Bed Bugs: Natural vs. Chemical Solutions
Are bed bugs depriving you from your beauty sleep? Research shows treating bed bugs is not the same as treating other bugs like ants. Bed bugs have become a widespread problem and knowing how to prevent infestation can help alleviate this problem. They are minuscule insects that often go without being noticed. And unfortunately, these creatures are becoming resistant even to pesticides, including pyrethrum.
There are both natural and chemical methods to treating bed bugs. Take a look at the list that follows and see which solution might work best for you.
Natural Bed Bug Remedies
If you're concerned about using toxic chemicals in your home, there are a number of natural remedies that are said to help eliminate bed bugs. These aren't always as effective as the chemical options, but they are definitely safer for adults, children, and pets. It might be worth giving one of these a try before resorting to more toxic measures.
Baking Soda
Baking soda is a natural bed bug solution that sucks the moisture out of bed bugs. This dries out their exoskeleton and kills them, all this without having to use pesticides. Make sure to spread your baking soda around beds, doorways, walls and any infested area. Ensure you let the baking soda sit for seven days. Lastly, suck up the baking soda with your vacuum cleaner.
Lemongrass
Another effective natural remedy to bed bugs is lemongrass. Compounds found in lemongrass kill and repel bed bugs. This is made possible by increasing the acidic condition inside these bugs. Spray a solution of lemongrass essential oil in bed bug-infested areas until the problem ceases to exist.
Dried eucalyptus, lavender, mint, and rosemary
Bed bugs hate the smell of these plants and using fresh or dried herbs, or essential oils, is a good solution. A good way of using these herbs is by tying up bundles of these herbs. and hanging them on a wardrobe. Placing sachets containing these herbs on a dresser and linen closet will do the trick.
Diatomaceous Earth
This is a great natural material for getting rid of any pests, from bedbugs to fleas, thanks to its effectiveness in dehydrating bugs. It absorbs the oil and moisture in their bodies, killing them quickly. For effective results, spray and sprinkle infected areas and wait for about seven days. Results can be seen 10 days after spraying this powder, and the mortality rate is above 90 percent.
Tea tree oil spray
Tea tree oil spray is praised for treating bacteria, fungi, head lice, and viruses; it is also a solution for killing bed bugs. Tea tree oil has anti-parasitic traits which aid in fighting bugs. For an effective concentration, mix two teaspoons of tea tree oil with about 50ml of water. Pour the mixture into a spray bottle and shake well before use. Spray the concentration to all areas infested by bed bugs.
A chemical-free home will be safe using the above remedies for killing bed bugs. These are effective natural bed bug solutions which will keep your family safe.
Chemical Bed Bug Remedies
There are more than 300 pesticide products approved for use against bed bugs. Many of these are more effective than natural solutions, although they have their drawbacks. Most bedbugs have developed a resistance to many pesticides approved to treat them. Pesticides do not kill eggs and re-application or natural methods will be required in most cases. Infestation can worsen through incorrect pesticide use; bed bugs can disperse to adjacent rooms.
Professionals are best suited to use these chemical solutions effectively, and be warned that they could have detrimental effects to your health.
Pyrethroids
These are toxic to the nerve system for both people and pets. Most of the products containing this chemical have synergists that increase the insecticidal activity of the Pyrethroids. Some bed bugs have been known to resist this chemical for a few days.
Chlorfenapyr
This chemical is classified as a carcinogen by the EPA. Chlorfenapyr is acutely toxic to both humans and pets. When treating bed bug infestation, treatment can take several days to be fully effective.
Neonicotinoids
The treatment takes hours to fully materialize, but it is known to fully combat any type of pest infestation. Bed bug treatment containing these chemicals is in most cases combined with other active ingredients, such as Diatomaceous earth and Pyrethroids. Be aware that it is easily absorbed through the skin and can be toxic to the nervous system.
Low-risk chemical pesticide bed bug treatment
Botanicals and pyrethrins are low-toxicity chemicals used to treat bed bug infestations. Resistance can occur depending on the level of infestation.
For an effective bed bug solution, calling industry experts to exterminate these pests is a better alternative. Look for products labeled as bed bug treatment options, and follow the professionals' suggestions on how to keep bed bug infestations from recurring, such as vacuuming frequently and drying clothing and bedding on high heat. This will most likely kill bed bugs waiting to crawl in your life.
Resources: Pest Solutions, Pesticide Research
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