15 Most Effective Bed Bug Home Remedies.

Get Rid of Bed Bugs at Home.

Bed bugs are relentless, blood-sucking pests that don’t discriminate. Whether you live in a lavish mansion or a modest home, these insects can invade anyone’s space. And unfortunately, they don’t strike during the day when you can easily spot them. They wait until you're fast asleep, hiding nearby, and come out to feed on your blood during the night. They’re sneaky little creatures, using a natural painkiller to numb you while they feast, so you might not even feel them at first. But when you wake up, you’ll likely notice the bites.

While bed bug infestations can be difficult to manage, don’t worry. There are plenty of DIY methods you can use to get rid of them in your home.

How to Get Rid of Bed Bugs at Home (DIY Methods)

Hair Dryer High heat is your ally when dealing with bed bugs. If you spot an infested area, set your hair dryer to the highest setting and blow the hot air directly onto the bugs. The heat will force them out of hiding and kill them.

Vacuum A vacuum cleaner can be your best friend in the battle against bed bugs. Make sure to thoroughly vacuum the areas where bed bugs might be hiding mattresses, furniture seams, bed clothing, and cracks in the walls. Vacuuming regularly will help ensure the bugs don’t return.

  • Washing with Hot Water Collect all bedding, clothing, and other fabrics that may have come into contact with bed bugs. Place them in a plastic bag and seal it tightly. Immediately wash the items in hot water. If any items can’t be washed with hot water, freeze them instead for at least 24 hours.
  • Rubbing Alcohol Rubbing alcohol is another great way to kill bed bugs on contact. Put it in a spray bottle and apply it generously to the areas where bed bugs are hiding. This method kills them almost instantly.
  • Baking Soda Baking soda can draw out moisture from bed bugs. Sprinkle it generously in areas where you suspect an infestation. Wait for it to absorb the moisture from the bugs' bodies and then clean up the dead bugs and their shells.
  • Silica Gel If you have silica gel packets (like the ones that come with new shoes or bags), you can use them to kill bed bugs. Place the gel in areas where bugs are hiding. However, be cautious if you have small children or pets, as it can be harmful to them.
  • Freezing Non-washable items can also be treated by freezing. Put them in a tightly sealed plastic bag and place them in the freezer for at least 24 hours to kill the bugs and their eggs.
  • Steam Cleaning Steam is another powerful weapon against bed bugs. Use a steamer set to the highest setting to clean infested furniture, mattresses, and other areas. Pay special attention to cracks, crevices, and seams.
  • Diatomaceous Earth (D.E.) This method works slowly but is effective over time. Spread Diatomaceous Earth in infested areas. When bed bugs crawl over it, their exoskeletons are damaged, leading to dehydration and death. Just be cautious with this method around children and pets, as it can be toxic if ingested.
  • Cinnamon While cinnamon might not kill bed bugs, it can repel them. The strong smell of cinnamon is intolerable to bed bugs, and it can drive them away.
  • Tea Tree Oil Tea tree oil has a powerful smell that bed bugs hate. You can make a spray by mixing tea tree oil with water and spraying it generously on infested areas. It kills bugs on contact and helps repel them.
  • Peppermint Oil and Lavender Similar to tea tree oil, peppermint and lavender oils create a strong scent that repels bed bugs. Mix 20 drops each of peppermint and lavender oil with 40 drops of water in a spray bottle and apply to the affected areas.
  • Vinegar Vinegar is another effective remedy for bed bugs. It doesn’t kill eggs, but it can kill adult bugs on contact. For best results, use vinegar alongside other treatments to help control the infestation.
  • Rigid Brush A stiff brush can help dislodge bugs and their eggs from cracks and crevices. Use it in conjunction with other treatments to get rid of hidden bugs and eggs.
  • Bean Leaves Bean leaves have tiny hairs that can trap bed bugs as they move around. Place these leaves in infested areas to catch the bugs.

When DIY Isn't Enough

While these DIY methods are effective, they can take time and effort to fully eliminate a bed bug infestation. If you want a more thorough solution and peace of mind, consider seeking help from professional pest control experts like Rafiki Pest Control. Their trained technicians can inspect your home, identify all infested areas, and apply the most effective treatments to ensure your home is free from bed bugs once and for all.

Don’t let bed bugs ruin your comfort, take action today to protect your home.