3-Step Guide To Naturally Treating Your Bed And Bedding For A Small Bed Bug Infestation

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After finding a few bed bugs in your bed, you want to get rid of them fast to avoid having a full-blown infestation. However, you may not want to use chemicals in your sleeping area and are looking for a natural treatment option. If so, follow the three-step guide below for treating your bed and bedding using ingredients found in herbal shops, pharmacies, and department stores.

Step 1:  Wash Your Bedding With An Herbal Additive

The first step involves washing your bedding using an herbal additive. Along with the hottest temperature setting on your washing machine, the ingredients in the additive kills existing bugs and repels any future ones.

The additive contains lavender and eucalyptus essential oils. While these fragrances are usually pleasant to humans, bed bugs find them repulsive and try to stay away from them.

In a small bowl, mix together a cup of water, 15 drops of lavender oil, and 10 drops of eucalyptus oil. Pour the mixture into your washing machine while it is filling up along with your detergent. Then, run the wash cycle as usual.

If this is your first treatment, run your bedding through the washer a second time with the additive included. This ensures any remaining bed bugs are washed away.

Once the load is finished, dry the bedding on the highest temperature setting on your dryer. Then, go on to the second step.

Step 2:  Treat Your Pillows In The Dryer With Homemade Dryer Sheets

The second step uses homemade dryer sheets to treat your pillows. The sheets are infused with the lavender and eucalyptus oils used in the previous step. However, they are used to soak a piece of muslin that is thrown into the dryer set on high heat. When they are heated, the oils are released and penetrate the batting inside the pillows.

In a shallow saucer, mix together 15 drops each of the lavender and eucalyptus oils. Then, cut a piece of muslin into a five-inch square. Place the piece into the oil mixture and let it soak for about an hour. Remove it from the oils and let it air dry for an additional hour.

When you are ready to treat your pillows, simply throw the homemade dryer sheet in with them. Run the cycle for about 30 minutes on the highest setting. Once the cycle is complete, remove the pillows and let them air out to disperse some of the fragrance.

After you have treated your pillows, go on to the third step.

Step 3:  Spray Your Mattress And Box Springs With An Herbal Oil Spray

Now that you have treated your bedding and pillows, your mattress and box springs should be treated before putting them back on. This is done with an herbal oil spray that includes the lavender and eucalyptus oils used in the previous two steps. You will also need a plastic spray bottle and two cups of warm water.

In the spray bottle combine the water and 10 drops each of the oils. Replace the spray nozzle and shake vigorously to disperse the oils throughout the water. Then, set the nozzle on the fine mist setting.

Spray the box springs and mattress thoroughly, including the sides. For an added measure, also spray the carpet underneath the bed in case you have bed bugs lurking there. Let everything air dry for about an hour, then replace your bedding and pillows.

After following the above steps once a week for a month, you should not see any more signs of bed bugs. However, if the treatment does not seem to work or you have a large infestation, you may want to contact a pest control service.


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