Bedbugs are some of the most dreaded household pests. These tiny, reddish-brown insects feed on the blood of humans and animals, often leaving behind itchy, irritating bites. While they’re not known to transmit diseases, the discomfort they cause—and the difficulty of getting rid of them—makes them a serious nuisance in homes around the world.
The challenge with bedbugs is that they’re sneaky. With their small, flat bodies, they can easily hide in cracks, mattresses, clothes, and furniture. A female bedbug can lay hundreds of eggs in her lifetime, and these pests can go for months without feeding, making an infestation difficult to eradicate with a single treatment.
Though pesticides are often used for control, many people prefer natural alternatives—especially if they have children, pets, or sensitive skin. Below are five effective natural remedies to help you kick bedbugs out of your home without harsh chemicals.
5 Natural Ways To Get Rid of Bedbugs at Home
1. Sunlight Exposure
Sunlight is one of nature’s most powerful disinfectants. Bedbugs hate heat and light, and exposing your items to direct sunlight can help kill them.
What to do:
- On bright sunny days, spread your mattresses, bedsheets, clothes, and cushions outside under direct sunlight.
- Leave them out for several hours, turning them occasionally to ensure all sides are exposed.
- Bedbugs will be forced out of hiding and eventually die from the heat and dehydration.
Bonus tip: Open your curtains and let sunlight into your rooms regularly. A well-lit room is less attractive to bedbugs.
READ MORE: Can Sniper Kill Bed Bugs?What Chemical Kills Bed Bugs Permanently?
2. Hot Water Wash
Heat is a bedbug’s worst enemy. Washing infested clothes, bedsheets, curtains, and even rugs in boiling or very hot water will kill any bedbugs or eggs hiding in them.
Steps:
- Set your washing machine to the highest heat setting (at least 120°F or 49°C).
- Soak and wash fabrics thoroughly.
- After washing, dry them at high heat for at least 30 minutes.
This method is not only cheap and chemical-free but also helps sanitize your belongings thoroughly.
3. Thorough and Consistent Cleaning
Bedbugs thrive in clutter. The more mess in your home, the more hiding spots they have.
What you should do:
- Vacuum mattresses, carpets, baseboards, and furniture regularly.
- Clean up dirty laundry, piles of clothes, and old papers.
- Pay special attention to corners, cracks in furniture, behind picture frames, and wall sockets.
A clean environment doesn’t just make it harder for bedbugs to hide—it also helps you detect early signs of infestation and stop it in its tracks.
4. Professional Heat Treatment
If the infestation is severe, you may need a more comprehensive method.
Heat treatment is often used by pest control professionals. It involves using special equipment to heat an entire room or house to around 140°F (60°C)—a temperature lethal to bedbugs and their eggs.
While this method may come at a cost, it is:
- Highly effective
- Chemical-free
- Able to reach all the nooks and crannies where bedbugs hide
If natural home remedies fail, this is the next best step.
5. Kerosene and Camphor Mixture
Though not as common, this old-school remedy is surprisingly effective. Kerosene alone can kill bedbugs on contact. When mixed with crushed camphor, its effectiveness increases, and the scent helps repel insects while freshening the room.
How to use:
- Mix kerosene with ground camphor and store it in a spray bottle.
- Spray directly onto cracks, bedframes, mattresses, and baseboards.
- Ensure proper ventilation and keep flames away when using this mix.
Caution: Due to the flammability of kerosene, use it sparingly and with care. Always keep it out of reach of children and avoid spraying near electrical outlets or open flames.
Final Thoughts
Getting rid of bedbugs naturally takes patience and consistency. While no single method may eliminate them overnight, combining these natural techniques can significantly reduce their population and help you regain control of your home.
Quick Recap:
- Sunlight helps naturally expel bedbugs.
- Hot water washes kill bugs and eggs in fabrics.
- Thorough cleaning makes your home less bedbug-friendly.
- Heat treatment is a professional, chemical-free extermination method.
- Kerosene and camphor spray offers a quick-kill solution for visible bugs.
Remember, consistency is key. Repeat these processes regularly, monitor your spaces, and take action immediately if you spot signs of a return.
Have you tried any of these natural remedies before? What worked best for you? Share your experience in the comments!
