Have you experienced waking up with red spots on your skin? Although they may be due to mosquito bites, if they don’t disappear during the day, there is a chance that they are bed bug bites. Bed bugs are tiny insects that tend to feed on human and animal blood. They are usually active at night, coming out from behind dark corners, cracks, and your mattress is one of their favourite places to stay since it gives them easy access to your skin. Their bites can prevent you from getting a good night’s sleep.
Signs that you have bed bugs
Before you can get rid of bed bugs, you will need to determine first if you have a bed bug infestation on your hands. The problem with these tiny insects is that they are hard to spot. However, some signs can help you identify whether bed bugs are living in your mattress.
- Rusty or red stains – If you see red or rusty-coloured stains on your mattress or bedding, it’s most likely dried blood from these bugs.
- Eggshells – Eggshells are not that easy to spot because they tend to be small and are lighter in colour, but keep an eye out for specks of white or ivory on your bed, carpet, or even your furniture as these are eggshells of bed bugs.
- Black dots – If you spot tiny dark stains or black dots on your bed or mattress, these may be faecal matter, as well as the skin of younger bugs when they shed.
- Living bed bugs – Although these insects are tiny, they can grow bigger and more visible after they have fed. If you spot them on your furniture or your bed, you will need to take steps to kill them immediately.
Home remedies for bed bugs
Hot water
If you suspect that bed bugs have made a home in your bedding, blankets, and even your clothes, it’s time to give your items a thorough wash. It’s important to use hot water when washing your bedding items since bugs can’t withstand the heat. Heat treatment is an effective method for getting rid of these pesky creatures because they get dehydrated due to the intense heat. Place your clothes and linens in the dryer too to give them another dose of heat. The bed bugs will have little chance of surviving this.
Vacuum
Make it a point to vacuum your bedding, furniture, and even the tiny cracks that you see on your bed frame, walls, and wallpaper. Even the base and mattress must be vacuumed as much as possible. Get a brush and use it to help loosen up any bugs and eggs that you see on your mattress, upholstered furniture, and the like. Afterwards, remove the vacuum bag and seal its contents before disposing of it. Don’t forget to clean your vacuum too while you are at it.
Steam cleaner
If you have a steam cleaner at home, you can also use it to remove the bed bugs from your mattress and box spring. An even better option is to get the services of a professional steam cleaner.
Diatomaceous earth
When it comes to natural remedies to get rid of bed bugs, diatomaceous earth is a good option to consider as it is a chemical-free powder that can eliminate different types of pests, including bed bugs. It dehydrates the bed bugs, which kills them off. It may take up to a week before you see results. Be careful when using diatomaceous earth as it can be easily inhaled. Use a face mask to prevent this and make sure that you use gloves too.
Baking soda
Another example of a home remedy to get rid of bed bugs is baking soda, which dehydrates the bugs by removing moisture. You can sprinkle a light layer of baking soda on areas you think these critters are staying in. Let the powder sit for a week before using your vacuum cleaner to suck up everything. You will need to do this often until there are no bugs or eggs left.
Tea tree oil
Another possible remedy to use to remove bed bugs in your home is tea tree oil. Tea tree oil is known for its antifungal, antiseptic, antiviral, and antibiotic properties, but it also has antiparasitic properties which can eliminate parasitic bed bugs. This remedy is only effective if you have a mild infestation. You should dilute 20 drops of tea tree oil in a spray bottle filled with water and spray on all the furnishing, mattress, cabinets, cushions, curtains, and the like. Any clothes, linens, and bedding must be washed in hot water to kill them off completely.
Cayenne pepper
A combination of cayenne pepper, oregano, and ginger will not kill bed bugs, however, the spiciness of ginger and cayenne mixed with the strong scent of oregano essential oil can repel insects. It can also assist, along with other methods in controlling these pests. You will need one teaspoon each of cayenne pepper, oregano essential oil, and grated ginger, plus a cup of water. Mix all the ingredients in a pan and let it boil for about seven minutes. Strain afterwards and transfer into a spray bottle. Spray the solution on all possible entry points of rooms that you feel will have bed bugs.
Lavender or peppermint oil spray
Just like in the case of tea tree oil, lavender oil can be used to spray on possible hiding places of bed bugs. You don’t even have to worry about any side effects because lavender essential oil is safe for you and your pets even. Peppermint oil, on the other hand, can help repel these pesky creatures because of its strong scent. Combine the two, and you will have a natural spray that can help get rid of bed bugs in your home.
