Tiny but persistent, bedbugs can sneak into your home without warning. They bite, hide in the smallest crevices, and are notoriously hard to eliminate.
If you’re looking for an effective and safe way to get rid of them, there are some powerful natural solutions available. Here’s how you can enjoy peaceful nights again—without relying on harsh chemical treatments.
Why Are Bedbugs So Hard to Get Rid Of?
Bedbugs are impressively resilient. They feed on blood, hide in cracks, mattresses, and even behind electrical outlets. A single female can lay up to 500 eggs in just a few months, making infestations spread quickly and tough to control.
Chemical treatments exist, but they’re often expensive, harmful to your health, and not always effective in the long run. Thankfully, there are natural methods that can stop their spread.
5 Natural Solutions to Get Rid of Bedbugs
1. Steam: A Powerful Weapon
Bedbugs can’t survive high temperatures. A steam cleaner that reaches 120°C (248°F) can kill them effectively. Use it on mattresses, curtains, rugs, and all the nooks and crannies where they might hide.
Pro Tip: Focus especially on mattress seams and furniture cracks.
2. Diatomaceous Earth: A Natural Insect Killer
This fine powder, made from microscopic fossilized algae, has abrasive properties that damage bedbugs’ exoskeletons, causing them to dehydrate and die within hours. Sprinkle it under beds, along baseboards, and in suspicious areas.
Caution: Always use food-grade diatomaceous earth to avoid respiratory issues.
3. Garlic and Essential Oils as Repellents
The strong scent of garlic and certain essential oils (like lavender, tea tree, and eucalyptus) disrupts bedbugs’ sense of direction and deters them.
DIY Bedbug Spray Recipe:
- Mix 25 ml of lavender essential oil
- 50 ml of tea tree oil
- 1 liter of water
Spray on linens, mattresses, and into corners where bedbugs might be hiding.
4. High-Temperature Washing
Wash your sheets, clothes, and curtains at a minimum of 60°C (140°F) to kill eggs and larvae. If possible, tumble-dry them on a hot setting afterward.
Good to Know: For infested objects, seal them in airtight plastic bags and freeze them for 48 hours to kill the bugs with cold.
5. Seal All Their Hiding Spots
Bedbugs love cracks and crevices. Seal up holes in the walls, repair baseboards, and use anti-bedbug covers on your mattresses.
Preventing Another Infestation
- Vacuum high-risk areas (like beds, couches, and rugs) regularly.
- Don’t bring secondhand furniture home without inspecting it thoroughly.
- Check your luggage after hotel stays or public transportation travel.
- Use anti-bedbug covers on mattresses and pillows.
With these natural methods, you can successfully eliminate bedbugs and restore a healthy, chemical-free home environment!