A study done by Rutger university showed that blood orange essential oil is one of the best natural oils that functions as a bed bug repellent. Continue to sprinkle the powder in your home for several weeks until all bed bug eggs hatch and die. Peppermint Oil 8. Bed bugs are a nasty infestation that can be difficult to eradicate or prevent. Essential oils can be toxic and dangerous if misused. Homemade Bed Bug Spray: Essential Oils. Consequently, they can be used around children and pets, as well as on furniture and clothes. This oil can eliminate bed bugs (may not be effective on severe infestations) due to its powerful anti-pest properties. It is often best to apply it in areas around the room where bed bugs are known to live or come to feed. The authors concluded that a combination of both would have definite advantages in many settings. If youre cautious about the ingredients in chemical insecticides, this might be an effective solution for your bedbug issues. [ii], 10 Drops Peppermint Essential Oil10 Drops Clove Essential Oil2-3 Drops of Witch Hazel100 Milliliters Rubbing Alcoholthe higher the concentration the better. You should also ensure your appliances are well covered before applying them to the room. Their bodies are small and flat and can be very hard to detect in your home. The conclusion of the study stated: Oregano oil 40% exhibited more repellency compared to commercial insect repellent stick containing 33% DEET. it is not advisable to use it around cats. Here is How to Use Essential Oils Against Bed Bugs All of the chemicals tested were able to kill bed bugs when directly applied to the bugs. Gaire and Gondhalekar first tested the pyrethroid insecticide deltamethrin and a series of essential oil compounds on non-resistant bed bugs and a resistant Knoxville strain of bed bugs. Eucalyptus Essential Oil - Eucalyptus is another oil that bed bugs and other bugs do not like. 2014 - 2020 HealingSolutions.com All rights reserved. There seem to be numerous essential oil-based products on the market claiming to kill or repel insects. It is also known to ward off other insect pests as well. That doesn't mean plant essential oil compounds are ineffective, Gondhalekar said. The strong smell of essential oils is highly pungent for bed bugs. Furthermore, please do your research on each of these products, as some may not be suitable for babies, children, pregnant women, or people with certain pre-existing health conditions. Size: 4 oz. These include tea tree oil, eucalyptus oil, lemon oil, peppermint oil, clove oil, citronella oil, and thyme oil, among others. Bed bug bites may also cause pain and discomfort, which essential oils can relieve. Other essential oils may work to soothe symptoms of itching after a bite has already occurred. While applying it, special attention must be paid to places like the bedroom, the living room, cracks and crevices in your home, etc. You will have to apply a lot of caution when using this essential oil. It not only wards off bed bugs, but it also kills them completely. Peppermint oil is as offensive to humans as it is to bed bugs. Purdue University researched the effects of binary mixtures of deltamethrin (a pyrethroid insecticide). The amounts needed to eliminate them are just too great and impractical when compared to synthetic insecticides. The oil is very effective if used properly. These studies have shown although essential oils can kill bed bugs, they are not effective enough or work quickly enough to be able to treat a bed bug problem. Discover steps you can take to stop bed bugs from getting into your bed and home including precautions for home and travel tips. Essential oils for bed bugs will not likely suffice if you have a full-blown infestation, it could be a good idea to contact an exterminator or pest control specialist. Some were more effective than others. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Thyme oil is also known to kill bacteria, increase circulation, and relieve anxiety, so you will be getting other health benefits from using the oil. Rosemary Oil. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. All or any of these oils, in my experience, have claimed to kill as well as repel bed bugs. Eugenol is a phenol compound derived from various essential oils, such as clove. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. Thymol is the main active compound in the essential oil thyme, which comes from the thyme plant that has been used for years as an insecticide and animal repellent. Some essential oils have also been shown to have healing properties when it comes to skin rashes and irritation. The amounts needed to eliminate them are just too great and impractical when compared to synthetic insecticides. Combining thymol and carvacrol, for example, may even amplify their effects. Four of the compounds did not kill bed bugs over a 24-hour period. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Citronella Most insecticides you can buy today cannot be sprayed directly on infested furniture. This isn't an exhaustive list of essential oils, but some of the most popular options used to repel insects. You can do that by mixing it with water or any mild body lotion. They are passed through different processes to produce what we know as essential oils. (2017). The biggest potential risk for using essential oils for bedbugs is that it wont work. However, if you do not do it right, you may not achieve anything worthwhile with them. This article features the best essential oils to kill and repel bed bugs. See what bedbugs and their. Bedbugs are wingless, oval-shaped insects. Some research suggests that essential oils like thymol and carvacrol can work to treat an ongoing bedbug infestation. Despite the fact that they can kill bed bugs, they may not be sufficient to eradicate the entire infestation problem at home. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page. Take preventative measures like keeping bedroom areas clean, not using your bed as storage, removing bridges" between the bed and floor, avoiding used mattresses or furniture, taking preventative measures when traveling, and spraying your bed and linens with essential-oil based bed bug repellants may help prevent a problem in the future. Note that bedbugs can live an extremely long time (several months at minimum) without feeding on a host. If necessary, repeat. 3. 1. And they are very helpful to soothe and ease skin irritations caused by bed bug bites. This oil gets rid of stink bugs, spiders, fleas, fruit flies, gnats, moths, wasps, and even cockroaches. Like most essential oils, peppermint is often used as a safer alternative in driving away a variety of household pests such as bed bugs, cockroaches, and ants. Essential oils need to be diluted with a carrier oil (such as coconut oil) before being used on your skin. Shake well and spray around window and doorways as often as needed. It is often better to go with natural methods such as the use of odors to control bugs. The chemical content of each essential oil varies, which affects its smell, absorption, and effects on the body. Also spray the legs, headboards, and footboards. Have you found this to be true? Essential oils are just not that great at repelling mosquitoes and ticks. Consequently, bed bug control requires the development of safer, greener, and more effective tools. With that being said, you should always be very careful when using essential oils. One of the most commonly used essential oils is eucalyptus oil. Here are 16 things you can do at home to reduce the pain and itch of mosquito, Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. Lavender Oil for Bed Bugs. It's an effective bug repellent for most pests, including bed bugs. Can You Repel or Kill Bed Bugs with Essential Oils? There are many essential oils for bed bugs products claiming to kill or repel bed bugs effectively. In addition, make sure you choose certified, and quality products, and never consume essential oils since some may contain harmful chemicals that you may not be aware of. Gaire S, et al. Fire ants are found in many southern U.S. states. These are essential oils that may work to repel or kill bedbugs in your home. Peppermint oil also comes with some added benefits. Does Lavender Essential Oil Really Repel Or Kill Bed Bugs? Wouldnt it be nice to be able to put a few drops of essential oil onto a bed bug-infested bed and repel or kill these pests naturally, without using any synthetic pesticides? Below are some powerful essential oils that you can use to eliminate bed bugs from your house. Gaire and Gondhalekar combined . The challenge with using this oil though is that it is not a hundred percent safe for pregnant women, especially the undiluted form. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. PRODUCT. If you want to know does ammonia kill bed bugs or their eggs, you'll find more information here. Step by step bed bugs removal, download from the link below, Essential Oils For Bed Bugs [DIY Recipes Included]. Some research suggests that essential oils like thymol and carvacrol can work to treat an ongoing bedbug infestation. Ive been in the pest control industry helping people get rid of their unwanted pests for over 20 years, both in the UK and Canada.As a licensed pest management professional, Ive seen and treated just about every common household pest, insect, or rodent, you can think of. Undiluted lemongrass oil, in particular, is known to burn the skin. Best Essential Oils for Bed Bugs Clove Essential Oil Peppermint Essential Oil Peppermint Essential Oil Cedarwood Essential Oil Lavender Essential Oil Tea Tree Essential Oil Eucalyptus Essential Oil Lemon Essential Oil Lemon Essential Oil Frankincense Essential Oil How to Use Essential Oils as Insect Repellent Conclusion An essential oil is a liquid extract of a variety of potentially beneficial plants. There are some essential oils that have been clinically shown to possibly repel bedbugs. Peppermint Oil - This is one of the best essential oils to use in the fight against bed bugs. As effective as chemicalsare in bed bug control, oils are not safe for use around the house. The obvious reason for choosing natural bed bug treatments is the fact that they are effective. They help you sleep through the night without having to worry about a single bug bite. Remember to always shake the bottle well before use. While these essential oils are known to be very effective against bed bugs, it should be duly noted that none of them on its own can effectively handle heavy infestations. What to Do About a Spider Bite on the Eyelid, Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT. Insecticidal properties make it an effective repellent. Studies show that essential oils can kill bed bugs. Required fields are marked *, Please note, comments must be approved before they are published, All our oils are GC/MS tested for 100% purity, 4703 W. Brill St. Suite 101, Phoenix, AZ 85043. I hope I managed to give you some directions on how you can use essential oils to remove bed bugs and use them for their bites. Spray peppermint essential oil that kill bed bugs all around your home, inside and out. 3. Chances are youll develop a red, swollen bump. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page. A single dose of deltamethrin meant to kill 25% of bugs killed that many non-resistant bed bugs, but it took 70,000 times more to kill 25% of the Knoxville strain. Cinnamon oil, lemongrass oil, clove oil, peppermint oil, lavender oil, thyme oil, tea tree oil, and eucalyptus oil are all effective repellant essential oils. To make essential oils, a considerable amount of plant matter must be used. (a little over 1/3 cup) This gives some reason to believe that essential oils are an effective treatment for all different kinds of insect bites, including the ones that you get from bedbugs. Essential oils derived from plant ingredients have become a popular alternative treatment for bedbug bites and infestation. Frankincense Essential Oil - Balsamic, woody, typical olibanum scent, frankincense is made from rosin of Boswellia sacra and is effective in killing pesky bed bugs and keeping them away from you. It is critical to be aware that essential oils for bed bugs are highly potent and can pose a health risk. However, one sure oil that always works against them is peppermint oil. Some studies show in moderate to severe infestations that essential oils often don't kill 100% of bed bugs and eggs. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. Yes, they are that potent. What smell kills bed bugs instantly? For instance, in the undiluted form, lemongrass oil and others listed here can hurt your skin badly. Bed bugs and pests can be effectively eliminated with the use of this oil in aromatherapy or topical application. Essential oils are liquid extracts derived from plants. Use any of the above combinations to spray outside and inside suitcases before travel. To take advantage of its effects, mix 30 drops of essential oil with 60 ml of water. Some studies have shown citronella to be an acceptable fumigant to bedbugs. Toxicity and neurophysiological impacts of plant essential oil components on bed bugs (Cimicidae: Hemiptera. The smell of a dead bed bug is often likened to coriander, moldy clothes, or the musty smell of a damp house. Cedarwood Oil 2. Peppermint oil is derived from the peppermint plant, a very effective natural insecticide that is known to repel quite a lot of insects. Maybe the essential oil would not be enough to repel them when in an actual room instead of in a petri dish, or if they have regular access to a host and blood meal. Theres even some research that backs up the claim that certain essential oils are an acceptable and effective alternative bedbug treatment. [iii] Feldlaufer M F, Ulrich Kevin R. Essential Oils as Fumigants for Bed Bugs. (2015) Journal of Entomological Science 50;2:129-137. Sometimes, if you kill a bed bug that has just had dinner, it will give off the smell of blood, reminding you of iron or rust. Your email address will not be published. For instance on the bed, sofa, box spring, etc. Not everyone is comfortable with the ingredients in these traditional bedbug treatments. They also recommend using gloves when spraying. This oil has been ranked as one of the most effective essential oils in killing house dust mites. Other ways include: clearing out all clutter, vacuuming thoroughly and often, and using a heat treatment method. [iii], 1 Cup Water10 Drops Lavender Essential Oil10 Drops Rosemary Essential Oil10 Drops Eucalyptus Essential Oil. The best results will come from combining different steps; adding essential oils to the compound, adding chemical pesticides, and removing contaminated items, etc. In the third position, we've got Thyme essential oil. It can be used to get rid of the culprits of all itchy bites you have after sleeping at the bed. At least one study has shown that scent of thymol does appear to overwhelm the nervous system of the common bedbug, making it a promising ingredient for bedbug repellants. Although the above studies found certain essential oils may kill some bed bugs, none of them were as effective as the synthetic products used in the same study. Dozens of essential oils-based products on the market claim to kill or repel insects, but a previous Rutgers University study showed that few actually work against bed bugs. For a few weeks, experts recommend spraying your bed and linens once or twice a week. Ive seen the damage caused when an infestation has been left too long and has become hard to get rid of.For this reason, peststopsolutions.com was created. This process uses condensation to collect the oils by extraction and isolation and vaporizes the plant materials volatile compounds. Here's how you can prevent or treat bed bugs. Applying them to that level is problematic. So, how do you get rid of bed bugs then? Using essential oils may be a more natural way to get rid of bed bugs, but todays professional-grade chemicals arent as damaging as they used to be. Many essential oils repel or kill bed bugs. You may want to use essential oils to soothe and treat bedbug bites that have already occurred. National Center for Biotechnology Information Search database, The Best Essential Oils For Bed Bugs Treatment, Precautions While Using Essential Oils for Bed Bugs and Safety Concerns, HOW TO FIND BED BUGS DURING THE DAY [Fast and Simple], Essential oils is known for their ability to repel bed bugs, Essential oils to treat and soothe bed bug bites, No toxic chemical sprays or liquids are used. What do bed bugs look like? Lets take a look at what we know about using essential oils as a bedbug solution, as well as which ones are most likely to be effective at killing bedbugs, repelling them, and treating bedbug bites. The following are some of the best essential oils for bed bugs recipes you can make to repel bugs and pests. When applied to the skin, it can go a long way to help you deal with bites faster. By constantly using them, you may be exposing your kids and pets to lots of health risks. Lemongrass (where to get it) Lemongrass is rich in properties and compounds that repel many bugs including bed bugs. The main appeal of essential oils is their chemical-free nature that makes them more favorable over perceivably harmful insecticides. After it has been well diluted, you can also use some of the oils to bring relief to sites of bed bug bites. Tea tree oil + eucalyptus oil: In a spray bottle, add 10 drops of tea tree oil, 20 drops of eucalyptus oil, and a cup of water. Certain oils also have antibacterial properties that prevent the spread of infection. Place difficult-to-clean items in a black garbage bag and leave them in the hot sun or in a closed car to get rid of bedbugs on your pillows and comforter. Due to their potency and fumes, you shouldnt be applying large amounts of essential oils to your skin as a way to repel bedbugs while you sleep. That is the main reason you find some working far more than others. Lastly, when compared to other products more commonly used by pest control professionals, products with essential oils are not able to kill bed bugs after they dry. But essential oils are not insects or bed bug killers. The following essential oils for bed bugs may help soothe bed bug bites: Before applying essential oils to your skin in order to treat bug bites, dilute them well with a carrier oil (such as jojoba oil or coconut oil). Singh et. With EPA regulations in place to ensure theyre safe to use. Bed bugs are very smart creatures, so its not a surprise seeing them master how to withstand tough odors from natural insecticides. Citrus. In this study, they found that an essential-oil based insecticide using geraniol, cedar oil, and sodium lauryl sulfate killed over 90% of bed bugs (directly and with residual benefits), as well as producing an 87% egg mortality.[i]. Clove Oil Cinnamon Oil Garlic Without the eggs hatching, it is often easier to get rid of the pests from the house. While some oils directly kill bed bugs, others repel and help halt their activities. Thyme Essential Oil is an excellent insect repellent because of this primary component. Test a small area first to ensure the spray will not stain. Please note that eucalyptus oil can cause skin damage over time, especially in concentrated amounts. In order to kill these pests once and for all, it is still best to use a combination of other methods. As promising as this sounds, as with most studies, this took place in a controlled laboratory setting where bed bugs are not able to feed or hide as they normally would. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. It took about 70,000 times more of the most effective compound to kill a bed bug by contact than a control synthetic insecticide. Squirt a few drops of peppermint oil into a spray bottle with water. Studies have shown that essential oils can be effective bed bugs. Wash bedding and clothes at 115 degrees or higher. Manage Settings Should You Pop the Blisters Caused by Fire Ant Stings? Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. 2-bed bugs drop of Oregano Oil 2-bed bugs drop of Witch Hazel 2 Teaspoons of Epsom Salts The bottle should be shaken well before using and that is the main thing that every person should do. The ones that escape being killed will have no other option than to leave your house in peace. Spray it on clothes and soft furnishings to repel and kill bed bugs. The following essential oils for bed bugs may help soothe bed bug bites: Mint and peppermint oil have insect repellent properties as well as providing a cooling Lavender oil is also known for its calming and healing properties The oil from tea trees has antimicrobial properties and is also known to promote healing