Simple remedies and techniques help prevent and eradicate these insects without harsh chemicals
Bedbugs are one of the most difficult domestic pests to identify and eradicate in the home, causing concern among those who seek to maintain a healthy environment. Given the concern about the use of chemicals, there are natural remedies that can combat these insects effectively.
The main challenge in eliminating bedbugs lies in their ability to go unnoticed and reproduce quickly. Although often associated with poor hygiene, these insects can enter homes through furniture, suitcases or clothing. Once established, their eradication is complicated by the number of eggs they lay in nooks and crannies.
Home remedies for effectively eliminating bedbugs
Choosing natural solutions allows you to keep your home free of bedbugs without resorting to chemicals, offering a safe and effective alternative for those who want to protect their environment and their health.
- Vinegar and bicarbonate of soda
Among the most effective natural remedies, the combination of vinegar and bicarbonate of soda is one of the preferred options. Mixing a teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda in a container with vinegar and spraying the solution on the affected areas acts as a powerful insecticide, helping to eliminate bedbugs directly.
- Peppermint oil
Peppermint oil is also among the recommended alternatives. Its aroma, pleasant to humans but unbearable to bedbugs, repels them when a few drops are applied to the mattress or bedding. This strategy is simple and brings a fresh atmosphere to the bedroom.
- Salt
Although salt does not completely exterminate these insects, it does help to slow down their reproduction. Sprinkling salt in corners, cracks, frames and furniture legs, as well as behind the headboard or under the mattress, hinders the proliferation of the infestation.
- Isopropyl alcohol
Isopropyl alcohol is used as a direct poison. When applied to infested surfaces, its odour suffocates bedbugs in a few minutes, facilitating their elimination without the need for harsh chemicals.
- Lavender oil
Lavender oil is another natural solution. The intense aroma of this plant contains compounds that are toxic to various pests, including bedbugs. It is recommended to mix 20 to 30 drops of lavender oil with water in a spray bottle and apply the mixture to bedding, mattresses, and sofas.
- Cloves and turmeric
Spices such as cloves and turmeric also offer positive results. The aroma of these spices can repel bedbugs or even cause them to suffocate to death. You can choose to spray a turmeric infusion or place cloves on the mattress for several days to enhance its effect.
How to react so that bedbugs do not become a pest?
Pest control specialists cited by the World Health Organisation (WHO) say that thoroughly cleaning mattresses, furniture and bedding reduces the risk of infestation. Keeping textiles and upholstery unchecked encourages bedbugs to settle in, while reducing the amount of objects stored in rooms improves hygiene conditions and limits hiding places for these insects.
The use of mosquito nets on windows provides a barrier that prevents bedbugs and other insects from entering from outside. In addition, sealing cracks and crevices in walls or floors blocks access points and makes it difficult for bedbugs to establish themselves in the home.
Before bringing furniture, mattresses or any type of second-hand fabric into the home, it is essential to thoroughly check each item. If possible, it is best to use professional cleaning services for these items, which helps prevent re-infestation. A well-managed environment offers direct protection against the proliferation of bedbugs.
Regular inspections of the home allow early signs of bedbugs to be identified and their spread to be stopped. It is advisable to focus attention on areas near beds, skirting boards, upholstered furniture and corners where these insects tend to hide.