Folk remedies for bedbugs - do they really work?

Have you ever come across the opinion that the appearance of bedbugs is a consequence of dirt and sloppiness in the house? It turns out that this myth is far from the truth. Bedbugs are uninvited guests that can appear in any home, regardless of its cleanliness. Let's figure out how they get into the house and how effective folk methods of fighting them are.

1. How do bedbugs get into the house?

• Old Furniture and Clothes: Bedbugs can hide in old things and furniture, moving with them to a new place.
• Footwear: Parasites can be brought into your home by shoes, especially if you have visited places with an increased risk of infestation.

2. Gift from neighbors?

• Spread from neighbors: Bedbugs can migrate from one home to another through ventilation shafts or cracks in the walls.

3. Folk remedies against bedbugs: Myth or Reality?

• Efficiency of Traditional Methods: Some claim that folk remedies such as lavender, diatoms, and lemon balm can repel bedbugs. However, their effectiveness is limited and does not always bring the desired result.

4. How dangerous are bedbugs?

• Potential Threats: Not only do bedbugs cause discomfort, but they can also transmit infections. The fight against them is important not only to eliminate unpleasant moments, but also to prevent possible diseases.

5. Professional Disinfection: Yes or No?

• The right approach: Although traditional methods may help temporarily, professional disinfection, especially using cold mist, provides a more effective and long-term solution to the problem.

So, dealing with bedbugs is not just a matter of cleanliness, but also a matter of taking the right approach to eliminating the problem.

Essential oils for bedbugs

Bedbugs, like many other uninvited guests, have their weaknesses. One way to get rid of them is to use essential oils. Let's look at what scents can be your ally in the fight against bedbugs and how to use essential oils correctly for maximum effectiveness.

1. Essential oils that bedbugs do not like:

• Mint: Repels bedbugs with its fresh and pungent aroma.
• Sweetheart: It has a spicy odor that may repel insects.
• Melissa: Its citrus scent can create a barrier for bedbugs.
• Tea tree: Known for its antiseptic properties and can help fight bedbugs.
• Lemon and Lavender: Fresh and pleasant smells that bedbugs try to stay away from.
• Rosemary and Eucalyptus: Their scents can also be effective in repelling bedbugs.
• Pine Fragrances: Pine and spruce essential oils are also on the bedbugs’ “unloved” list.

2. How to use essential oils to get rid of bedbugs:

• Diffuser: Add a few drops of your chosen oil to a diffuser with water and diffuse the aroma into the room.
• Floor and Wall Mortar: Create a mixture with aroma oils and use to clean floors and walls.

3. Important Note: When Essential Oils Fail:

• Large Number of Bedbugs: If there is a massive infestation or eggs are present, essential oils may not be effective.

4. Combination with Other Methods:

• Professional Disinfection: To completely eliminate bedbugs, it is best to combine the use of essential oils with professional disinfection, especially if the problem is serious.

Controlling bedbugs using essential oils is a natural and enjoyable way, but it is important to know the limitations of this method and use it skillfully, especially in combination with other effective control methods.

Boric acid for bedbugs

Boric acid is one of the long-known and relatively effective ways to combat bedbugs. Let's look at how this method works, its advantages and limitations.

1. How to use boric acid:

• Powder: Sprinkle powdered boric acid in areas where bed bugs live. This can be in corners, crevices, and other hidden places.

2. Operating principle:

• Destroying the Shell: When in contact with boric acid, bedbugs have nothing to do with their shell - it is destroyed.
• Paralysis of Systems: The acid paralyzes the digestive and nervous systems of bedbugs, ultimately leading to their death.

3. Advantages of using boric acid:

• Availability: Boric acid is readily available and relatively inexpensive.
• Safety for Animals: Considered harmless to pets.

4. Limitations of the method:

• Effect on adults only: Boric acid is effective against adult bedbugs, but is ineffective against eggs.
• Need for additional methods: To completely eliminate bedbugs, it is recommended to combine boric acid with other control methods.

5. Professional disinfection:

• For a Serious Problem: In case of mass infection, professional disinfection may be a more effective solution.

Boric acid is a useful tool in the bedbug control arsenal, but it is important to use it wisely and understand its limitations. In case of a serious problem, it is best to seek professional help.

Pyrethrum for bedbugs

Pyrethrum is an innovative and environmentally friendly method of exterminating bedbugs, notable for its safety for human and animal health, as well as for the environment. Let's look at how this method works and what its features are.

1. Origin and Safety:

• Natural Powder: Pyrethrum is obtained from dried chamomile flowers, making it completely natural and safe to use.
• Environmental Safety: Pyrethrum does not contain chemical components harmful to the environment.

2. Application of Pyrethrum:

• Scattering in Habitats: The powder is scattered in those places where clusters of bedbugs are found.
• Paralysis and Destruction: Pyrethrum causes paralysis in bedbugs, ultimately leading to their death.

3. Limitations of Pyrethrum:

• Necessity of Periodic Update: However, the main disadvantage of pyrethrum is its weathering in the air. The powder loses its effectiveness, so regular renewal is required to maintain bedbug control.

4. Recommendations and Cautions:

• Powder Update: For best results, it is recommended to periodically refresh the scattered powder.
• Combined Use: Combination with other methods can increase the effectiveness of bedbug control.

5. Professional Solutions:

• In case of Complex Infestations: In case of serious problems, it is recommended to contact professionals for more effective disinfection.

Pyrethrum is an example of an innovative and environmentally friendly approach to bed bug control. Understanding its advantages and limitations helps you choose the best method for a particular situation.

Kerosene for bedbugs

Kerosene It has long been used at home as a remedy for bedbugs. However, before using this method, it is important to understand its advantages and disadvantages.

1. Advantages of Using Kerosene:

• Time-tested remedy: Kerosene is a traditional remedy that has been used for generations to control bedbugs.
• Availability and Budget: Kerosene is readily available and relatively inexpensive.

2. Efficiency with Turpentine and Naphthalene:

• Mixing with Other Ingredients: To increase efficiency, it is recommended to mix kerosene with turpentine, mothballs or soapy water.
• Spraying of Treated Surfaces: It is recommended to spray the walls, the space behind the radiators and baseboards with the resulting solution.

3. Limitations and Disadvantages:

• Toxicity: Kerosene is a toxic substance, so its use requires special care.
• Flammability: Highly flammable, so precautions must be taken.
• Heavy Smell: Kerosene leaves a strong odor that can be difficult to remove.

4. Recommendations for Use:

• Regularity of Procedure: To achieve positive results, it is recommended to regularly repeat the treatment procedures.
• Use in Well Ventilated Areas: Processing should be carried out in well-ventilated areas.

5. Importance of Professional Intervention:

• If There Are Complex Problems: In case of serious infestation or for safety reasons, it is recommended to consult a professional.

Kerosene is an effective, but caution-requiring, remedy that can be used at home to control bedbugs. However, it is important to be aware of the limitations and follow best practices to ensure safety.

Thermal methods of fighting bedbugs

Thermal methods Bedbug control is one of the oldest techniques for getting rid of these unpleasant insects. Let's consider their features and effectiveness.

1. Frost and Its Impact:

• Ancient Method: One of the ancient methods is exposure to low temperatures. However, it is not always possible to open all windows and doors in a modern apartment.
• Efficiency at the Dacha: At the dacha, you can successfully use the frost by taking upholstered furniture outside.

2. Hot Steam for Killing Bedbugs:

• Application of Steam Generator: An effective remedy is hot steam treatment using special steam generators.
• Areas of use: Bedbugs are destroyed on pillows, mattresses, bedding, carpets and other household items.

3. Advantages of Thermal Methods:

• Safety and Environment: Thermal methods are considered safe and environmentally friendly, requiring no chemicals.
• Destruction of Adults and Eggs: Hot steam can destroy not only adult bedbugs, but also their eggs.

4. Subtleties of Application:

• Concentrated Treatment: For maximum effectiveness, it is important to concentrate treatment in areas where bedbugs are most likely to live.
• Regularity of Treatments: Regular heat treatments may be necessary to completely get rid of bedbugs.

5. Professional Intervention:

• For Complex Problems: In the event of a serious infestation or unsuccessful attempts at self-extermination, it is recommended that you contact a professional pest control service.

Thermal methods are effective and safe when used correctly. They provide the opportunity to get rid of bedbugs without the use of chemicals, which can be an important factor for caring owners.

Frequently Asked Questions

What folk remedies are effective in fighting bedbugs?

Some effective folk remedies include the use of boric acid, pyrethrum, essential oils (mint, oregano, lavender), as well as thermal methods such as hot steam and exposure to low temperatures.

Is it possible to rely only on folk remedies when fighting bedbugs?

Folk remedies can be effective for mild infestations, but for serious problems, it is recommended to contact a professional pest control service for a more effective and reliable solution.

What are the benefits of thermal methods for controlling bedbugs?

Thermal methods such as hot steam and freezing provide a safe and environmentally friendly solution that can kill adult bedbugs and their eggs without the use of chemicals.

Can folk remedies damage furniture or surfaces?

Most folk remedies, such as essential oils and boric acid, are generally safe for use on furniture and surfaces. However, it is important to follow the instructions and avoid overuse.

How often should you use folk remedies to effectively control bedbugs?and?

Regular use of folk remedies may be necessary, especially in case of repeated infections. It is important to maintain a concentrated approach and update treatments periodically for long-term effectiveness.