Bed bugs are among the top creatures that no one wants to have crawling around in their homes. Aside from giving the idea that your home is dirty, bed bugs can also cause itching and skin infections. In some instances, a bed bug presence also creates an unpleasant smell in your home.
That said, one of the more effective ways to deal with bed bugs is via services for pest control Melbourne residents rely on for a pest-free home. Then, why not try a few natural options that can complement the professionals’ work?
Home Remedies to Get Rid of Bed Bugs
Natural remedies may not always work on larger or more extensive infestations, but they do often help with preventative maintenance. Some of the more popular options to try to keep your home pest free include the following.
Wash Bedding Regularly
You might not necessarily have to see bed bugs to suspect they’ve moved into your home. In some instances, skin infections and constant itching may indicate that there could be bed bugs in your furniture.
With this in mind, it’s recommended to wash your bedding, mattress and carpet regularly. Wherever possible, use hot water and a good cleaning agent. In some instances it may even be necessary to give your mattress and couches a good deep, steam clean. Bedding and clothing should hang outside to air-dry in the sun.
Sprinkle Baking Soda
Bed bugs are very small but if you’ve actually seen them it makes getting rid of them so much easier. Once you have identified where they’re nesting, sprinkle some baking soda all over the area. This will dehydrate them and eventually cause them to die.
Once you have sprinkled baking soda, leave the space untouched for several hours. Vacuum the surface and reapply every second day until the bed bugs appear to be gone. (You’ll know they’re gone when you’re able to sit on the couch or bed without getting itchy).
Invest in Some Diatomaceous Earth
Many people regard diatomaceous earth to be one of the best natural solutions against all types of bugs. Essentially, this product is a type of powder constructed from the sediment of fossilised algae.
Generally regarded as safe to be used around pets and humans, experts recommend still taking precautions when you spread it around your home. Don’t put it in places where you or your pets can inhale it such as mattresses or couches. Rather sprinkle around the suspected area on the floor.
Declutter Often
Old boxes and open containers are also common places for bed bugs to create nests. For this reason, our experts recommend decluttering your home often and replacing cardboard boxes with plastic storage containers. This will reduce the likelihood of bed bugs and other pests getting into old documents or clothes.
Arrange regular deep clean sessions for your mattresses, couches and carpets. Another quick way to keep your home clean is to use a portable steam cleaner for deep simple deep cleaning where necessary.
Spray Rubbing Alcohol
A very effective treatment against bed bugs is rubbing alcohol. However, you will have to spray an alcohol mixture directly on them. This can be challenging if you can’t see them. You can however spray a rubbing alcohol mixture on your mattress and leave it to air dry. If any bed bugs are living on the surface of your bed, you may just get lucky and kill a few.
Silica Gel
Another bed bug treatment that many experts recommend involves those little packets of silica gel that you find in food products, shoe boxes or even pill containers. While these little packets primarily serve to keep contents dry they’re also excellent for killing insects.
To use them, simply grind up the contents in the packets and spread them around the areas where you suspect the bed bugs may be living. Keep in mind that this powder might be harmful to pets and children, so use it with caution.
Scented Dryer Sheets
A little-known fact is that scented dryer sheets also repel insects around your home. Place a few sheets on the area where you think the critters are, and the bugs will flee the space. For instance, if you’re usually itching after sitting on that one chair in the living room, it may be time to add a few dryer sheets!
Final Thought
In some instances, natural remedies can easily deal with a small infestation of bed bugs. However, larger colonies may require more aggressive treatments. When this happens, your local pest controller will assist with having these critters removed. Tell them what natural remedies you’ve tried so they can make informed decisions on the best way forward.