Of the many frustrations that happen to homeowners, one of the most annoying by far is a bed bug infestation. Even though bed bugs are common they can be notoriously difficult to get rid of. But, there are always ways to get rid of them for free.
- Tea tree oil spray
- Baking soda
- Diatomaceous earth
- Lemongrass
- Steaming them
These are items you may already have around the house. Also, using the steaming method is viable, although it may mean buying a steamer. However, you can prevent an infestation so that you do not have to worry about getting rid of the bugs.
In this article, we look at these methods and how to use them appropriately.
The following are methods of getting rid of bed bugs without spending a lot of money:
Using tea tree oil spray
Tea tree oil has many properties that work for humans and microorganisms. Many brands use it in some of their skincare products because of its effectiveness in clearing skin conditions. However, it is also effective in treating a bed bug infestation.
The essential oil makes an environment uninhabitable to bed bugs with its antiparasitic properties. All you have to do is get a bottle containing 50 ml of water and add two spoons of the oil. Thoroughly mix them before pouring the mixture into a spray bottle.
For DIY bed bug removal, it is easier to use a spray bottle than other methods. The reason is that the mixture can get to hard-to-reach places if you spray.
Using baking soda
To use baking soda to remove bed bugs effectively, you must find the specific places where they hide. It does not work if you spread the powder anywhere; you must target the hiding places and focus your attention on them. Therefore, inspect the house, especially the areas you suspect are the worst hit by the infestation.
When you find them, generously spread layers of baking soda in those places. Also, target windows, doorways, beds, and walls. Allow the powder to remain for about seven days to have enough time to work. Then, you can go back, inspect the areas, and clean up as needed.
Baking soda is absorbent. Many people use it as a form of antiperspirant when nothing else seems to work. It is also helpful for eliminating odors, especially in closed spaces like a refrigerator.
Baking soda’s capacity to absorb moisture is what makes it ideal for killing bed bugs. It sucks the moisture out of the pests, leaving them dead and dry. It makes cleaning them afterward easy and without a mess.
Using diatomaceous earth
This powder is commonly used for preservation because of its absorbent nature. However, just like baking powder, it can kill bed bugs by sucking the moisture out of them and leaving them dry. If you have diatomaceous earth at home, take some of it and spread it around the house.
Target key areas where you have noticed clusters of bugs. Spread it generously in those areas and leave the powder there for a minimum of seven days. It may need more time to work, sometimes more than ten days, but the results are usually excellent.
Diatomaceous earth has more than 90% accuracy in killing bed bugs and other similar pests.
Using lemongrass oil
You can find lemongrass essential oil at any store. This oil has many uses, and one of the most important is killing bed bugs. If you did not know it, the acidic nature of lemongrass oil makes a place uninhabitable for bugs of any kind. So, get the oil and spread some of it around the house where the infestation is most concentrated.
Also, apply some drops in other parts of the house to increase the acidity. The bugs will die as the acidic oil touches them. Give the oil some time to work before checking and cleaning the house. Apply more of the oil if necessary.
Using steam
It is a little tricky to use a steamer to kill bed bugs, even though it is highly effective. If you have bugs between cushions or hard-to-reach crevices, you may not be able to use a steamer. That is unless you have a way to insert a steamer wand and move it across the spaces.
However, if the infestation is concentrated in an open place or on furniture, a steamer works great.
Not all furniture can withstand the heat, so you may want to tread cautiously. If the furniture cannot handle the steam, look for another means of getting rid of the bugs there.
Steam is ideal for direct application. It does not work if the bed bugs are hidden in deep crevices or within mattresses. Nevertheless, steam works excellently when correctly applied.
Bed bug eggs need only a temperature of 122 degrees Fahrenheit or 50 degrees Celsius to die. Adult bed bugs need 118 degrees Fahrenheit or 48 degrees Celsius. Since steam forms at 212 degrees Fahrenheit or 100 degrees Celsius, it is more than adequate to take care of the bugs.
Preventing a spread
Not all bed bug infestations will succumb to these treatments. Some are too heavy and will need professional attention. In such a case, the risk of spreading is high, so it is crucial to find ways to prevent that from happening.
- Locate the areas where the infestation seems to be most concentrated. When you do, remove any infested item and take it to the appropriate place for treatment. If the item is not one to be treated, seal it in a plastic bag until the bugs die. It may take as long as one year.
- Next, check the furniture for signs of infestation. If possible, treat the furniture. Otherwise, remove and destroy it so that nobody else uses it.
- If you throw any infested item out, ensure you contact the waste disposal agency for immediate pickup. There is always the risk of bugs finding their way back into the house if left out for too long.
- If you are vacuuming the areas of infestation, ensure you empty the vacuum cleaner each time you use it. Do not take it into another room before emptying it.
