Yuck… bed bugs. The thought of sleeping amidst tiny little bugs that feast on your blood while sleeping is just plain disturbing. These insects are carried by people and pets from place to place, and while they can live away from a human or animal body, they depend on blood for survival. They’ll hide and wait for night to fall, then crawl their way into your bed or couch and attack you while you’re asleep. Their bites manifest as red, irritating bumps on your skin and can basically be anywhere you’re exposed. While there are plenty of ways to kill and repel the bugs, one method is a homemade spray.
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Finding a Good Organic Spray
There are many products that are effective against bed bugs, but not all are organic. Organic products use ingredients with no chemicals, harsh additives or preservatives, and come in the form of everything from food to skincare. Plant-based materials are usually the main ingredient source when it comes to organic non-food products.
All natural sprays
There are all-natural sprays you can find right in the grocery store aisle.
These products don’t use any harmful chemicals or pesticides in them and are safe to use in the home:
- EcoRader Bed Bug Killing Spray: This effective spray penetrates the insect’s exoskeleton and attacks their neuron receptors, killing them quickly. It is guaranteed to kill not only adult bed bugs but also eggs and nymphs. Because it’s all-natural, it won’t harm you or your children or pets and is completely biodegradable.
- Bye-Bye Bed Bugs: When using this spray, you can feel good knowing it’s safe for your pets and children to be around. Not only that, but it uses a unique blend of natural materials that kill bed bugs specifically and leaves behind a residual layer of product to keep more away.
- Bed Bug Killer: Something unique about this spray is that it’s effective at killing even the bed bugs resistant to chemical ingredients. And just like the sprays mentioned above, it’s non-toxic, organic, and safe for the home.
DIY spray
Why pay money for a ready-made spray when you can just make your own? Since insects can be killed with natural ingredients, there are many ingredients at your disposal to make an effective, organic killer.
One option is a vinegar spray. It might smell unpleasant, but it’s a natural killer and destroys the bugs on contact. Keep in mind that it’s better used on an early infestation and not on an advanced one. To make this spray, mix half water, half vinegar in a spray bottle and shake to combine, then spray directly onto any bed bugs. Apply to all surfaces they may hide as well, such as crevices in your mattress, box springs and bed frame, furniture, and carpeting.
One product shown to work time and time again is Raid. With many options to choose from, there’s always something from Raid you can use to kill pests. Go here for more details on Raid Max Bed Bug Spray.
The Best Homemade Spray Recipes
When it comes to making the best sprays possible, there are many good ones to try.
Most use combinations of essential oils and other natural, yet potent ingredients:
- Lavender, Thyme, Lemongrass, and Tea Tree oils: Blend 5-10 drops each of these essential oils into a spray bottle mixed with a cup of water. Spray on all surfaces. Natural properties in the oils kill and repel insects like bed bugs. You can use this spray on your body, although keep in mind that when essential oils are too concentrated, they can burn or irritate your skin. Always dilute oils in water or a carrier oil such as coconut or jojoba seed.
- Cedar and Neem oil: Cedar is something that has been used for many years as a natural insect repellent. Its powerful musk is extremely unpleasant to bugs, which keeps them away, and its natural properties are able to kill insects as well. Neem oil is derived from the Neem Tree and is used in holistic medicine all throughout India. Because it’s so effective against insects, this oil is an excellent one to combine with something powerful like Cedar. Mix 5-10 drops of each oil into a spray bottle with 1 cup of water, then spray on all surfaces bed bugs may lurk.
- Alcohol: Although this wouldn’t be an effective repellent, alcohol will kill bed bugs on contact. Take 100% rubbing alcohol and mix it with equal parts water, then spray all around any space you think bed bugs are hiding.
- Water, Organic Soap, Bleach: The strong killing properties in bleach will help to get rid of bed bugs, as will the soap. The residual odor left behind will also act as a deterrent to returning bugs. Make sure to mix the bleach and water with a ratio of 4 parts water, 1 part bleach to prevent staining and skin irritation.
Facts About DIY Bed Bug Spray
Here’s some facts about a homemade spray:
- It can be just as effective as a store-bought spray or one with chemicals.
- It might not be the best option for more advanced infestations, as those may require the help of a pest control professional.
- You can buy all ingredients for DIY spray at a grocery or health store.
Does the organic stuff even work?
Yes, organic definitely works! Just because something isn’t made with manufactured chemicals or additives doesn’t mean it’s not effective. Humans have used natural products for thousands of years for things like medical/dental ailments, pest control, and engineering. In fact, a lot of man-made substances are based on natural products.
Killing bed bugs through a DIY spray
While some recipes for a DIY spray work to keep bed bugs from returning, many are used to immediately kill them.
The products used achieve this through several different mechanisms, such as:
- Neurological damage: There are natural ingredients that lethally compromise an insect’s nervous system.
- Structural: If a bed bug’s exoskeleton is ruined or damaged, it can easily cause death.
- Respiratory: If an insect can’t breathe, they can’t live.
The most effective way to utilize a homemade spray
The benefit of a spray is that particles are evenly distributed in a small amount over a large surface area. You won’t get too much with one spray, but do get just enough to ensure coverage.
Another way to use a bed bug spray is through an atomizer. This device doesn’t just turn the liquid into a spray but into a fine mist. The difference is that in a mist, the particles are blended together and so tiny that they float in the air before settling down. Whatever substance you use circulates throughout the entire space and gives you an overall coverage that regular sprays can’t do.
Bed bugs can be nasty and disgusting, but they don’t have to be permanent. If you find yourself faced with the ominous problem of getting rid of them, try a spray. And not just any spray – consider an organic, natural, homemade spray that you can do yourself. Not only can they be just as effective as store-bought, they’re also cheap, and are always safe!
