THE BEST ESSENTIAL OILS THAT KILL BED BUGS

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THE BEST ESSENTIAL OILS THAT KILL BED BUGS!

There are many natural ways to get rid of a bedbug infestation in your home.

Some essential oils for example, work as a natural bed bug repellent, providing a safer alternative to chemical insecticides.

The oils particularly effective for this job are, among others:

• 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

In this post, I’ll try to answer your common questions such as:

• What are the benefits of using essential oils to prevent and kill bugs?
• What are the best essential oils to use for this purpose?
• How to use oils to kill bugs?

The following post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll get a small commission if you decide to buy using the links provided. This will add NO EXTRA COST to you but it helps me to keep this blog up and running. Thank you. You can get more info by reading my Disclaimer page.

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Essential oils provide so much more than just a nice smell in your home.

Thanks to their many health benefits, they can support you and your family in practically every aspect of your every day life.

During the warmer months of spring and summer, essential oils can also help you in preventing and getting rid of a pest infestation. Whether it’s fleas, ants, spiders, or some other insect, some essential oils (such as lavender essential oil for example) work as a natural insect repellent, and therefore are a safer alternative to the harsh chemicals present in synthetic pesticides. 

In this post I’m going to focus on how what are the best and most effective essential oils to kill bed bugs fast and safely!

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!

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.

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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 don’t come with safety warnings and 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 ingredient, 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 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 been proven to work against a bedbug  infestation. 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 those annoying pests for good!

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

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.

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

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 near your skirtings and on rugs and carpets you might have in the room.

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.

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.

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WHAT NATURAL SCENT KILLS BED BUGS?

Bed bugs are naturally repelled by some scents. 

That is why the following essential oils work very well in keeping bed bugs away from your home.

• 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

How do you use essential oils to kill bed bugs?

Essential oils 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 oils in your diffuser and let it run in your bedroom. This will keep bed bugs at bay because they hate the strong scent of any of the oils mentioned above.

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

Simply grab a 200ml glass bottle or jar, add max 10 drops of your oils of choice, and top up with your favourite carrier oil. Shake well before use. Apply on your feet, legs, arms and hands just before going to bed. The scent of the oils will repel bed bugs, and therefore will prevent them from biting you.

If using a topical solution at bed time, choose a calming oil such as lavender or cedarwood. Better stay away from oils such as peppermint or eucalyptus, as they have a stimulating effect.

IMPORTANT

Thyme, Clove, Rosemary and Eucalyptus are very potent oils, so only use with caution. If creating a topical lotion, I would not recommend using more than 1 drop each in the blend. 

MAKE A DIY LOTION TO SOOTHE BED BUG BITES

If you have already been bitten, those bites can be very uncomfortable. Scratching them can lead to a skin irritation and, in some cases, to an infection.

Some essential oils have anti-bacterial and anti- inflammatory properties, so they can be used as an effective natural remedy to soothe and protect your skin, before the bites become a bigger issue for your health.

Using cotton balls or a rug, simply pour a drop of essential oil, and gently apply on the affected areas. This can soothe the skin and reduce inflammation. For this method, choose between Lavender, Geranium, Lemongrass, Cedarwood or Tea Tree essential oil. 

MAKE A DIY REPELLENT SPRAY

Making a DIY bed bug spray is very easy and will only take up 5 minutes of your time.

For this essential oil spray, you will need:

• a 200ml glass spray bottle;
• 30 drops in total of essential oils;
• 14/ cup of witch hazel;
• distilled or cooled, boiled water.

In the spray bottle, add the witch hazel and essential oils. Top up with distilled water. Shake well before use. Discard after 2 weeks max.

For best results: 

• shake well before each use;
• apply liberally on your mattress, bedsheets and pillows. Make sure to get to the bed frame too.
• Let it air dry naturally.
• Apply at least every couple of days.

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.

ADD ESSENTIAL OILS TO YOUR LAUNDRY: MAKE A NATURAL FABRIC SOFTENER WITH VINEGAR

This little trick can be used to enhance your chances of success when trying to get rid of a bed bug infestation.

When washing bedsheets, simply add a couple of drops of essential oils to the rinse cycle. Just replace your usual fabric conditioner with this natural and non toxic alternative. Add 2 drops of oils and 2 tablespoons of distilled white vinegar to the conditioner compartment in your washing machine, and run your cycle as per normal.

You clothes will be clean and freshly scented by the essential oils of your choice.

I promise you will not be able to smell the vinegar!

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.

BEST ESSENTIAL OILS THAT KILL BED BUGS: CONCLUSIONS

I really hope you find this post helpful. 

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

I have been using essential oils in my home for a very long time now, and they are always my first choice whenever I have a problem, whether is to support my overall wellbeing and health, to clean my home, or to add flavour to my cooking.

There are so many different ways you can use them too!

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.

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