DOES TEA TREE OIL KILL BED BUGS?

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DOES TEA TREE OIL KILL BED BUGS?

Yes, tea tree oil is very effective as a natural method to kill bed bugs. This oil has been used for centuries to fight bug infestations such as lice, mosquitos, ants, etc.

Tea tree oil, also known as melaleuca oil, is a “contact insecticide”. Similarly to diatomaceous earth, it works by penetrating the exoskeleton of bugs and by suffocating them.

In this post, I’m going to share with you how to use tea tree oil in order to kill bed bugs fast and naturally, without the use of chemical insecticides.

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If you have been around my blog for a while, you will know how much I love essential oils.

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If you have been around my blog for a while, you will know how much I love essential oils.

They are a great part of my every day life, and we all use them here in my household.

Indeed, essential oils provide so many benefits, and I’m yet to find a circumstance where they did not support me or my family in some way or another.

Believe it or not, these natural oils are also beneficial in the fight against pests and small insects.

In my last post, I have shared what are the best essential oils that kill bed bugs. 

Today I’m going to focus on how tea tree oil works in particular.

WHAT ARE BED BUGS?

According to the Mayo Clinic website: “Bedbugs are small, reddish-brown blood-sucking, wingless insects. Bedbug bites usually clear up without treatment in a week or two. Bedbugs aren’t known to spread disease, but they can cause an allergic reaction or a severe skin reaction in some people.

Bedbugs are about the size of an apple seed. They hide in the cracks and crevices of beds, box springs, headboards, bed frames and other objects around a bed and come out at night to feed on their preferred host, humans. The risk of running into bedbugs is higher if you spend time in places where nighttime guests come and go often — such as hotels, hospitals or homeless shelters.”

ARE BED BUGS DANGEROUS TO HUMANS?

Bed bugs aren’t known to cause serious infections and to spread diseases. However, their bites can be a source of discomfort.

It is important to notice that some people might have no reaction at all to bed bug bites, while others might experience an allergic reaction. This can include severe itching, blisters or hives.

You should immediately seek medical attention if you experience a severe allergic reaction or a serious skin reaction to bed bugs bites.

WHAT IS THE LIFE CYCLE OF BED BUGS?

A female can lay up to 250 bed bug eggs in her lifetime. Those eggs will hatch after about 6-10 days, releasing a “nymph bed bug”. A nymph will then look for its first blood meal in order to move onto the next stage of its life, the adult phase.

The nymph stage can last about a week, but it can be prolonged if the insect can’t find a source of food.

The last stage, the adult one, will last about 6 to 12 months, depending on the specific circumstances.

WHAT DO BED BUGS EAT?

Bed bugs feed exclusively on blood. It is important to notice that they do not feed solely on human blood, but on animals as well.

It takes them roughly between 5 to 10 minutes to complete a feed, and that is why they usually feed at night, when a human host is asleep and therefore less reactive to the bites.

An adult bed bug can survive for up to a year without feeding, depending on the temperature of the environment where it lives.

HOW DO YOU GET BED BUGS IN YOUR HOME?

You can bring bed bugs in your home in several ways. For example, you can get them from:

• bags and clothes used in an infested hotel room;
• other rooms or apartments in a complex building;
• a person coming from an infested environment.

HOW CAN YOU AVOID BRINGING BED BUGS INTO YOUR HOME?

Although no method is 100% safe, you can try these simple ways to keep bed bugs from coming into your home in the first place.

Like with other pest infestations, prevention is more often than not the most effective treatment!

Firstly, when staying in a hotel, do not place your bags on the floor or on the bed, and keep them away from walls and furniture. Instead, place them on an elevated surface, such as a rack.

Upon returning home, wash all the clothes used during your stay, and dry them in a hot dryer. Also, check your bags and disinfect them, if at all possible.

If buying used furniture, check it with extreme care before purchasing it. A good idea would be to place it in a garage or shed (if you have one of course), and treat it first, before bringing it into your home.

HOW DO I KNOW IF I HAVE BED BUGS IN MY HOME?

There are several signs to look for in order to know if you have a bed bug infestation in your home.

The first step would be to look for insect bites or rashes on your body.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF A BED BUG BITE?

Bed bugs bites leave marks on your skin that are quite similar to other insects bites.

They normally appear as:

• red spots, usually with a darker mark in the centre, and quite itchy;
• an itchy and inflamed rash;
• blisters filled with fluid;
• a cluster of bites, with no neat alignment, but just randomly arranged.

Those itchy bites are not exclusively limited to legs and feet. On the contrary, they can appear on your arms, hands, face and neck.

OTHER BED BUGS INFESTATION SIGNS IN THE HOME

The problem with bed bugs is that they are so small and they hide very well, so it is hard to spot them around the house. However, there are ways you can see them.

Look around your bedroom and you might be able to identify tiny red or dark specks on your mattress: those are either blood marks from dead bed bugs, or their faeces.

Also, look carefully at the bed frame, near your skirtings and on rugs and carpets you might have in the room, as those are perfect hiding places for bed bugs.

WHAT ARE ESSENTIAL OILS?

From Healthline.com: “Essential Oils are concentrated plant extracts that retain the natural smell and flavour, or “essence,” of their source. They are obtained through distillation (via steam and/or water), or mechanical methods (such as cold pressing)”.

IF YOU ARE UNSURE ABOUT HOW TO USE ESSENTIAL OILS, DON’T WORRY: I HAVE AN ENTIRE POST THAT EXPLAINS WHAT ESSENTIAL OILS ARE, AND HOW TO USE THEM SAFELY WHEN YOU ARE A BEGINNER!

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THE BENEFITS OF ESSENTIAL OILS TO KILL BUGS AND INSECTS

Provided you only use high quality, pure and unadulterated products, the use of essential oils certainly has many benefits when it comes to killing bugs and small insects.

To name a few: 

ESSENTIAL OILS ARE NON TOXIC

Essential oils are 100% natural and pure. Therefore they are not toxic.

All the store bought products available on the market to kill pests, are produced using harmful chemicals that can present a health risk to you and your pets when used in your home. On the other hand, essential oils are safe to use around everyone in your family.

ESSENTIAL OILS ARE ECO-FRIENDLY

Using essential oils to get rid of pests is a more environmentally sustainable option than spraying toxic mixtures.

ESSENTIAL OILS CAUSE NO SIDE EFFECTS

Pure essential oils are safe and effective, and have no side effects (if you use them following safety guidelines), unlike chemical pesticides.

BUGS CANNOT BECOME RESISTANT TO ESSENTIAL OILS

Since essential oils are completely plant derived and pure, with no added man-made ingredients, pest and insects cannot develop resistance to them, as opposed to commercially produced sprays or powders. That is to say that essential oils do not lose their potency over time when it comes to repel or kill pests.

ESSENTIAL OILS ARE CHEAPER THAN MOST STORE BOUGHT ITEMS 

In order to create a DIY bug repellent spray you will only need a few drops of essential oils, making your product cheaper than the commercially produced ones.

Indeed, high quality and pure essential oils are very strong, and a just a couple of drops will go a long way.

YOU CAN CREATE YOUR VERY OWN, PERSONALISED MIXTURE, ACCORDING TO YOUR TASTE

One of the main reasons why I like to create my own DIY products, is the freedom that comes with it. When preparing homemade blends, you can pick and choose whatever oil you like, depending on your preference, or on what you have already.

If buying from a store, on the other hand, you are limited to the ingredients used by companies during production, and to the shop’s availability and stock.

AROMATHERAPY PROPERTIES OF ESSENTIAL OILS

When you use essential oils to get rid of any pest, you will also enjoy the added benefit of their aromatic properties.

This is particularly true when getting rid of bed bugs. Imagine going to bed every night and breathing in the toxic fumes of a shop bought product while you sleep! If you use essential oils, on the other hand, you will sleep while inhaling the lovely scent coming from them. This, in turn, can further support you in getting a good night sleep.

DO ESSENTIAL OILS REALLY WORK FOR BED BUGS?

There are many essential oils that have insecticidal properties. Therefore, they have been proven safe and effective as a natural pest control.

However, you need to remember that bed bugs can survive for many months without a host. This means that you might need to use essential oils for a prolonged amount of time if you want to make sure that you eliminate the bed bug population for good!

In any case, essential oils work extremely well to prevent future infestations.

THE BEST ESSENTIAL OILS THAT KILL BED BUGS

Now that we have established what essential oils are, and how they can be beneficial  in helping you to get rid of a bed bug problem, let’s have a look at what are the best oils for the job.

Bear in mind that all the oils in the following list will work effectively and safely as natural insect repellents, as bed bugs are naturally put off by some scents. 

You can try some of them and see what you prefer, depending on your taste and on what you have available at home. Feel free to try different combinations and blends.

• GERANIUM OIL
• LAVENDER OIL
• THYME OIL
• CLOVE OIL
• LEMON EUCALYPTUS OIL
• PEPPERMINT OIL
• EUCALYPTUS OIL
• CITRONELLA OIL
• TEA TREE OIL
• LEMONGRASS OIL
• CEDARWOOD OIL
• ROSEMARY OIL

WHAT IS TEA TREE OIL?

From the Doterra website: ”Tea tree essential oil (melaleuca alternifolia) has over 90 different compounds and limitless applications. The leaves of the tea tree have been used by the Aboriginal peoples of Australia for centuries. They would apply crushed leaves directly to the skin for a cooling effect. Tea tree is best known for its purifying properties. It can be used to cleanse and purify the skin and nails and to support a healthy looking complexion. Tea tree is used on occasional skin irritations to soothe the skin and diffusing tea tree will help freshen the air.”.

HOW IS TEA TREE OIL EXTRACTED?

With roughly 250 species, the melaleuca plant has green, brush-like leaves typically found in Australia. This plant can grow from the size of small shrubs to the height of full trees. 

Tea tree essential oil is extracted from the leaves of melaleuca shrubs or trees, which have a strong aroma when rubbed. Melaleuca oil is produced through the process of steam distillation, where steam and pressure are used to release chemical components from the plant, resulting in a potent essential oil.

DOES TEA TREE OIL SMELL GOOD?

Melaleuca oil has a very distinctive and strong smell.

Although I personally like it, I know it is not everyone’s cup of tea.

Indeed, some people find the smell of tea tree oil a bit overpowering. However, you do not need to be put off by its scent: just pair it with another oil you like!

I find that the combination of tea tree oil and lemon, lime, eucalyptus, peppermint  or lavender essential oil work very well.

Feel free to try different blends and see what works best for you.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF TEA TREE OIL?

Tea tree is such a versatile oil that you can use it in so many different ways!

Let’s have a look at some of them before we dive in into how to use it for killing bed bugs!

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IMPORTANT

Melaleuca is a very potent essential oil. Avoid direct contact with your skin, as undiluted tea tree oil can cause skin reactions. The best way to use it is in conjunction with your favourite carrier oil.

Moreover, you should always buy 100% pure tea tree oil, from a reputable company.

If possible, try to avoid buying this natural extract from your local health food store. In fact, very often those stores sell products that are not pure and unadulterated.

HAIR CARE

Thanks to its cleansing and purifying properties, tea tree can be used to support a clean scalp and healthy looking hair.

SKINCARE

Using tea tree oil in your daily skin care routine will help you in maintaining a clean and healthy skin. Tea tree oil is particularly effective in stopping a cold sore from developing.

NAIL CARE

Another amazing use of tea tree oil is for nail care. If applied topically, tea tree oil will help you keep clean and healthy nails. This oil can also help to get rid of fungal infections and verrucas.

MASSAGE

Tea tree oil can be used in reinvigorating massages for a cooling sensation after a long day.

If used topically, it is important to properly dilute this oil with a carrier oil.

DIFFUSE

Enjoy the energising aroma of tea tree oil in your home any time of the day. Tea tree oil will freshen up the air in your environment, especially if paired with other oils such as citrus ones, peppermint or eucalyptus oil.

CLEANING

Tea tree oil is great when used in conjunction with your regular cleaning products, or in your DIY mixtures.

Melaleuca has anti fungal properties and can be particularly effective at preventing and eliminating mold and mildew around the house.

DID YOU KNOW?

Did you know that I have a series of posts all dedicated to making your own DIY cleaning products? Here you will learn what are the best essential oils for cleaning around your home, and you will get tons of recipes to create your own products fast, and at a fraction of the cost!

DOES TEA TREE OIL KILL BED BUGS?

As mentioned at the very beginning of this post, tea tree oil is indeed very effective as a natural method to kill bed bugs. 

However, it is important to note that using this oil on its own, most likely won’t be enough to completely get rid of a bed bug problem.

There are some further steps that you need to follow if you want to get rid of bed bugs fast. 

HOW TO GET RID OF BED BUGS FAST IN YOUR HOME

When it comes to eliminating a bed bug infestation in your home, your chances of success will be greatly improved by using a combination of different natural remedies. Essential oils are only one aspect of this approach.

To get rid of bed bugs fast in your home using natural remedies, you should follow these simple steps:

• Wash all beddings, towels, throws, pillows, etc. ;
• Run a steam cleaner on what you cannot wash (if at all possible);
• Use your vacuum cleaner around your entire home;
• Apply your natural remedies of choice (essential oils, bicarbonate of soda, vinegar, diatomaceous earth, etc.);
• Wait for the recommended amount of time needed to kill bed bugs;
• Clean up your home;
• Repeat as needed.

For A Detailed Explanation Of All The Above Steps, You Can Check This Post, Where I Share How To Get Rid Of Bed Bugs Safely And Effectively Using Another Natural Ingredient, Diatomaceous Earth.

IMPORTANT

If, despite your best attempts at cleaning and disinfecting your home environment, you can’t get rid of pests after a few weeks, or if you suspect you have a more serious infestation, immediately call a pest control service in your local area.

Severe infestations require the immediate attention of a professional exterminator.

Do no wait, as pests can cause serious health problems to you, your family and your pets.

HOW DO YOU USE TEA TREE ESSENTIAL OIL TO KILL BED BUGS?

Essential oils in general are very versatile, and they lend themselves to so many uses.

When it comes to repelling bed bugs (and other pests), you con diffuse them, apply them topically, or make a DIY spray with them.

IMPORTANT

Always follow the advice of your trusted doctor or health practitioner before using any product on yourself or on the rest of your family. Although the natural ingredients used in the recipes below are generally safe, always consult with your doctor before using any product. Pay particular attention if you suffer from any condition, allergy or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Seek immediate advice and help from your trusted medical care provider if you are concerned about your health or that of your family.

AROMATICALLY

Place a few drops of tea tree oil in your oil diffuser, and let it run in your bedroom. This will keep bed bugs at bay because they hate the strong scent of melaleuca oil.

Alternatively, you could grab a glass spray bottle and make a DIY REPELLENT SPRAY: it’s very easy and only takes 5 minutes!

IMPORTANT

Before applying or spraying any product on your furniture or upholstery, check the labels and cleaning instructions.

Do not spray or treat any expensive item, as you might possibly damage it. Leave costly items to the professionals!

Always test on a small, inconspicuous area first.

TOPICALLY

A very effective way to use oils to fight bed bugs bites, is to make a body lotion and massage it on your body just before going to bed.

Bear in mind that you will need a carrier oil (such as fractionated coconut oil) to do that, as it is not recommended to apply essential oils neat on your skin.

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MAKE A DIY LOTION TO REPEL BED BUGS

You can create your own DIY lotion to repel bed bugs just by filling a glass bottle or jar with your oils of choice and your favourite carrier oil.

The scent will repel bed bugs, and therefore will prevent them from biting you.

MAKE A DIY LOTION TO SOOTHE BED BUG BITES

You could also create a DIY lotion to soothe bed bugs bites, if you have already been bitten. 

Those itchy bites can be very uncomfortable, and excessive scratching can lead to serious skin irritations. Tea tree oil has anti-bacterial properties, making it an ideal ingredient to soothe a skin irritation and to support you in case of a skin infection.

ADD TEA TREE OIL TO YOUR LAUNDRY 

Next time you are loading your washing machine, remember to swap your normal fabric conditioner for a tablespoon or two of distilled vinegar and a couple of drops of tea tree oil.

This method will be particularly beneficial in order to get rid of bed bugs when you are washing your bed sheets.

WHERE TO BUY ESSENTIAL OILS

If you want to learn how to use essential oils in order to support your family naturally, it is very important you only buy from a trusted company.

Doterra only uses 100% pure and unadulterated oils, sourced ethically and in an environmentally friendly way.

If you want to have more info on how to purchase Doterra essential oils and have them delivered straight to your door, please feel free to contact me. I’ll be more than happy to help you.

DOES TEA TREE OIL KILL BED BUGS? CONCLUSIONS

I just love how you can use essential oils in practically every aspect of your daily life!

Bed bugs are certainly a nuisance, but there are many natural methods you can use to get rid of them.

Tea tree oil is a very useful oil to help you to get rid of a pest infestation in your home, if used correctly and promptly.

Please feel free to leave a comment below and let me know if you have ever used essential oils to eliminate a pest problem. I’d love to hear from you.

IMPORTANT 

When using Essential Oils, make sure to use only CPTG Certified, Pure, Tested Grade ones, like Doterra Essential Oils. The content of this blog post and any information provided here has not been evaluated by any government entity or medical practitioner. It is NOT intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease, illness or condition. It is NOT intended to be a substitute for medical counselling. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or suffering from any medical condition or illness or injury, you SHOULD consult a qualified healthcare professional before using any product.