I can't use insecticides, because I want to get the insects out of the house unnoticed by the owners. Therefore, I am looking for options (substances, powders, plants) that will help scare away the pests. But to do this, you need to understand what are afraid of bed bugs in the apartment, and how to get rid of them with safe means. I even consider "folk", because among them there is probably something effective, but I do not know what exactly. Help me choose a remedy that will scare away the bloodsuckers. Thank you in advance.
The author of the portal answers the question:
In my material below, you will learn about all the available remedies that bed bugs are afraid of.
When choosing deterrents take into account the peculiarities of life activity of bloodsuckers:
- house bugs prefer moderate microclimate (temperature within +25 ... +29°С), the change of this range to higher or lower will affect speed of development of young specimens, reproduction of adults, when these parameters increase to extreme values (-20°C or +45°C) insects die;
- Humidity level - the normal range is 50-70, the mature parasites are not too affected by dry air (less than 40), because they receive moisture with blood, such conditions are less suitable for offspring at the stage of egg development, but high humidity is harmful to parasites at the imago stage - with the development of fungus on the chitinous membrane, insects die;
- strong smells - insects "communicate" with each other (transmit signals) by means of a special secretion, besides, pests cannot stay long in a room where there is a source of intense aroma, it is difficult for them to look for food.
The main condition for the existence of bed bugs is access to humans as needed. Bed bugs must receive blood every few days.
Folk remedies and recipes for action on bed bugs
In most cases such methods repel parasites. However, some of the remedies can kill insects. It all depends on the way of application and the properties of the main substance in the composition.
Combat with the help of herbaceous plant aromas, the smell of which scares away the parasites
Almost all herbs have a repellent effect, the exception is Dalmatian chamomile - contains a natural insecticidal substance.
You can use fresh plants or prepare concentrated decoctions to treat homes.
Wormwood
If you're wondering what bed bugs are afraid of, the first thing to consider is plant. Wormwood contains bitterness and repels with an intense smell. Bundles of this plant are prepared, then spread around the apartment (mostly inside furniture). The disadvantage is the smell - it is not well tolerated by many people. In addition, wormwood fades quickly.
Ledum
Parasites do not like the aroma of this herb either. It is necessary to use rosemary with caution, because the composition includes a poisonous substance icedol. Options for the use of such a plant:
- Crushed dry leaves scattered around the apartment;
- note the high effectiveness of the smell to repel bed bugs - a dry bundle of grass is set on fire, and the room is fumigated;
- Prepare a decoction, the more concentrated it will be, the better (the components are taken at your discretion).
Garlic
It is a rather weak remedy for bedbugs. It cannot be used as the main measure, but together with other substances this method can also be used. Spread the cloves inside furniture, they are crushed to increase the intensity of the aroma, but the mush quickly loses its properties. Some believe that you should consume garlic with food to provide a deterrent effect in the fight against parasites. But this does not change the blood composition, and garlic will have more of an effect on the household than on the bloodsuckers.
Ayr
It is characterized by a pungent smell. To save time in preparing a remedy, you can buy it in a ready-made form (sold at the drugstore). Powder is used to protect furniture (scattered inside the frame) and rooms (left in the corners on cardboard).
Pimms
If you're wondering what kind of smell they're afraid of bedbugsThe first to be considered is this herb. Like wormwood, it also contains bitterness. Concentrated decoction of tansy has a devastating effect on parasites, allows you to reduce the population of insects. You can take as a basis a recipe: 25 g of raw materials (flowers of the plant), 1 cup of water.
Chamomile
It is important to prepare the plant properly. It should not be dried in the sun and under the influence of heat sources, otherwise essential oils will be destroyed. The herb is left to dry for 2 days, then crushed in a mortar, add naphthalene - this remedy is spread in the corners, along the baseboards and inside the furniture.
Lavender
It is recommended to use a fresh plant that has not yet shown signs of wilting. Leaves and flowers should be placed in the couch, under the mattress. First of all, leave the plant in the bedroom, where it will escape from the neighbors. parasites.
Essential oils that repel bed bugs
Instead of plants, it is possible to apply more concentrated productcontaining substances that repel parasites. There are different methods of action:
- A few drops of essential oil are applied to a rag or cotton pad, and different types can be combined;
- prepare the solution: essential oils are added to the liquid, poured into a container with a sprayer, then sprayed over the coatings - mainly along baseboards, inside furniture, ventilation ducts.
Denatured alcohol
Prepare a respirator, goggles, gloves for work. Denatured alcohol is technical alcohol, but with it you can quickly solve the question of how to scare away bedbugs. However, it should be taken into account that people may also be adversely affected by the substance. Prepare 150 g of denatured alcohol, 5 g of naphthalene.
The mixture is used to treat places where parasites are suspected to appear.
Ammonia
You can use ammonia to prepare a solution. Efficiency will be higher, but for this purpose water is taken as the basis (7 parts), the recommended ratio with alcohol is 7:1. The liquid is treated on the floors, but it should be noted that the smell is very strong, it will be difficult to stay in the room.
Ethyl alcohol
It's important to understand what makes you afraid bedbugs of such a substance. For example, alcohol repels bed bugs and is a strong smelling agent. But the smell evaporates faster than when treating with ammonia. If you fill the nest of parasites, then all the individuals will die.
Vinegar against bloodsuckers
In order to get rid of bed bugs use less aggressive means - household chemicals. Vinegar should be mixed with water in a ratio of 1:1. The solution is used to repel parasites, and therefore it should be applied in areas where insects are likely to appear (baseboards, hard surfaces of furniture).
How to use kerosene
It is possible to use the product in its pure form. In this case, a few drops of the substance are put on a rag or cotton pad, spread in hidden areas near the bed (a day before the person will be resting on it).
Baking soda
Prepare a solution to be applied to the surfaces:
- mix water (1 l) and baking soda (150 g);
- when the powder dissolves, add turpentine (100 ml) and kerosene (150 g);
- after 1 hour add liquid or crushed laundry soap (35 g).
How to use turpentine
You can use such a remedy as an independent measure, but more often it is used in the form of an auxiliary component. Turpentine enhances the action of other substances. A common recipe:
- turpentine - 150 g, ammonia - 50 g, soap - 50 g;
- the components are mixed;
- Apply to the baseboards, the floor next to the bed, but it is important to do it at least 1 day before the person will rest here.
Soap with tar or laundry soap
These detergents are also characterized by an intense odor. They can be used as a basic measure: grind up bars of laundry soap and tar soap, mix the shavings, and scatter them under beds, inside furniture, and along baseboards. Each of these components can also be incorporated into other products to enhance odor and increase adhesion of materials.
Mustard
For humans, the smell of mustard is familiar and quite pleasant. However, bed bugs do not like it. It is enough to scatter the powder around the apartment to scare away the pests.
Natural smells that bed bugs are afraid of
There are a large number of products characterized by an intense odor. Some of them are better tolerated by insects, others are worse. However, when used correctly, they can help repel pests. In addition to the natural remedies listed above, others are also used.
Bed bug perfume
Under the influence of such a remedy bloodsuckers will not die, but it is difficult for them to stay in a room where the concentration of a strong-smelling substance is constantly at a high level for a long time. It is necessary to apply perfume more often to make the insects dare to leave the dwelling. But if they are very hungry, they can attack even under these conditions.
Temperature variations as a method of controlling bed bugs
Insects Can't stand extreme cold and heat. Such conditions can not only repel the pests, but even destroy them. The answer to the question of whether bed bugs are afraid of frost and heat is positive, but you can get the desired result if you understand the limits to which the air temperature should be raised/reduced:
- +45 ° C - death comes in 45-60 minutes;
- -17°C - it takes a few days for the pests to die.
In stronger heat, the insects will die in a few minutes (+50°C). If there is frost outside (-25°C), the result will be similar - the pests will die, but in an apartment this option is difficult to implement.
Exposure to sunlight and folk remedies
Bed bugs try not to leave their shelters during the day. These insects have a peculiar phobia of light, but they may crawl out of hiding in the absence of food for a long time to find a portion of blood. The answer to the question of whether bed bugs are afraid of light is ambiguous. On the one hand - yes, parasites do not like to crawl during the day, on the other hand - it is not the most unsuitable conditions for the existence of pests. This is confirmed by the ability of bed bugs to move under the influence of artificial light (from a lamp).
But if folk remedies are applied at home at the same time, the insects will not appear in the light.
Chemicals to repel and exterminate bed bugs
Household insecticides are used to create unsuitable conditions, and they are also used to kill parasites. Effective preparations:
- Dichlofos - is known to many, but the modern version of the remedy contains a combination of several pyrethroids, this doubles, if not triples the effect of the negative effect on the nervous system;
- The Executioner - is available in the form of a solution, contains fention (neuroleptic), the result of treatment comes quickly - bed bugs die in a matter of hours (if they came into direct contact with the remedy);
- Hector - a powder that is safe for humans, but aggressive for bed bugs, does not contain insecticides, and the working principle of this drug is based on affecting the outer covers of the pests;
- Delta Zone - agent of contact action, completely destroys bed bugs in 2-3 weeks (including the new generation), the mechanism of work is based on the defeat of the nervous system;
- Fufanon is a universal means, the result of treatment is the same as in the previously considered cases (parasites are killed by paralysis), but the desired effect is provided earlier, because it is a drug of aggressive action.
Question and answer section
If you are wondering if bed bugs are afraid of water, the answer is no. The insects are able to stay in that environment for some time. To eradicate pests, you need to learn a lot more about them. You can ask all your questions to an entomologist online.
Are house bugs afraid of cockroaches?
Are bed bugs afraid of ultrasound?
Are bed bugs afraid of smoke?
Are bed bugs afraid of water and steam?
Are bed bugs afraid of light from a light bulb at night?
What to repel a bed bug in order to get a good night's sleep?
Are bed bugs afraid of paint?
Video tip (photo + video): what bed bugs fear the most, what measures are most effective
Preventive measures against bed bugs
Any of the remedies discussed can be considered repellent. This means that they help to remove bed bugs in the home without the use of toxic substances. But such remedies are effective as long as there are few insects. Other methods can also be considered in this case.
Wet cleaning with chlorine
This is tool aggressive action - has a negative effect on human health at higher concentrations. However, you need to understand whether bed bugs are afraid of chlorine. If there is no other remedy at hand at home, you can use it, as well as analogues with similar composition (Domestos, Belizna).
Chlorine lime does not destroy the parasites, but it will not allow them to move freely around the apartment, because the saturated smell will prevent them from detecting the source of food.
Cosmetic repairs
Bed bugs are difficult to eradicate from any facility, but it is possible to create conditions in which people are better protected from parasites. To do this, you need to eliminate cracks, and cement-based and polymer-based solutions are used for this purpose.
And it is important to cover leaks not only on the floor, walls, but also in the door unit.
Calling exterminators at home, professional combined insecticide treatment
Reasons why professionals are usually invited to clean the room from parasites:
- processing does not produce any results on its own;
- there are too many parasites;
- bedbugs reappear from time to time.
When carrying out professional treatment, more effective agents are used. They are delivered with special equipment - sprayers. In the process, the working solution is converted into a finely dispersed suspension, the particles are so small that they are very slowly deposited on surfaces, killing parasites through the respiratory tract, the outer skin. After spraying the suspension is also applied a method of barrier protection - this is a preventive measure, as a result of the parasites in the future will not appear in the apartment.
Feedback from victims of bedbug bites
Expert tips
- Among the folk methods are more effective, I refer to them ammonia, wormwood, rosemary, but garlic, toilet water, repellent works much weaker, such means are used in conjunction with others;
- A light bulb on at night will not scare pests away because hunger is a stronger motivator for them - bed bugs come out of hiding when they need a portion of food, even if the night light or other light source is on.
Conclusion
Parasites survive under different conditions. However, a number of factors are noted in which the insects behave less actively:
- You can create intolerable conditions for bloodsuckers by using plants, essential oils, and household chemicals. Almost all such products quickly evaporate, so you need to regularly renew the layer of the substance on furniture and coatings.
- The combined method works best on bed bugs by using chemicals, folk remedies, and a method based on temperature changes. You can put a humidifier in the room at night. Regularly staying in a room with a humidity of more than 80% will lead to the death of the insects because of the fungus that develops in such conditions.
- To prevent bed bugs from crawling in the future, a simple cosmetic repair is performed. It is necessary to eliminate all cracks in the floor, walls, near the pipes. The ventilation duct is also protected.