Bed bugs are very unpleasant contemporaries that nobody likes to have at home. We show you effective home remedies to fight bed bugs.

Bed bugs love to live in our sleeping places. They are so small that they are difficult to see with the naked eye and feed on human blood. Not only are the bites uncomfortable and itchy, bed bugs can also transmit disease. So, you should act quickly as soon as you discover bed bugs.

You don’t necessarily have to use chemicals, but you can also use home remedies to ensure a clean environment. We present you the most effective home remedies against bed bugs, which are equally easy on the environment and your wallet.

How to fight bed bugs: how to recognize them

Bed bugs are small, brown and have an oval shape. When they feed, they enlarge, so you can see them with the naked eye.

  • Bedbugs leave reddish bites, usually arranged in a row, called a bedbug trail. Often the bites are itchy.
  • Small black or dark red dots on bedding or mattress may be fecal traces of bed bugs.
  • If the bedbug infestation is already advanced, you will notice an unpleasant sweet smell.
  • Apply double-sided tape to your bed frame. If there is a bedbug infestation, some of the critters will stick, bringing clarity.

  • Control bed bugs with sun

Bed bugs do not tolerate high temperatures. From temperatures above 86 degrees, the little pests disappear. To do this, expose your mattress, pillows and blankets to direct summer sun for a few hours.

  • Fight bed bugs with cold

Bed bugs don’t like the cold any more than they like the heat. You can put small items and textiles in the freezer at -18 degrees for one to three days. The bed bugs and their eggs will not survive the low temperatures.

  • Wash affected textiles

  • If you notice a bedbug infestation, you should put all washable textiles into the washing machine.
  • You must wash pillowcases and the like for at least 30 minutes at at least 140 degrees.
  • The high temperatures reliably kill the bed bugs and their eggs.
  • Carry the infested laundry in a bag to the washing machine. This will prevent the bedbugs from spreading to other rooms.
  • In addition to your bed, check other textiles, such as curtains or your closet for bed bugs. If you find an infestation here, you must also wash these things thoroughly.

  • Turmeric against bed bugs

The curcumin contained in turmeric has an antimicrobial effect and ensures that bed bugs can no longer breathe and die. Sprinkle the turmeric on the affected textiles and then vacuum them thoroughly. Afterwards, be sure to replace the vacuum cleaner bag and dispose of it immediately.

Typical hiding places of bed bugs

Bed bugs do not only hide in your bed but can live in many areas of your home. This is where bed bugs feel especially at home:

  • Mattresses
  • Pillows and blankets
  • Backpacks
  • Clothes
  • Closets
  • Bags
  • Carpets
  • Skirting boards
  • Laundry basket
  • Shoes
  • Upholstered furniture
  • suitcases and bags
  • unused drill holes
  • sockets

How to prevent bed bugs:

It’s best if bed bugs don’t show up in the first place. Here’s what you can do to prevent bed bugs:

  • Place your bed so that it is not in direct contact with the wall.
  • Make sure that blankets, pillows and other textiles are not lying on the floor.
  • Clean your bedroom regularly and thoroughly. Vacuum the floors and change the bed linen. While you’re at it, check your bed for a possible bedbug infestation. The sooner you detect bed bugs, the sooner you can get rid of them.
  • Tape the feet of your bed. The smooth surface makes it difficult for bed bugs to crawl into the bed. If you use double-sided tape, the little critters will stick to it.
  • Check used items for bugs before placing them in your rooms.
  • Place scented candles with essential oils in your room. Strong-smelling oils such as clove oil, lavender oil or mint oil are suitable for this purpose. You can also place scented sachets in your bed or between your clothes to prevent the unwelcome critters.
  • If you are on vacation, you should check your room for bed bugs. If you find bed bugs, put your clothes in sealable bags. This way you avoid bringing the animals into your own four walls.
  • If you have pets that are allowed in the bedroom, you should always take care of them and check regularly for bugs.
  • Change your mattress every five to eight years. Choose a removable cover that you can wash regularly.
  • Wash your clothes at least 140 °F after a vacation. The same applies to used clothing, for example from flea markets.