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.