Are there any natural remedies for getting rid of bed bugs, that really work?
By IsadoraD from Boston, MA
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Bedbugs are difficult to get rid of on your own.Best to hire an exterminator to do it correctly. No natual remedies or cheap way to get rid of them.
Hi,
you can keep bed bugs at bay using tansy. Its an herb with many uses, one of which is repelling bugs. I have used it on mission trips various places to keep various creepy crawlys at bay, including bed bugs. I would suggest filling socks with tansy and putting them in your bed.
Sprinkle tansy leaves around the perimeters of all the rooms in your house, under all the cushions on couches and chairs, on your mattress etc. Then you must seal all the cracks, corners etc. This is how people dealt with them a hundred years ago before the discovery of DDT, bad as that was it did get rid of them. Then wash all your bedding, clothes in Hot water, I would boil anything that you could like sheets etc.
You can find a recipe for vinegar of the four thieves (an extremely effective all natural herbal insect repellent) at www.bulkherbstore.com, you can purchase tansy there as well. I am not affiliated with them in any way they are just a source for herbs for me. Spray this everywhere, including a diluted version on you, spray on bed posts, mattresses etc! Doing this will help, but you might still want to consider an exterminator as bed bugs are extremely hard to get rid of but it can be done.
Try this first and see what happens replacing tansy as often as necessary. I also recommend putting diatemaceous earth around all perimeters this kills all insects good and bad by cutting into their bodies bed bugs hide in walls and mattresses anywhere it is dark so using a mixture of tansy and the diatemaceous earth might be best in all the places named above. You can buy it for the the bulk herb store too. It is completely non toxic and harmless to humans. Hope this helps and good luck.
Diatomaceous earth is a good pest repellent but it is not safe for human if it is not used properly, specially if it is inhaled, which would happen if Diatomaceous earth is put near a bed. Do check what is the form of diatomite you are using and take the necessary precautions.If you have a cat check also the type of diatomite used for its litter. Avoid the type of litter which produces a lot of dust when poured. Whatever type you are using avoid inhalation when pouring the litter.
To better understand why Diatomaceaous earth is not a gentle product of mother nature read the following from Wikipedia :
''Safety considerations
The absorbent qualities of diatomite can result in a significant drying of the hands if handled without gloves. The flux-calcined form contains a highly crystalline form of silica, resulting in sharp edges. The sharpness of this version of the material makes it dangerous to breathe and a dust mask is recommended when working with it.
The type of hazard posed by inhalation depends on the form of the silica. Crystalline silica poses a serious inhalation hazard because it can cause silicosis. Amorphous silica can cause dusty lungs and silicosis, but does not carry the same degree of risk as crystalline silica. Natural or dried diatomite generally contains crystalline silica. Diatomite produced for pool filters is treated with high heat (calcining) and a fluxing agent (soda ash), causing the formerly silicon dioxide to assume its crystalline form. A mask is necessary for working with either product.
The crystalline silica content of the dust's particulate is regulated in the United States by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and there are guidelines for the maximum amounts allowable in the product and in the air near the breathing zone of workers.''
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