Instead of calling exterminators if you want to use a natural remedy against bed bugs, try out this quick remedy! Let’s find out how to use lavender oil for bed bugs below.
Lavender oil is the essence of the flower spikes of the lavender plant. Besides its numerous therapeutic benefits and uses, the lavender essential oil works against bed bugs as well. Read on to find out everything about bed bugs and lavender oil’s effectiveness against these parasites.
Where Bed Bugs Hide?
Bed bugs are very tiny, that’s why they can easily burrow in the smallest of space. When these pesky parasites are not feeding on hosts, their potential hiding spots are box springs, electrical appliances, wallpaper, bed frames, clothing, closets, and headboards. But bed bugs are not limited to these places, as, after some time, they scatter everywhere in your house for blood.
How to Identify Bed Bugs Infestation?
To identify whether bed bugs invade your house or not, find out the below signs carefully.
- Tiny marks of blood on bed sheets and clothing.
- Dark or reddish spots of bed bugs poop on beddings, clothing, sofa cushions, baseboards, walls, closets, books, and electrical outlets.
- Eggs, eggshells, white or clear nymph shaded skin present on fabrics, and other potential hiding places.
- If your house smells musty or moldy, then bed bugs are likely.
When Bedbugs Bite?
People get pricked by bed bugs generally at night because they are nocturnal creatures. They feast on human beings or animals by pricking the skin and drink the blood via their beak. Bed bugs bite are generally seen on the body parts that are bared during napping.
Lavender Oil for Bed Bugs
Lavender essential oil is not a bed bug killer, but it deters them far away from your residence. It’s all possible because of its characteristic pungent scent that the bed bugs dislike. However, do note that once the lavender oil’s fragrance is gone, the bed bugs will come back.
Without any further ado, find out the bed bugs repelling recipe below.
Bed Bugs Deterrent Lavender Oil Spray
Supplies
- 20-25 Drops of Lavender Essential Oil
- Empty Spray Bottle
- 1 Cup of Lukewarm Water
- A Funnel
Directions
- Pour 20-25 drops of lavender oil in a cup of slightly warm water. Transfer this mix into an empty spray bottle using a small funnel.
- Make sure to shake the bottle before using it so that the oil doesn’t separate.
- Next, take all the bed bugs infested stuff outside and spray the prepared solution onto them thoroughly.
- Keep the stuff under direct sunlight for 5-6 hours.
- Once it’s done, rinse the washable items into the washing machine on the highest setting possible.
- Redo this process for a couple of days until all the bed bugs leave your house.
- Don’t forget to treat your furniture, closets, and other hiding places with lavender oil spray.
Notes:
- If you’re allergic to lavender oil, don’t use this hack.
- Instruct your children, pets, and elderly to stay far away from the bed bugs infected stuff.
- The above solution is not meant to use on the skin. But if you want to, then exchange water with a suitable carrier oil like coconut oil. Mix 5-10 drops of lavender oil with an ounce of carrier oil for an ideal proportion.
- If you’re experiencing a severe bed bug infestation, call the professional for further help.
How to Inhibit Bed Bugs Infestation?
Go through the below tips to inhibit bed bug infestation in the first place.
- Do a proper inspection of old furniture to find the signs of bed bugs and put them under direct sunlight for a few hours.
- Run vacuum all over the house twice a day.
- Toss your clothing into sealed zip bags after washing or using a shared laundry facility.
- Collect all the heaps of clutter and discard them properly.
- Use door sweeps beneath the doors to block their movements to other parts of the house.
- Seal all the big and small cracks, gaps, holes, and crevices of your home.
Final Thoughts
Getting rid of bed bugs is a tedious and tricky job. However, with the above tips and remedies, you’ll tackle mild bed bug infestation easily. Besides, you can also try peppermint oil to fight against bed bugs.