Can I Prevent Bed Bugs Naturally?

While not all of these will work, some of the common natural prevention methods for bed bugs include:

• Diatomaceous earth
• Essential oils
• Peppermint
• Petroleum jelly
• Dryer sheets
• Baby powder

All-Natural Bed Bug Repellents

There’s certainly appeal to all-natural bed bug remedies, but do they work? It’s important to understand that these won’t work to get rid of an active infestation.

1. Diatomaceous earth works to absorb water and oils from the exoskeleton of a bed bug. By sprinkling this on a mattress or cracks in the wall, it may come into contact with the bugs.
2. Essential oils have grown in popularity over the past years, but they simply will not do the trick to repel bed bugs in an infestation.
3. Many people think spreading petroleum jelly on bed frames and headboards will literally stop bed bugs in their tracks, but that’s unfortunately not the case.
4. No evidence has been recorded to prove that dryer sheets, baby powder, and other popular methods work to prevent or get rid of bed bugs.

Does DIY Bed Bug Treatment Work?

Although some of the above methods may help repel bed bugs, they will not work when it comes to getting rid of bed bugs. Bed bugs have to be controlled by means of professional treatment, whether that’s heat or insecticides. As appealing as all-natural treatments seem, they simply aren’t strong enough to control an infestation.

Preventing Bed Bugs Naturally vs. Professionally

To prevent bed bugs, it’s important to know the signs of bed bugs, take care while traveling, and inspect used furniture before bringing it into your property. While all-natural methods may be effective in repelling mosquitoes, sometimes there’s no preventing an infestation. Bed bugs are unpredictable and do not discriminate when it comes to infesting a home!