You don’t have to suffer from bed bug infestation when you can eliminate them naturally!
This informative article will show you some common signs you have bed bugs and then share easy tips on how to exterminate them without harsh chemicals.
So pull up a chair and let us help you get your life back – one bug at a time! You’ll be free from these pesky pests for good in just a few short steps. Watch the video now, and be sure to share it with your friends!
Table of Contents
What are Bedbugs?
Bed bugs are tiny, oval-shaped insects that can be seen with the naked eye. They are wingless insects that feed on human blood and can cause various problems like itchy bites and sleepless nights.
These bugs are brown or black, and their size ranges from about 0.25 to 0.5 inches long. You can find bed bugs on both beds and chairs and in furniture seams and cracks.
Adult bed bugs can be difficult to spot but leave behind a characteristic fecal smear when disturbed. Bed bugs do not live long away from their host (people), typically lasting 3 to 7 days.
What are the Signs You’ve Got Bed Bugs in Your Home?
1. Tiny blood spots on sheets or clothes
Bed bugs are a common issue many people face, and it can be challenging to know when you have them. One of the most obvious signs is tiny blood spots on your sheets or clothes.
These red or rust-colored stains indicate that bed bugs may be present in your home.
Bed bugs can leave behind these smears of blood as they feed on humans and pets while everyone is sleeping. The amount of blood left varies depending on the size and maturity of the bug, but it’s typically not enough to cause any noticeable discomfort or harm to its host.
Besides, bed bugs prefer dark places like mattresses or couches, so if you find spots in those areas, it’s likely to be a sign that there’s an infestation.
2. Bites or lesions on the skin
Bed bugs can be a nuisance, as they feed on human blood and can reproduce quickly if left untreated. Bites or lesions on the skin are often an indication of bed bugs.
The most common symptom of a bed bug infestation is bite marks, usually found in clusters along exposed areas such as arms, neck, and face.
These bites generally appear reddish and swollen with a dark red center, similar to what one may experience from mosquito bites.
Itching or burning sensations associated with these lesions are common symptoms of bed bug bites.
3. Musty or sweaty smell
It’s the middle of the night, and you suddenly wake up to a musty or sweaty smell in your room. You may have bed bugs! The most common sign of a bed bug infestation is a musty or sweaty odor in your bedroom.
This odor is caused by pheromones released by bed bugs when congregating in certain places like mattresses, box springs, headboards, and furniture seams.
4. Fecal materials
Fecal materials are one of the most recognizable signs that you may have bed bugs in your home. These fecal materials appear as small black spots and can be seen on fabric, furniture, mattresses, and other surfaces.
These materials signal that a bed bug infestation is present; however, they can often be mistaken for dirt or lint.
To determine if the material is indeed fecal matter from bed bugs, look closely at it under natural light; if it appears to be a dark-colored and powder-like substance, then it is likely to be bed bug excrement.
Bed bug fecal matter consists of digested blood, which has been expelled from their bodies after feeding. It will often stain sheets and mattresses due to its high concentration of tannins in human blood.
5. Eggs and shell casings
Eggs and shell casings are telltale signs that you may have a bed bug infestation in your home.
Bed bugs lay eggs hidden away in tight crevices and cracks, which makes them hard to detect and identify. However, you can find these tiny white eggs near the seams of mattresses, box springs, and other furniture items.
Additionally, adult bed bugs leave behind their discarded shells after molting them. This shell usually looks like a yellowish-white casing about 1 millimeter in size.
It is often found encircling mattress tufts or along baseboards. If you suspect you have bed bugs in your home, it’s crucial to inspect for the presence of eggs or shell casings as soon as possible.
To identify if they are from bed bugs, use a magnifying glass or tweezers to examine the material closely.
What are the Natural Ways to Eliminate Bed Bugs From Your Home?
1. Diatomaceous earth
Diatomaceous earth is a natural insecticide that can eradicate bed bugs from your home. It consists of tiny fossilized diatoms or the remains of microscopic aquatic organisms that have been trapped in sedimentary rock for millions of years.
Diatomaceous earth works by absorbing moisture and coating them in its powdery particles, which cuts through the exoskeleton and dehydrate them.
This all-natural product is safe around pets, children, and other family members as it does not contain toxic chemicals like conventional pesticides.
This substance has been used for decades as a natural pest control measure due to its sharp edges, which can cut through the exoskeletons of insects, causing them to dehydrate and die.
Here’s how you can use it to eliminate bed bugs: First, spread diatomaceous earth around the infested room or area in thin layers, making sure to cover any bed bug colonies that may already exist.
Secondly, ensure that all cracks and crevices are covered with the powdery substance as well – this will prevent any further bed bug infestations.
2. Tea tree oil
Tea tree oil is an all-natural remedy to repel various pests, including bed bugs.
The essential oil has powerful antiseptic properties that make it an effective pest repellent and treatment for bed bug infestations. Tea tree oil can be used in various forms when treating bed bug infestation.
You can apply it directly as a spray on the bugs or use it as topical cream before bedtime.
You can also diffuse it throughout your home using vaporizers or humidifiers to create an inhospitable environment for the pests.
This oil features compounds that act as insecticides and neurotoxins, which are toxic to bed bugs. When these compounds come into contact with the pests, their exoskeletons become weak, and they die from dehydration.
3. Lavender oil
Bed bugs can be a nuisance by causing sleepless nights, but there are natural ways to eliminate the problem. Lavender oil is an effective and gentle method for exterminating bed bugs from your home.
This oil has long been used to eliminate bed bugs from homes. It is often the first choice for homeowners who want to avoid chemical pesticides.
The oil, extracted from lavender plants, has a pleasant scent that can help improve sleep quality. In addition to its natural benefits, lavender oil also works as an insect repellent.
By spraying it around your home or on furniture, you can create a hostile environment for bed bugs, making it difficult for them to survive and reproduce.
Besides, this oil has antifungal properties that can help prevent future bed bug infestations by killing eggs and larvae before they hatch into adults.
Applying lavender oil is simple and doesn’t require special tools or ingredients. To start, purchase some quality lavender essential oil from your local health food store or herbal shop.
Dilute the oil with water in a spray bottle in equal parts and spray it around baseboards, furniture, windowsills, carpets, and other areas where bed bugs might hide out.
4. Fresh or dried eucalyptus and rosemary
Bed bugs are a nuisance to homeowners, and many are turning to natural remedies as an effective way to get rid of them.
Fresh or dried eucalyptus and rosemary are the most effective plants to repel and kill these pests. Eucalyptus works by releasing its oil, which is toxic to bed bugs and also has a pleasant aroma that will fill your home.
Rosemary is another potent herb you can use in various ways, such as placing fragrant bundles around your home, sprinkling it directly on the mattress, and even adding it to essential oils.
Both methods have their advantages. Fresh herbs offer a more intense scent, while dried herbs last longer and release their odor over time.
Conclusion
If you notice any of these signs, you may have bedbugs in your home, and you have to take action: tiny blood spots on sheets or clothes, bites or lesions on the skin, musty or sweaty smell, itching sensation, and fecal material or eggs found anywhere in the home.
Don’t hesitate to take preventative measures if you think you may have bed bugs. It’s crucial to eradicate them as soon as possible to avoid potential health risks.
