Have you ever experienced waking up in the middle of the night to discover small bugs crawling on your skin? It’s a truly distressing experience, and these pests are likely to be bed bugs.
Bed bugs can be difficult to spot in the early stages, but their bites and skin irritation are unmistakable.
Aside from the common home remedies such as washing your bedding and steaming furniture, using natural repellents such as citronella, lavender, and chrysanthemums can help to keep bed bugs away from your skin.
Rubbing alcohol, powdered pepper, and citrus oils are also effective, as they can be used directly on your skin to prevent these pests from biting.
Different Bed Bug Repellants You Can Try
Nothing beats the effectiveness of a professional exterminator, but just in case you’re still waiting for your next schedule, or you just want to start repelling bed bugs as soon as possible, here are some of the things you can do:
Lavender Essential Oil
Lavender essential oil is a powerful natural repellent that can help keep those pesky bed bugs away from your skin while you sleep (or during the day). The best part is this natural solution won’t cause any adverse side effects or harm to your body. It’s an easy and safe way to keep bed bugs at bay.
The smell permeates through their exoskeletons and causes irritation in their respiratory systems. This irritation makes them want to vacate the area immediately!
Studies have also shown that the scent of lavender essential oils can alter the behavior of these critters, making them less likely to stay in your home for long periods.
In addition, research has found that lavender essential oils also create a barrier on human skin, making it difficult for bed bugs to access.
It’s important to remember that although lavender essential oil can be helpful in deterring bedbugs from your skin, it’s not a guaranteed solution and shouldn’t be used as a substitute for proper extermination methods. However, if you want an easy and natural way to repel these pests from your skin while sleeping or lounging during the day, then lavender essential oil could be just what you need.
Citronella Essential Oil
Citronella, or Cymbopogon nardus, is a species of scented grass in the lemongrass family native to tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, Asia, and Australia.
Not only does this sweet-smelling grass look aesthetically pleasing with its light green leaves and white flowers, but it also has natural pest-repellent properties – making it the perfect tool for keeping bed bugs away from your skin.
The secret lies in citronella’s unique aroma: As soon as you breathe in the pleasant scent of this fragrant plant, its essential oils will start working their magic.
Studies have shown that citronella contains compounds such as geraniol and citronellol, which can disrupt bed bug sensory organs and effectively reduces their ability to move around. In other words: Citronella makes it harder for bed bugs to find their way back to you!
Additionally, citronella essential oil isn’t just a great bug repellent; its powerful anti-inflammatory properties can also relieve itching and skin irritation caused by these nasty critters. So not only will you be able to keep them away, but also take care of any unfortunate bites they may have already left behind.
The best part? It’s totally safe for humans too! Simply apply some diluted oil on affected areas using a cotton swab or spray bottle – and voila! You can say goodbye to those tiny terrors without having to worry about any nasty side effects.
Chrysanthemums
Chrysanthemums, known for their bright and vibrant colors, are beloved blooms by gardeners everywhere. But did you know that this cheerful flower is also great at repelling bed bugs from the skin? This makes it a valuable weapon in the battle against these pesky little critters.
What makes chrysanthemums so effective in warding off bed bugs is the fact that they contain pyrethrum, a compound that acts as an insecticide.
When applied to the skin or fabric, pyrethrum will repel certain types of insects, like bed bugs. Research has also shown that this compound can kill some species of insects on contact as well.
Because of its insect-repelling properties, many people have used chrysanthemums to make natural treatments for bug bites.
To make a simple remedy, first steep two tablespoons of dried chrysanthemum petals in one cup of boiling water for ten minutes. Before applying, let the liquid cool and strain it through a sieve or cheesecloth.
Dip a cotton ball into the liquid and apply it directly to the bitten areas of the skin up to three times daily until symptoms subside or disappear altogether.
It’s easy to find dried chrysanthemums in most health stores, and the key is to grind them into a fine powder. Then, you can sprinkle it around your bed or apply it directly on your skin for added protection.
Chrysanthemums also smell pleasant, so you don’t have to worry about them irritating your skin.
Rubbing Alcohol
Rubbing alcohol has been used for centuries as an antiseptic and disinfectant, but it can also be used on the skin to drive away bed bugs. Aside from its extremely strong smell, the powerful chemical compounds in rubbing alcohol can also dry out their exoskeletons, causing them to die of dehydration.
To use rubbing alcohol, dilute it with water at a ratio of 3:1 before applying it directly onto your skin or clothing. Rubbing alcohol can be extremely drying to your skin, however, so it is important to avoid using too much.
Apply only a small amount on affected areas, and make sure you moisturize afterward to prevent any irritation or dryness.
You can also use rubbing alcohol as a prevention method: Simply spray a diluted solution of rubbing alcohol around your bed frame or furniture legs before going to sleep. This will create a barrier that will repel any bed bugs from coming near your home.
Final Thoughts
Bed bugs can be a real nuisance, but luckily there are natural and simple home remedies you can use to keep them away.
Citronella, chrysanthemums, and rubbing alcohol are all excellent options when it comes to repelling these pesky critters from your home or skin. Because bed bugs are attracted to warmth and carbon dioxide, them getting to your skin is inevitable, so it’s always best to be prepared ahead of time.
