When you first discover you’ve got bed bugs, your mind jumps straight to panic. You think about binning your mattress, scrubbing your entire house, and spraying every inch with whatever chemical you can find. But if you’re not keen on using harsh treatments – or you’ve got kids, pets, or health concerns – you’ll probably want to know whether natural methods can actually work.
Let’s break it down properly. This post will show you what natural remedies are out there for bed bugs, how effective they are, and how to use them the right way. We’ll also cover what to expect, what not to waste your time on, and how to stop bed bugs from coming back once you’ve cleared them out.
Do natural remedies actually kill bed bugs?
They can – but it’s not quite as simple as just spraying lavender oil and hoping for the best.
Natural treatments often work best when you combine several methods and stay consistent. A single essential oil or homemade spray won’t wipe out a full infestation. But if you use it alongside heat, cleaning, and ongoing prevention, you can get good results without needing to use strong pesticides.
Just be realistic. If you’re dealing with a major infestation – or it’s spread into furniture and deep cracks – professional treatment is probably the only reliable way to eliminate every last one. That said, if you’ve caught the problem early or just want to keep things under control, there are several natural steps you can take right now.
Where should you start?
If you suspect you’ve got bed bugs, don’t delay. The quicker you act, the easier it is to get rid of them.
First things first: identify the signs. That means looking for:
- Bites that appear in rows or clusters, often on your arms or legs
- Tiny black specks (faeces) on your sheets or mattress
- Blood spots from crushed bugs
- Thin, pale skins left behind after moulting
- A musty or slightly sweet smell in your bedding
Once you’ve confirmed you’re dealing with bed bugs, you can move on to natural remedies.
Heat treatment – the most reliable natural method
Heat is one of the few natural things that will definitely kill bed bugs, including eggs and nymphs. They die at temperatures over 45°C, and you can use that to your advantage.
Start by washing your bedding, pillowcases, and clothes on the hottest safe setting. Tumble dry on high heat for at least 30 minutes – that’s enough to kill all stages of bed bugs.
Don’t stop there. You can also use:
- Steam – A handheld steamer (designed for mattresses or upholstery) can be aimed directly into seams, tufts, and cracks. Move slowly to let the heat soak in. It’s ideal for treating mattresses, headboards, curtains, and sofa edges.
- Black bin bags + sunshine – If you’re dealing with summer weather, you can seal soft items like shoes, cushions, or toys in bin bags and leave them out in the sun for a day. Inside the bag, the heat can rise high enough to kill bugs.
Just be careful with anything delicate. High heat can damage some fabrics or finishes, so check labels or test a small area first.
Vacuuming – simple but powerful
It might not sound glamorous, but vacuuming is one of the most underrated weapons against bed bugs. It doesn’t kill them, but it removes them physically, along with eggs and shed skins.
Focus on:
- The seams and edges of your mattress
- Bed frame joints and slats
- Skirting boards and carpet edges
- Inside drawers and wardrobes
- Around any cracks or fixtures
Use a vacuum with strong suction and a crevice tool. Afterwards, empty the contents into a sealed bag straight away and take it outside.
Repeat every few days for the best effect. Even if you kill the live bugs with heat or sprays, vacuuming helps deal with eggs and debris.
Diatomaceous earth – natural, but not instant
Diatomaceous earth (often called DE) is a fine, powdery substance made from crushed fossilised algae. It feels soft to the touch, but on a microscopic level, it’s like glass shards. When bed bugs crawl over it, it damages their waxy outer layer, causing them to dry out and die.
It’s non-toxic and safe around pets (use the food-grade version), but it takes time to work – sometimes up to 10 days.
You can apply it:
- Along bed frame joints
- Around skirting boards and corners
- Underneath furniture
- Inside cracks and floor gaps
Avoid using it on bedding or where air circulates heavily – you don’t want to inhale too much of the dust. Wear a mask when applying if you’re sensitive.
Reapply after vacuuming or if it gets damp.
Essential oils – which ones help?
Essential oils can repel bed bugs to some extent, but they’re not strong enough to kill them all on their own. They’re more useful for keeping bugs away from clean areas than removing an infestation.
Some oils that may help include:
- Tea tree oil – Has antimicrobial and insect-repelling properties
- Lavender oil – Smells fresh, may repel bugs, and helps calm itchy bites
- Peppermint oil – Strong smell can deter insects
- Lemongrass oil – Sometimes disrupts bug activity or egg-laying
Mix a few drops with water and a small amount of natural soap or alcohol, then spray on mattress seams, bed frames, and soft furnishings. Don’t soak the surface – you just want a light mist.
These sprays won’t solve a heavy infestation, but they can support other methods and help reduce bites while you treat the room.
Baking soda, vinegar, and other home remedies – do they work?
You’ll find loads of DIY suggestions online. Some work a little. Others don’t help at all. Here’s the truth:
- Baking soda – Commonly recommended, but there’s no real evidence it kills bed bugs. It might dry them out a bit, but not effectively. Vacuuming or using DE is far more reliable.
- Vinegar – Can kill on contact if applied directly, but only works for visible bugs. It doesn’t affect eggs or hidden insects, and the smell can linger.
- Rubbing alcohol (isopropyl) – Kills bed bugs on contact, but it evaporates fast and is highly flammable. Not safe for widespread indoor use.
- Salt – Doesn’t kill bed bugs. May deter ants or slugs, but not these pests.
It’s better to focus on methods that are proven to help – like steam, vacuuming, and DE – instead of relying on kitchen cupboard tricks.
Can natural remedies really clear an entire infestation?
It depends on the size and location of the infestation, and how early you’ve caught it.
If you’ve just noticed bites and found only a few bugs, natural remedies can be very effective – especially if you act quickly, treat thoroughly, and combine heat, cleaning, and repellents.
If it’s been going on for weeks or months, and you’ve found signs in furniture, flooring, or other rooms, natural treatments alone might not cut it. You may need to call in professionals who use stronger, targeted methods.
How to use natural treatments safely
Natural doesn’t always mean risk-free. Essential oils can cause skin irritation. Some powders can affect breathing if misused. Here’s how to stay safe:
- Always read labels before use
- Keep oils and powders out of reach of children and pets
- Don’t spray essential oils directly on skin or bedding you sleep on
- Wear gloves or a mask if applying diatomaceous earth or vinegar
- Test new mixtures on a small area first to avoid damaging furniture
Can you use natural treatments alongside professional methods?
Yes – and in fact, it often works better that way.
If you’ve already had a professional treatment, natural remedies can help prevent a recurrence or target smaller areas that might have been missed. You can also use essential oil sprays to discourage bugs from climbing back onto clean surfaces.
Many pest control experts recommend continuing with regular vacuuming, heat treatment, and DE even after the job’s done, to break the breeding cycle and make sure nothing survives.
FAQs
How long does it take for natural treatments to work?
Most natural methods need to be repeated over a few weeks. Heat kills instantly, but powders or oils may take several days to show results.
Can I make my own bed bug spray at home?
Yes. You can mix water, a few drops of essential oil (like tea tree or lavender), and a small amount of white vinegar or rubbing alcohol. Use it cautiously and only on safe surfaces.
What smells do bed bugs hate?
Lavender, peppermint, eucalyptus, and tea tree are all scents bed bugs avoid. They won’t kill them, but they might help push them away from certain areas.
Can bed bugs survive natural treatments?
If treatments aren’t applied thoroughly, or if bugs are hiding in deep cracks, some may survive. That’s why it’s crucial to use a mix of methods and repeat them.
Should I use natural treatments before calling pest control?
If you’ve just discovered the problem and it’s small, go ahead and try natural methods. If you’re still seeing signs after two weeks, it’s best to contact professionals.
Our Final Say!
Natural remedies for bed bugs can absolutely help — especially when used early and consistently. They’re safer, cheaper, and less invasive than harsh chemicals. But they do take effort. You’ll need to clean, vacuum, steam, and reapply your treatments more than once.
If you’re committed to staying chemical-free, you can manage and even eliminate smaller infestations. And if the bugs come back stronger or spread wider, you’ll know you gave it your best before calling in extra help.
Pest Control Bletsoe – Pest Control East Hyde – Pest Control Berkshire
