The tiny parasitic insects known as bed bugs feed on the blood of both people and other animals. Although they are usually found in mattresses, beds, and other furniture, they can also be found in carpets, drapes, and electrical outlets, among other places in the house. In addition to being painful and itchy, bed bug bites can result in secondary diseases.
While there isn’t a one-size-fits-all method for eliminating bed bugs, using bed insect repellant is a crucial first step. In addition to helping to keep bed bugs away from you, bed bug repellant can also help reduce the number of bed bugs attracted to your house.
types of repellant for bed bugs
Bed bug repellant comes in two primary varieties: chemical and natural. Chemical repellents work better most of the time, but they can also be more hazardous. While natural bed insect repellents might not work as well, they are typically less harmful.
Chemical repellents for bed bugs
Chemical insect repellents are made of substances that either kill or ward off bed bugs. Among the most widely used chemical bed insect repellents are the following:
Pyrethroids: Synthetic insecticides derived from natural substances present in chrysanthemum flowers are known as pyrethroids. Although pyrethroids are good at getting rid of bed bugs, kids and dogs may be poisoned by them.
Neonicotinoids: Neonicotinoids are a class of insecticide that functions by interfering with insects’ neural systems. Although neonicotinoids are good at destroying bed bugs, bees and other beneficial insects may be harmed by them.
Desiccants: These are materials that cause insects to get dry and eventually perish. Among the desiccants that are frequently used to eradicate bed bugs are silica gel and diatomaceous earth.
Repelling bed bugs naturally
Ingredients in natural bed insect repellents come from plants or other natural sources. The following are a some of the most popular natural bed bug repellents:
Peppermint oil: Bed bugs are turned off by the potent smell of peppermint oil. Peppermint oil can be sprayed all about the house, added to a diffuser, or applied directly to the skin.
Another essential oil that also works as a bed insect repellant is cedarwood oil. The same applications as peppermint oil apply to cedarwood oil.
In addition to its well-known ability to soothe and relax, lavender oil has the added benefit of being able to ward off bed bugs. Lavender oil can be sprayed all about the house, added to a diffuser, or applied straight to the skin.
How to Apply Repellent to Bed Bugs
Use bed bug repellent according to the directions on the label. Certain bed insect repellents are meant to be sprayed all over the house, while others are meant to be used topically. Applying bed insect repellant on a daily basis is advised, particularly before bed.
Advice on applying bed bug repellant
The following advice may help you apply bed insect repellent efficiently:
Apply insect repellent to any skin that is exposed. Your limbs, legs, neck, and face are all included in this.
Every few hours, or more frequently if you are perspiring or swimming, reapply bed insect repellent.
Apply insect repellent to the area around your bed and other parts of your house where bed bugs might be present.
Make use of a bed bug repellent that includes IR3535, picaridin, or DEET. The best substances to keep bed bugs away are these ones.
In summary
An essential tool for preventing bed bug bites is bed bug repellent. You may aid in keeping bed bugs away from your skin and out of your house by using bed bug repellant on a regular basis.
Extra advice on avoiding bed bug bites
Apart from applying insect repellent, there exist several other measures you can take to avert bed bug bites:
Dry your garments and bedding on high heat after washing them in hot water (at least 122 degrees Fahrenheit). Any potential bed bugs will be eliminated by doing this.
Regularly hoover your house, paying special attention to your mattress, bed and other furnishings. This will assist in getting rid of any possible bed bugs or eggs.
Look around your house for indications of bed bugs, such as eggs, faeces, or live bugs. Get in touch with a pest control expert right away if you discover any bed bug indicators.
You may lessen the risk of bed bug bites for your family and yourself by heeding these measures.