If you have bed bugs, then you are invariably going to get bit sometime. Children and elderly people are even more sensitive to bed bug bites so it is time to thoroughly clean your house and take all precautions you need to get rid of bed bugs permanently. I have discussed many techniques to get rid of bed bugs on this website. Today however, I want to focus on entirely different aspect of bed bugs in the home- bed bug bites. Bed bug bites can be extremely itchy, painful and uncomfortable. Often children scratch the bitten areas of the skin with dirty nails leading to secondary skin infections.
Cinnamon for bed bug bites
Some studies have suggested that cinnamon sprays containing cinnamon leaf oil can repel mosquitoes and other bugs. However, researchers put products with cinnamon and other essential oils to test and sprayed it directly on bed bugs. The spray did not kill bed bugs. So if you are looking for natural home remedies to get rid of bed bugs, you should try diatomaceous earth powder and borax. Apart from these, nothing else works on bed bugs unless of course you go for professional extermination. However, cinnamon powder can heal the welts and bite marks caused by mosquitoes, bed bug bites and almost all other bugs. Simply make a paste of cinnamon in a bit of water and apply it to the skin. The anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and analgesic compounds in cinnamon heal and soothe the skin and prevent bacterial infections. Reapply cinnamon paste several times a day on the bite marks to prevent the blisters from worsening.
Turmeric
Turmeric for bed bug bites is another powerful natural remedy to soothe the pain. It contains curcumin which is antiseptic, analgesic and anti-inflammatory. To use turmeric, take organic turmeric powder and mix it with some water or coconut oil. Apply the paste on the bites. Cover the paste with a band-aid to prevent turmeric from staining. (Make sure you wear old clothes and use old sheets to protect your bed from getting stained with yellow color of turmeric powder.)
Clove Oil
As stated above, clove oil does nothing to repel bed bugs apart from making your bedroom smell like a dentist’s office. However, researchers have proven that clove oil can effectively be used for treating and preventing mosquito and other insect bites. The eugenol compound in clove oil is a strong anti-inflammatory agent. Apply clove oil on the swollen skin to get prompt relief from pain and swelling.
Does Lavender really repel bed bugs?
Lavender oil does not repel bed bugs but it can help keep insects like mosquitoes, roaches, gnats, chiggers and flies away. So spraying or diffusing some Lavender essential oil can help your bedroom smell great and also repel most bugs. However, bed bugs are an entirely different matter-there are not many scents repel bed bugs and lavender is no different. You could use some lavender oil mixed with some lotion or coconut oil and apply it all over the exposed parts of your body. This might keep bed bugs from biting you at night, but this is not a foolproof method of repelling bugs. That said; lavender essential oil is one of the best essential oils for soothing the pain caused by bed bug bites. Apply the oil neat to bitten areas of the skin to soothe pain, calm inflammation and prevent infections. You can also add a few drops of the oil to your bath water and soak in it.
Does garlic repel bed bugs?
Some people go to the extent of wearing garlic necklaces, rubbing garlic on their skin, sheets and clothes (some even washing their clothes in garlic oil or garlic powder) with the aim of repelling bed bugs. These things do nothing but make you and your home stink. Garlic does not repel bed bugs. As stated above, you need to vacuum your home, wash all your bed clothes and sheets and throw out infested items.
Peppermint oil
Of all the essential oils for bed bug bites prevention, peppermint oil is the most effective second to Lavender essential oil. Apply peppermint oil after diluting it with some lotion or coconut/olive oil. Massage it into the skin before going to bed. Repeat application several times at night as the strong aroma can repel bed bugs and keep them from biting you. You can also place peppermint oil soaked cotton balls all around your bed to repel bugs.
Conclusion
Essential oils for bed bug prevention such as lemongrass oil, citronella oil, and Lavender, Rosemary, Garlic Clove or Cinnamon essential oils have all been studied extensively. Almost all studies have shown one thing: most essential oils do not repel bed bugs fully and you will still end up with bite marks. You can, however, safely use these oils for applying to the bed bug bites. Doing so will prevent the bites from getting infected and can also stop the pain. In the meantime, you must continue to vacuum the house daily, wash all upholstery and bedding items and steam-clean the beds and couches. You must also treat all of the rooms. If you are looking for natural home remedies to get rid of bed bugs, please click through other links provided on this website.
