can kill bed bugs. It works by suffocating the bugs and causing them to die.
- To use this method,
- simply mix tea tree oil with water in a spray bottle
- spray it around the infested area.
- Remember that this method is only for a mild infestation.
7. Lavender Oil
Lavender oil is a natural substance that can kill bed bugs. It works by suffocating the bugs and causing them to die.
To use this method,
- simply mix lavender oil with water in a spray bottle
- spray it around the infested area.
- Remember that this method is only for a mild infestation.
8. Peppermint Oil
Peppermint oil is a natural substance that can kill bed bugs. It works by suffocating the bugs and causing them to die.
- To use this method,
- Mix peppermint oil with water in a spray bottle
- spray it around the infested area.
- Remember that this method is only for a mild infestation.
9. Silica Gel
Silica gel packets are a substance that is usually found in packaged boxes. It is very effective in killing bed bugs as it can absorb moisture from the bugs, which will eventually kill them.
- To use this method,
- simply place silica gel packets around the infested area
- leave it for a few days.
10. Rubbing Alcohol
Rubbing alcohol can kill bed bugs by dehydrating the bugs and causing them to die.
- To use this method,
- Simply add it in a spray bottle
- Spray it around the infested area.
- Keep it away from fire.
Here are Some Other Things You can Do
- Wash all of your bedding, clothing, and curtains in hot water and dry them on the highest setting.
- Vacuum your entire home, including furniture, floors, and baseboards.
- Seal any cracks or crevices in your walls or furniture with caulk or tape.
- Use a portable heater or hair dryer to heat up infested areas and kill bed bugs.
- Place encasements over your mattress and box spring to prevent bed bugs from entering
Caution: Do not use essential oils when there are infants, small children, pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers around, as these oils can be harmful to them. If you are using essential oils, make sure to do a patch test first to see if you are allergic to them. If you have any other medical condition, please consult your doctor before using any of these home remedies.
Bed bugs are a nuisance and can be very difficult to get rid of. However, with perseverance and the use of these home remedies, you can say goodbye to these pests for good! Hope this article was helpful.
Thanks for reading!
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