A variety of home remedies claim to repel or kill bed bugs. Rubbing alcohol, for example, may dry out the insects and discourage their re-infestation.
Baking soda is another Natural Bed Bug Killer option. This silica dust clings to the waxy protective outer coating of bed bugs and causes them to die through dehydration.
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is a natural pesticide that has been used for centuries to repel and kill unwanted pests. This clear or pale-yellow essential oil is derived from the leaves of the Australian tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia). It contains many powerful compounds, including sesquiterpenes and monoterpenes. One of these compounds, terpenes-4-ol, has been shown to disrupt the nervous system of insects and cause them to die.
You can purchase pure or diluted tea tree oil online or at some health stores. Use this solution as directed on bedding and other surfaces infested with bed bugs to kill the pests. It’s important to follow safety guidelines and avoid direct contact with this oil since it can irritate skin and cause allergic reactions. It is also recommended to perform a patch test prior to using pure or undiluted tea tree oil to make sure you are not sensitive to this substance.
Other natural solutions include peppermint oil, which has been known to repel bed bugs, and black walnut tea, which is said to have antifungal, antibacterial and insecticidal properties that can help with the eradication process. These natural alternatives can be effective when combined with other common bed bug eradication techniques such as vacuuming, steam cleaning and washing in hot water.
Another natural ingredient that can work well in conjunction with other natural bed bug killer ingredients is diatomaceous earth. This is a fine powder made of fossilized sedimentary rock that has tiny shards that can kill bugs by absorbing their exoskeletons and interrupting their digestive systems.
Lavender Oil
Lavender oil (Lavandula angustifolia) is an essential oil with strong insecticidal properties. It contains a variety of compounds, such as linalool and linalyl acetate, that act as natural insect repellents by suffocating or poisoning the insects. It is also a popular ingredient in commercial insecticides due to its safety to humans and pets.
Studies have shown that lavender oil can help eliminate bed bugs. It has a powerful scent that repels these pests, and its chemical composition helps destroy the exoskeleton of the bug. It also overpowers the receptors that the bugs use to find their next blood meal.
Mix a combination of water and lavender oil in a spray bottle and apply it to the potential hiding spots of the pests, including the corners of beds, headboards, sofa tufts, etc. You can also add neem oil (derived from the neem tree) to your mixture, which acts as an effective insecticide by disrupting the hormones of the bed bugs and discouraging them from staying in treated areas.
Another natural method to get rid of the pests is to use black walnut tea bags. They have antibacterial and antifungal properties, as well as the ability to kill the bugs and their eggs. Sprinkle the dried leaves on the infested areas and let them soak for a few days.
Peppermint Oil
Peppermint oil has long been used as an insect repellent, and it also kills bed bugs when sprayed directly on them. However, the oil has to be sprayed frequently, and it doesn’t stop bed bugs from coming back for more after they’ve been exposed. This makes it more of a deterrent than a true bed bug killer.
If you’re fighting a full-blown infestation, the best way to get rid of the pests quickly is by hiring an experienced professional. A pest controller can start with nonchemical methods and only resort to chemical treatments if they don’t work. These chemicals are usually pyrethrins or pyrethroids, which are derived from chrysanthemum flowers and act on the nervous system of the pests.
Essential oils are another natural method that can help prevent and treat a bed bug infestation. Make sure to dilute these oils with a carrier oil, such as jojoba or coconut oil, before applying them to your skin. You can also use a strong scented plant, such as lemongrass or eucalyptus, to create a fragrant insect-repelling blend.
Another natural way to prevent bed bugs is by sprinkling baking soda throughout your home, especially in crevices and cracks where the bugs like to hide. This powder sucks the moisture out of their exoskeletons, which eventually causes them to dehydrate and die.
Diatomaceous Earth
Diatomaceous earth is a chemical-free powder that has been shown to effectively eliminate bed bugs and other pests. It works by scraping the outer coating of an insect’s body, removing oils and fats which then cause them to dry out and die.
DE can be applied directly to beds, furniture, and other areas where bed bugs are often found. It can also be used to treat crevices and cracks around the home. This includes places like the edges of door frames, where windows meet walls, behind electrical face plates, under appliances and along baseboards.
It does not have a strong odor and is relatively safe to use if handled properly. It is important to note that it can irritate the respiratory system if inhaled in large quantities, especially for those with sensitive lungs. For this reason, it is recommended that those using it wear a dust mask while applying it in their homes.
Diatomaceous earth does not work as fast as some of the other natural bed bug killers, but it is effective at killing them over time by causing them to dry out and die. It is also non-toxic to pestemite and humans, though it is not recommended that children play with it because of the potential choking hazard from small particles. This Thomas Labs 3 lb jar of food grade DE is a great option for those looking to kill bed bugs and other pests with a safe product.
