Here’s how to get rid of bedbugs with these tips and home remedies. Also discover natural bedbug bite treatments that can provide fast relief.
Natural remedies for bedbugs
There are many natural home remedies for bedbugs. You can find these natural products in any drugstore. So here are 6 well-reputed home remedies to combat bedbugs.
You’ll also find all our bedbug treatments in our dedicated article.
Pyrethrum flower: the natural insecticide against bedbugs
Pyrethrum powder is extracted from the dried flowers of the Dalmatian chrysanthemum: a kind of tansy that looks like a small daisy. Pyrethrum extract is both a repellent and an insecticide. This natural solution has been around for decades. Pyrethrum powder is effective on cold-blooded animals, and therefore on many insects such as bedbugs. It attacks their nervous system, paralysing them immediately. When using it, be sure to wear gloves, as it can cause allergic reactions. Sprinkle pyrethrum powder under the bed and in every nook and cranny of the infested room.
Diatomaceous Earth: the natural enemy of bedbugs
Diatomaceous Earth is a natural product renowned for killing bedbugs. Diatomaceous Earth is a powder extracted from siliceous rocks containing microscopic algae. It is a natural, plant-based insecticide that can be used both preventively and curatively on bedbug breeding grounds.
Diatomaceous Earth kills bedbugs slowly by asphyxiating them, and can be sprayed into every nook and cranny: cracks in walls, parquet flooring, skirting boards, etc. Diatomaceous Earth (non-calcined) is available in aerosol sprays with a nozzle for precise spraying. Leave for 12 to 48 hours before brushing and vacuuming. See our article dedicated to Diatomaceous earth, to find out all its possible uses against bedbugs.
Treating bedbugs with essential oils
Certain essential oils have anti-parasitic and insecticidal properties that are effective against bedbugs.
- This is the case of Lavender Aspic essential oil, which can be sprayed on bed flea infested areas.
- Tea Tree essential oil also has anti-parasite and repellent properties. It kills bedbugs that come into contact with it.
- Java citronella essential oil repels and eliminates bedbugs thanks to its repellent, insecticidal and anti-parasitic properties.
- Finally, Clove essential oil is also reputed to be effective against bedbugs. Ask your pharmacist about how to use it and the dosages required.
Baking soda treatment to get rid of bedbugs
Baking soda is a natural remedy used in many cases. Not harmful to humans, it is irritating to bedbugs. It should be used in the early stages of infestation, but will not be sufficiently effective in the case of heavy infestation.
It can be sprinkled directly on bedbug hotspots such as skirting boards, mattresses, sheets, carpets or bed bases. It can also be diluted with water and sprayed on curtains, wall cracks or bed linen. One tablespoon (per square meter of surface area) of baking soda for 1L of water. Baking soda dries out and kills bedbugs, but it’s best used as a preventive solution against bedbugs.
Vaseline: a formidable natural trap for bedbugs
Vaseline can be used to block bedbugs’ access to your mattress. In fact, coat the feet of the bed with Vaseline. Insects will get trapped and won’t be able to come and bite you while you sleep.
Vaseline can also be applied to the base of furniture to prevent bedbugs moving around. However, this natural remedy won’t be enough to get rid of bedbugs.
Combating bedbugs with isopropyl alcohol
Isopropyl alcohol or isopropanol, also known as methylated spirits, is a preventive product. Bedbugs can’t stand the smell of this alcohol. So spray it all over areas that may be infested. Then remember to air the room or bedroom to eliminate the smell of alcohol.
This solution seems to reduce the bedbug population, but doesn’t eliminate all the pests… In fact, bedbugs move around, and isopropyl alcohol repels bedbugs into other rooms without actually killing them!
Home for bedbug bites
Bedbug rashes take the form of red skin lesions, usually grouped together in a linear pattern, which can be very itchy. Before applying, clean the bitten area with warm water and soap to avoid infection, and avoid scratching the bitten area, as this may increase irritation. Here are 6 home remedies to relieve bedbug bites.
Lemon juice to soothe bedbug bites
Lemon has healing, astringent, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties. It is a natural remedy that recommended for relieving the itching and inflammation of bedbug bites. Apply a compress soaked in lemon juice to the spots.
Another remedy for bedbug spots: white vinegar
White vinegar is an excellent antiseptic and disinfectant, acting as a natural antibiotic to effectively fight infections. This home remedy can be used as a compress on bedbug bites.
Toothpaste: stop bedbug spots from becoming inflamed
Toothpaste and the menthol contained in toothpaste accelerate healing, while stopping skin inflammation. This is a home remedy that can relieve bedbug spots.
Baking soda against bedbug bites
Baking soda can be used both to prevent bedbugs and to combat bedbug bites. Mix a spoonful of baking soda with a little water to form a thick paste. Apply this preparation to your spots, leave to dry and then clean with a cotton pad.
Aloe Vera to treat bedbug spots
To relieve pain, stop inflammation and speed healing, Aloe Vera is a natural treatment recommended for bedbug bites. It can be found in gel or cream form in any pharmacy.
Calamine lotion to reduce itching
Calamine has antipruritic and antiseptic properties. Calamine lotion dries out rashes, relieves itching and speeds healing. Apply lotion directly to bedbug spots.
Natural Sereni-d solution
Sereni-d has developed the Anti-Bedbug Bite Roll-On to effectively soothe itching, but also to act preventively thanks to its repellent properties . Sereni-d Anti-Bite Roll-On features a synergy of 100% pure, natural essential oils with soothing, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, healing and preventive properties.
This Roll-On provides immediate relief from itching and accelerates healing, and is recommended for use before and after bedbug bites.
