Keeping Bugs Where They Belong

Are There Natural Ways To Get Rid Of Bed Bugs?

6 June 2017

Judy Lute

One of the hardest bugs to get rid of from a home and one that doesn't seem to have any real benefit to you are bed bugs. For the most part, they are difficult to catch, as it is very hard to even spot them let alone spray them to kill them. They don't just hide in your bed sheets either; they can be found pretty much anywhere in your home. Are there natural ways to get rid of these pests? There is some evidence to suggest that some natural remedies are helpful.

Natural Oils

While one of the best ways to get rid of these unwanted pests is to hire an exterminator, if you have the time and want to make the effort, you can potentially use some natural oils such as essential oils to get rid of them. There are new products on the market today that have proven somewhat successful. These natural products contain oils such as geranoil, cedar extract, and sodium Lauryl Sulfate. You can also use lavender essential oil as a repellent, peppermint oil or clove oil to attempt to rid your home of the pests. You may also want to try cinnamon oil which works best if you actually see the bed bugs.

Diatomaceous Earth 

A natural and soft sedimentary rock that has been crushed into a white powder, it is mostly made up of fossilized algae. It has been used as an insecticide for years now and has proven very effective. It absorbs the water and other liquids from the insect's outer shell causing dehydration to occur. For the most part, diatomaceous earth is paired with some sort of attractant to bring the insects to the trap and it can be mixed with other additives to increase the effectiveness of it. It is pretty easy to get, most nurseries carry it or home hardware stores may also carry it.

Vacuum and Freeze

One method that doesn't need any extra oils or pesticides is the vacuum and freeze method. You have to find where the infestation is located – in your bedroom or living room for example. Once you have located where the bugs are, you can vacuum up all the ones you can spot and then run your vacuum over your bed, bed frame, dresser drawers, floor and even along door frames and crevices and cracks. Take every piece of clothing and bed sheets and seal them in plastic bags and freeze them. You can also place them in a very hot dryer (once you have washed them) and this can be effective in killing bed bugs.

For more elaborate bed bug treatment, call a local pest control company.

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