The problem of bed bugs is quite common and getting rid of the bugs can be rather nerve wracking. However, it is possible to eliminate the bed bugs completely though it requires lot of time and effort on our part. To get rid of the bugs it is important to kill them and destroy their eggs.
The reason bed bugs are hard to get rid of is because of their microscopic size. Their size helps them hide well under layers of clothing; so, you don’t really know where they would be hiding. In order to get rid of the bed bugs completely one has to sanitize each and every item in the house including clothing, upholstery, soft toys and mattresses.
You can try the given below natural cures for eliminating the bed bugs entirely.
Tips To Cure Bed Bugs Naturally
Indian Lilac
Indian Lilac is the scientific name for ‘Neem’. As the name suggests, the plant is commonly found in the northern part of India. The tree is extensively popular for its medicinal properties.
Take neem leaves and wash them well. Boil the leaves in sufficient water for 15 minutes. Strain the water to remove the leaves and take bath with this water. Wash all your clothes, bed sheets and soft toys in neem water. Put dried neem leaves under your mattresses to get rid of the bed bugs. You can even pack dried neem leaves in plastic bags and place the bags in your cupboards, trunks as well as drawers.
Hot Iron
Clothing iron is one of the most effective ways of getting rid of the bed bugs completely. Set your clothing iron at maximum temperature and iron out all clothes, bed sheets and other material that can be ironed. In case of mattresses and other things that are difficult to iron, you can spread them out in the hot sun continuously for a week; the longer the better. Bed bugs cannot tolerate extreme temperatures hence they can be gotten rid of easily by exposure to harsh environmental conditions.
Tea Tree Oil
Another natural way of eliminating bed bugs is by using tea tree essential oil. Tea tree oil is available in all leading cosmetic shops as well as shops that keep herbal oils. Purchase pure tea tree oil and pour it into a spray bottle. Spray the oil in every nook and corner of your house including on the clothes you wear and the mattresses you sleep on. The oil should be sprayed in all the places infested with the bed bugs.
This treatment should be done every day two to three times for a period of 7-10 days. You can even pour 7ml of tea tree essential oil in a bucket of water and bathe with this water twice a day. Do not apply soap after pouring this water on your skin. This way you can avoid being bitten by the bugs if your mattresses too are infested with the pests. Washing clothes in hot water mixed with tea tree oil is also a good way of getting rid of the bugs.
Cold Temperature
Bed bugs can be killed by exposing them to extremely cold temperature. Like mentioned earlier, the bugs cannot survive on exposure to extreme temperature, cold or hot. You can seal the bed bugs infested clothing in sealed bags and place the bags in the freezer. This solution may not work if you have plenty of clothing to sanitize.
In such cases simply soak the clothes in extremely cold water. Fill the bucket with ice or ice water. You can prepare ice at home or buy it from outside in bulk. Soak the clothes in cold water for 15-20 minutes. Spin them in the dryer and then hang them outside in hot sun.
Also Read
Bed Bugs Treatment With Natural Cures
How To Get Rid Of Bed Bugs
Lavender Oil
Like tea tree oil, lavender too is an essential oil and very useful in eliminating bed bugs and their eggs. Pour lavender oil in a spray bottle. Do not mix the oil with any other oil or with water. Use it in its pure form. Spray the oil on your clothes, mattresses, bed sheets, soft toys, curtains and even on clothing that is not in use. The lavender essential oil treatment should be done four times a day for a week. You will not only get rid of the bed bugs but your home will have a pleasant smell since lavender smells sweet. To avoid being bitten by bed bugs mix 3ml lavender oil in 5ml olive oil or coconut oil and apply the mixture all over your body.
Do not apply lavender oil directly on the skin without mixing it with a carrier oil first. Lavender oil is an essential oil and its direct application on the skin can be harmful. To get rid of bugs in your clothing, soak the clothes in bucket of hot water to which 20ml of lavender oil has been added. Let the clothes soak for 20-30 minutes or until the water turns to room temperature and then wash.In olden times, people would keep dried leaves and flowers of lavender in their cupboards and under the mattresses to keep away bed bugs and silver fish. If you can lay you hands on lavender plant, you too can try the same treatment.
Black Walnut Leaves
Black walnut leaves are proven to have insecticide-like effect on the bed bugs. You can use keep the dried leaves under your mattresses, in your cupboards and drawers that hold clothes. Boil the leaves of black walnut in water and take bath with this water.
The leaves of black walnut have stringent properties and will give relief to your skin if bitten by bugs. Bathe with this water twice a day, once in the morning (as soon as you get up) and once at night, before going to bed. If you have been bitten by the bugs at night the treated water will soothe your skin. Taking bath with the water before sleeping will keep the bed bugs away from you thus giving you a peaceful sleep.
Caution: Please use Home Remedies after Proper Research and Guidance. You accept that you are following any advice at your own risk and will properly research or consult healthcare professional.