Are you suffering from a bed bug infestation? Most likely, you are looking for a way to get rid of them. There have been reports that lavender oil can be used to repel bed bugs.
Whenever possible, it’s great to find natural pest control methods that don’t use chemicals. Will lavender oil get rid of bed bugs? Because essential oils can be used for many pest problems, can they be used for bed bugs?
Will Lavender Oil Get Rid of Bed Bugs?
It depends on the situation. Many pest problems can be addressed with lavender oil, and bed bugs don’t like it either. By spritzing it on your mattress, you can use it as a deterrent. A direct spray will kill bed bugs or eggs if you find them.
The treatment is not comprehensive, however. It is not only your bed that is infested with bed bugs, but also other areas of your home. To truly get rid of this pest, you’ll need to use it in conjunction with other treatment options.
Several anecdotal reports indicate that lavender oil may reduce bed bug infestations. According to one study, lavender oil repels German cockroaches, and its properties may also work on bedbugs.
It makes sense that lavender oil can be used to get rid of bed bugs, since it contains compounds with insecticidal properties.
Because lavender and other essential oils are toxic, bed bugs don’t like them. Bed bugs and their eggs can be killed by lavender’s compounds.
Plants like lavender have a pleasant scent, which is caused by the essential oils found in its leaves, but insects hate it. They are confused by the strong scent of lavender, which keeps them from biting.
How Do I Use Lavender Oil To Get Rid Of The Bed Bugs?
Lavender is known for its pleasant fragrance and its potential to repel bed bugs. While it may not be as effective as professional pest control methods, it can be a natural and aromatic way to help deter these unwelcome pests from infesting your living space. Here’s how you can use lavender to repel bed bugs:
1. Choose Your Lavender Products:
You have several options when it comes to using lavender to repel bed bugs. You can use essential oil, dried lavender flowers, or lavender-scented products like sachets or sprays.
2. Lavender Essential Oil:
If using essential oil, dilute it with water or a carrier oil (such as coconut or olive oil) to create a spray. A common dilution ratio is a few drops of essential oil per ounce of water or carrier oil. Mix well in a spray bottle.
3. Lavender Flowers or Sachets:
If you have dried lavender flowers or lavender-filled sachets, simply place them in areas where bed bugs are likely to hide. Common spots include under your mattress, between the mattress and box spring, in closets, or around the bed frame.
4. Spray or Apply Lavender:
Spray the lavender essential oil mixture or apply lavender-scented products in and around your bed, particularly focusing on seams, creases, and corners where bed bugs hide. The scent of lavender can act as a deterrent.
5. Renew the Aroma:
Over time, the lavender scent may fade. Be sure to renew the aroma by re-spraying or replacing lavender products as needed.
6. Regular Cleaning:
Maintain a clean and clutter-free living environment. Regularly vacuum and clean your bedding, curtains, and carpets to eliminate any potential hiding spots for bed bugs.
7. Combine with Other Methods:
Lavender is more effective when used as part of a comprehensive bed bug prevention strategy.
Combine it with other practices, such as regular inspection, sealing cracks and crevices, and using bed bug-proof encasements on your mattress and box spring.
8. Monitor for Results:
Keep an eye on your sleeping area for signs of bed bug activity. While lavender may deter them, it may not completely eliminate an infestation. If you continue to experience bed bug problems, consider consulting a pest control professional.
Remember that lavender is a repellent, not a treatment for an existing bed bug infestation. If you already have a bed bug problem, it’s crucial to seek professional assistance for thorough eradication.
Lavender can be a useful part of your prevention strategy, but it may not be sufficient to handle a severe infestation on its own.
How To Make Lavender Oil Spray For Bed Bugs?
It takes three simple items – lavender essential oil, water, and a spray bottle – to make a lavender oil spray for bed bugs.
After cleaning and drying your spray bottle, make sure it is completely dry. Whenever possible, use filtered water or cooled boiled water. One drop of pure lavender essential oil should be added to every ounce of water.
In this case, 3 drops of pure lavender essential oil would be appropriate for a spray bottle that can hold 3 ounces of water. More details can be found below in the chronological order:
Pour your filtered water into your clean spray bottle. Measure out an ounce from your spray bottle if it has measurements. Measure out an ounce of water beforehand if it doesn’t.
Just one drop of pure lavender essential oil should be added to an ounce of water in your spray bottle. To ensure there are no nasty additives, it must be stated that it is 100% lavender oil.
You may repeat this process until your spray bottle is full or the amount you need is reached by adding 1 ounce of water and 1 drop of lavender essential oil.
Take off all of your bed clothes and mattress toppers from the bed. The solution should be sprayed onto the bare mattress until it is completely saturated.
Make sure you do this for every item of bedclothes. You can simply make more lavender oil spray solution if you run out.
Once it has dried, vacuum any dead bed bugs you see. You should empty your vacuum as soon as possible.
Notes
As a treatment, I like lavender. Bedbugs hate it, but it’s safe when used in moderation. Take some lavender essential oil and dilute it with water.
When you wash your clothes, use lavender water as the last rinse. To steam lavender into your clothes, you can also put it in your iron.
It can also be sprayed directly on bedding, nighties, and carpets surrounding beds in a pinch. You need to air-dry your sheets and blankets before you hop in for the night. The covers should be pulled back and the sheets aired out.
Use lavender oil according to the manufacturer’s instructions, and never touch the concentrated oil with your bare skin.
Final Words
You should use pure essential oils rather than lavender fragrance oil in this case, as we mentioned earlier.
Bed bugs may not be affected by this, as it can cause skin irritation and respiratory irritation.
In fact, lavender fragrance oil may not even contain real lavender because it often contains chemical additives. Fragrance oils frequently use synthetic lavender fragrance since it is cheaper.
Take care to spray your lavender oil spray on your bed in plenty of time before you sleep so it can dry.
A simple mist will not suffice. If you have a fabric mattress, bedclothes, pillows, and a headboard, make sure you soak them thoroughly.
In this way, we will be able to reach any bed bug infestations that may exist. In addition to being a sleep aid, this lavender oil spray will also help you relax.
It will leave behind a pleasant lavender fragrance that will promote relaxation after the wetness has dried. This is a win-win situation!