Essential oils - what is the power of smell
Such products contain volatile components. They are released when the room is treated, and even after ventilation a high concentration remains. This is due to the fact that the components contained in essential oils (aldehydes, hydrocarbons, organic acids, esters, alcohols, etc.) are not immediately destroyed in the open air. Gradually, the oily substance dries out at room temperature. But until then, the product will help remove insects. If you frequently renew this layer on surfaces, essential oils will continue to work.
The strength of the smell of such products lies precisely in the high concentration of volatile components. Bedbugs do not tolerate the effects of aromatic additives well. At the same time, they will strive to leave the treated room.
Accordingly, most essential oils have a repellent effect. But among them there are also those that have a detrimental effect on the body of bed parasites.
The smell of essential oils repels uninvited guests
Why are bedbugs afraid of different smells?
It is necessary to understand how smell can affect pests. Nature provides the ability to transmit information to fellow creatures through sensitive antennae. Insects use the same method to find sexual partners. In the same way, pests look for a source of food - they are guided by the concentration of components of the air environment (a person is detected by the release of carbon dioxide).
The sensitivity of insects is ensured by the presence of sensilla. This is the name of the similarity of hairs (or spines) that are located on the antennae (antennae). The sensilla contain neurons.
It is thanks to them that bedbugs can perceive odors.
Studies have been conducted to evaluate the importance of scents to bedbugs. Using micromanipulators with electrodes connected to the sensilla, it was found that bed parasites respond only to certain components - those that are secreted by all vertebrates. It is noteworthy that the insects did not react to substances secreted only by the human body. This means that they are attracted to the blood of any warm-blooded animal.
Such features make it possible to understand how important the function of sensilla is for parasites. So, if essential oil against bedbugs is sprayed indoors, then unacceptable conditions for their existence are created. You should first consider repelling insects with this product. This function is performed perfectly by oils - bedbugs cannot find a food source and do not pick up the pheromones of their fellow bugs.
At the same time, they begin to look for workarounds, but if a strong-smelling substance is sprayed over all surfaces in the apartment, then the insects have nowhere to go, in such conditions they can leave the room.
If we consider essential oils from the point of view of a means for killing bedbugs, then you need to prepare for the fact that it will not be possible to kill pests in this way. This does not make substances in this group worse than other similar products (turpentine, kerosene, etc.). However, it does not allow them to be placed on the same level as insecticides. Essential oils repel but do not kill pests. However, this action is sufficient if such means are used correctly.
Bed bugs detect odors using their antennae
What smells do they not like?
Bed bug populations are increasing due to developed immunity to various insecticides. Parasites cause discomfort to home owners, disrupting sleep patterns, and create discomfort for invited guests, which is why it is so important to get rid of them as quickly as possible. There is no universal remedy for combating these small household parasites, but, based on the experience of those who have successfully managed to cope with insects, you can identify several effective options and consistently apply them at home to remove bedbugs.
Strong odors are the thing that all bedbugs fear most. Insects are most often repelled by the smell of certain herbs, strong perfumes or colognes, and chemicals. Parasites use special receptors with neurons that allow them to detect any aroma. Such effective folk remedies as chamomile, calamus, wormwood, tansy, lavender, wild rosemary create a “camouflage” for other aromas, therefore, not finding food, the parasites move to another territory.
Ledum
Ledum is a heather shrub that grows in marshy areas. The plant resembles rosemary with a thick stem and miniature petals. The strong and intoxicating aroma of essential oils contained in the plant repels house bugs. A person who stays in a room with wild rosemary for a long time may experience dizziness and nausea.
Methods of application against bedbugs.
- Fumigating rooms with a plant: you need to put out the flame immediately after setting the wild rosemary on fire; smoke will appear, which needs to be used to treat the rooms. People and animals should be removed from the premises for a time. An hour after completing the procedure, you can ventilate the room.
- Insect repellent powder: After drying the rosemary, you need to grind it to a powder consistency, then scatter it around the house. After a day, you can remove the powder with a damp cloth.
- Ledum in the form of a decoction - combine fresh and dry plants in a ratio of 1 to 2 (about 150 g), add a liter of water, cook for 20 minutes from the moment of boiling. Pour into a spray bottle and treat the furniture.
Sagebrush
A plant that is common in suburban areas, wastelands, fields and roadsides. The bitter plant adapts to any environment. Artemisia is characterized by small red and yellow flowers, thin elongated leaves and a spicy aroma.
Benefits of the plant:
- availability;
- harmless to humans;
- gives a quick effect;
- Suitable for use both fresh and in the form of dry herbs, tinctures and decoctions.
Disadvantages of wormwood:
- temporary effect;
- too strong odor;
- not suitable for allergies.
Methods of using wormwood.
- Wormwood infusion - can be made from both fresh and dry plants. It is necessary to pour 200 g of the plant into an enamel or glass container, pour in 200 ml of alcohol, leave in a dark place for a month, strain and treat the room every few days.
- Wormwood decoction - combine 400 g of the plant in dry or fresh form with 1.5 glasses of water, cook for 12 minutes from the moment of boiling, cool, strain and spray surfaces in the house every few days.
- Fresh plant - you can plant small bunches of the plant in places where insects are expected to accumulate, for example, next to a sofa, armchairs, cabinets, etc.
- Essential oil from wormwood - sold in pharmacies and stores, has an effective effect in the fight against insects. Use like ordinary aromatic oils, treat ventilation grilles, window sills, dissolve in a container of water.
Tansy
Tansy is a weed with yellow flowers that can be found in meadows, forests, and roadsides. It is considered a medicinal plant. Thanks to the rich composition of essential oils, it has a strong odor that repels insects. Typically, tansy inflorescences are collected in small bags and placed in bedbug habitats, especially in the bedroom. Tansy infusion is a powerful weapon against domestic insects. To prepare this infusion, 2 tbsp. spoons of dry tansy are diluted with boiling water and infused. The cooled composition can be used for its intended purpose.
The composition should not be stored.
Air
Calamus grows near bodies of water and is very effective in the fight against blood-sucking insects. It is best to use calamus in the form of a spray. To prepare it, combine 100 g of calamus with 50 g of turmeric and add 1 liter of water. Boil the boiling mixture for an hour and leave to brew for a day, then strain and add 10 parts of clean water to the broth.
Chamomile
The perennial plant is common in fields, rural and forest areas. The plant is widely used to treat various diseases and as a cosmetic. To combat pests, you should collect baskets of chamomile flowers, then put them to dry in a place inaccessible to the wind, at a temperature of no more than 35 degrees.
If you place the plant in the oven or expose it to the sun, more than 2/3 of the essential oils will dry out. For this reason, the pharmaceutical version of the plant is not suitable for eliminating bedbugs. After the drying process is completed, the chamomile is crushed and combined with naphthalene. This composition should be placed under the bed, on bed linen, in pillowcases, cabinets, and on baseboards.
After the insects crawl out of their shelters, it is important to carry out sanitary treatment.
Lavender
The famous plant is used against household pests - both in the form of fresh inflorescences and as an essential oil. To prepare a lavender spray for bedbugs, combine 15 drops of the plant's essential oil with 50 ml of water , and then treat bedding, baseboards, furniture, window sills, doors, etc.
How do essential oils affect insects?
It is necessary to choose the most effective substances that repel insects more strongly than others. Bedbugs cannot tolerate lavender, tea tree, wormwood, tansy, and eucalyptus oils. They also do not like camphor oil, as well as transformer oil.
Marina, 32 years old, Yaroslavl
I saved myself with aromatic additives while there were few insects. And recently my neighbors poisoned insects in their home, but no one warned me. The bugs crawled towards me, there were a lot of them, I could tell by the bites in the morning. After that I switched to other, more effective means.
Anna, 46 years old, Kazan
I love using essential oils for bed bugs because of the scent. The apartment always smells nice. Even if they didn’t help repel insects, I would still use such means. But as a preventative measure, they suit me for now.
Veronica, 29 years old, Moscow
I want to use natural products instead of chemicals. But this is only a dream for now: I tried for a long time to turn a blind eye to the fact that essential oils do not act on bedbugs, I continued to spray them, but I had to admit that the time had come to use chemicals and insecticides. That's when I immediately saw the effect.
There are essential oils that bedbugs cannot tolerate.
Uses of wormwood
There are different ways to use essential oils, but it is equally important to choose the right ones. Wormwood has been used against parasites for many decades. This is a natural remedy that is characterized by an intense, pungent odor (due to the bitterness in the composition), but also exhibits weak insecticidal properties. Wormwood and common wormwood have a greater negative impact. Insects are afraid of the smell of these herbs. However, one must also take into account the high likelihood of resistance developing in insects in relation to the active components contained in plant tissues, which can reduce the effectiveness of treatment.
Alina, 33 years old, Orel
I have a private house, wormwood grows behind the fence. I’m already used to fighting various insects this way. I just place grass in hidden places throughout the rooms. I noticed that now there are much fewer pests living with me.
Wormwood essential oil
Tea tree oil
This substance is vaguely reminiscent of an insecticide in its properties. For processing, prepare a concentrated solution: 2 tsp. oils, 50 ml water. The number of components can be increased taking into account the proportions. Tea tree oil helps against bedbugs better than many others. It is distinguished by an intense odor that insects cannot tolerate. In addition, the antiseptic properties of the oil are noted. It is used against various insects: cockroaches, mosquitoes, fleas.
You should add a few drops when washing things, this will prevent insects from settling in the closet on the shelves with clothes.
Irina, 32 years old, Samara
This anti-bedbug oil smells so strong that even I find it difficult to tolerate, but I like the principle of its action. There are not even gnats or flies at home, I constantly spray the oily solution. Moreover, there are no traces left on surfaces, since the product contains light fats. My husband is used to our bed smelling like oils (I always treat the frame).
Tea tree oil
Uses of Lavender
The principle of action of this plant is similar to the varieties considered. Lavender oil is added to the water to treat the room: 10 drops per 200-300 ml of water. But you can take less liquid. In addition, lavender is used in fresh and dry form. The first option is more effective, because an intense odor is released into the air.
You can combine different forms of the remedy: using fresh herbs and a solution based on essential oils.
Svetlana, 33 years old, Kalinin
I use lavender for health - it has a calming effect on my nervous system. It smells very nice, and it’s also pleasing to the eye – beautiful branches. I also make woven bags and place them in closets. But this did not save me from bedbugs; I found out about the infection by accident, when bites had already appeared on my body. This means that the remedy, even as a preventive measure for the appearance of parasites, did not work as it should.
Lavender essential oil
Camphornoye
This is a pharmaceutical drug. It is used as a local irritant. The oil also exhibits other properties, but in the fight against bedbugs, the volatile substances in its composition are primarily of interest. This product has a strong smell, and therefore helps to expel parasites from the object. It is recommended to use it together with other substances. For example, a remedy for bedbugs that contains camphor oil and turpentine ointment is considered effective. The components are used in a 1:1 ratio.
This mixture must be used to treat different surfaces; it is applied spotwise or over the entire coating, which greatly increases the effectiveness.
Alina, 29 years old, Penza
I was satisfied with the performance of the product based on camphor oil, but the smell was unpleasant. I lubricated the bottom of the bed frame quite generously. There were no bedbugs inside (on the mattress), so no one else bit me.
Camphor oil
Transformer oil
This product has a high viscosity and a specific odor. It has many disadvantages, for example, it leaves marks on surfaces that are difficult to remove, because the substance does not evaporate, but is absorbed. In addition, it is quite toxic. It must be used with caution. If it is not possible to choose another option, if there is oil at home, they will use it.
The product should be applied to the bottom of the bed frame or sofa to prevent pests from getting close to the person.
.
Oleg, 33 years old, St. Petersburg
I tried using transformer oil a couple of times. There is an effect, but the smell is unpleasant and makes it difficult to sleep in such conditions. I gave up using this method halfway through.
Transformer oil leaves marks on surfaces
“Hit” with “Executioner”
One of the effective chemicals is the insecticide “Executioner”. It is used to remove bed bugs. Thanks to his good performance, he became very popular. For three decades, the drug has been manufactured according to an unchanged formula. The uniqueness of the composition in the drug is preserved from the date of its manufacture for 5 years. The concentrated emulsion is sold in 10 ml bottles.
Few manufacturers can boast of such achievements in the production of deadly products against blood-sucking insects. The maximum they can offer is a shelf life of a year or two.
It is known that the original production of the “Executioner” bedbug remedy was ordered for German army soldiers, hence its original name – Scharfrichter – killer of blood-sucking insects.
A little later, the “Executioner” “stepped” into the civilian population for civilian purposes. Initially, its production was intended only for use by sanitary and epidemiological stations.
Aroma oils
Substances containing aromatic additives (including perfume) are also used. It is known that previously noble people generously “watered” themselves with perfume to protect themselves from bedbugs. At that time, there were no effective insecticides, and no research was conducted to find out how and why bedbugs attack. As a result, people were saved by superficial knowledge.
The use of perfume is a temporary measure that allows you to spend the night in an infected apartment. In addition, this product will not stop hungry insects. It's better to combine it with others. They also note that the strong smell of perfume causes negative symptoms in a person: headaches and dizziness, nausea.
This is a consequence of exposure to concentrated volatile substances.
Perfume will not give the desired result
Preparing the room for oil treatment
When planning to use any anti-parasite product, it is necessary to take into account the processing rules. In this case, preparation plays a special role. Basic measures:
- bed linen is removed and must be washed at high temperature;
- things are taken out of the closets, some are put in plastic bags - in the freezer, which is an excellent prevention of infection (eggs are destroyed), the rest of the woven products are washed or taken out in the heat (in summer);
- the carpet is rolled up and also left in the sun (if the temperature is above +45°C), but you don’t have to touch it; in this case, the edges are turned back, which will open access to the habitats of parasites at home;
- interior items are removed from the walls, which will allow processing of the back surfaces;
- check the apartment for nests (floors, baseboards, mattress, paintings, sockets, wallpaper) - these areas will have to be treated more strongly with eucalyptus, lavender or other effective oil, which furniture cops are afraid of;
- prepare the solution according to the recipe: 25 drops of the product, 5 liters of water, but you can reduce the amount of liquid if there are a lot of insects, and you also have the opportunity to leave the apartment for a while, because the smell of some plants is not very pleasant (for example, wormwood).
Before using the products, you need to wash your clothes at high temperature.
Recipe for home bugs
- Clean the house. Wash the floor and furniture with water with the addition of ammonia or vinegar.
- Take contaminated items out into the cold or heat.
- Steam the sofa, bed, carpets.
- If you manage to find a nest, fill it with one of the chemicals.
- After cleaning, apply a solution of herbs and place it in the corners of the room, under the bed, table, sofa.
- Boil bedding or wash at high temperature.
- Vacuum.
- Repeat these steps until the bedbugs disappear. With an avid struggle, the apartment will be clean in a month.
- After this, you should take care of the barrier. You can drip essential oils in the rooms.
In the meantime, you will have to treat bedbug bites.
Help from essential oils after a bedbug bite
Most varieties of such substances exhibit a number of beneficial properties: anti-inflammatory, antipruritic, moderate analgesic, cooling. This helps relieve the signs of bites: pain, redness, itching, swelling. It's important to know which essential oils repel bedbugs, but you should also choose a product based on its effect on the skin. As a result, several serious problems can be solved at once. Recipes based on essential oils:
- tea tree (3 drops), lavender (2 drops) - add to the base (any plant-based oil, for example, apricot, almond, grape seed), lubricate the affected areas with the product;
- take tea tree oil, mix with eucalyptus (1 tsp each) - this is a mixture that eliminates skin irritation.
Essential oils can be used to treat bites
Reviews
Evgenia, 33 years old, Sevastopol
I spent a long time deciding which option to choose, based on the conditions: my son is allergic, there are animals at home. In this case, chemicals are not suitable, so I settled on natural remedies. I ended up using lavender for bedbugs. It didn't help for long. When the parasites got hungry, they literally “went wild”, began to attack more often and nothing could stop them until I called the exterminators.
Olga, 40 years old, Novomoskovsk
I chose based on price. Essential oils were the cheapest - I already had a supply at home. I decided to treat the apartment so that the bedbugs themselves would want to go to another place. But at the same time, I left for 3 days myself, because I was dizzy from the strong smell.
Essential oils are a great solution for allergy sufferers
Composition and action of "The Executioner"
The consistency of the drug is a lemon-colored oily liquid. However, it should be remembered that the original form is a concentrate, which must be diluted with water. Average proportional dosage per 10 sq. m is 30 ml of the drug per 1000 ml of water. Treating an apartment against bedbugs costs 0.5 liters of solution (a standard one and a half liter bottle).
The percentage of solution used depends on the area and object of the contaminated area.
The “bed bug extermination” operation includes fleas and xodid mites. Therefore, it is quite possible to use an insecticidal agent against other annoying insects: ants, indoor cockroaches, and flies.
From the history of tests it is known that people fought in this way even in field conditions, where there is a weathering factor in the open area being disinfected. That is, treating an apartment for bedbugs is an average level of complexity for this product.
Expert advice
Evgenia Vitalievna Marinina, entomologist, 16 years of work experience:
Marinina Evgenia Vitalievna
Entomologist, researcher. Work experience 16 years.
Ask a Question
• essential oils work well in pure and diluted form, but in the first case, positive changes can be noticed earlier, however, a person will not be able to stay in the apartment for a long time until the smell disappears; • products based on essential oils are the only ones that do not require adherence to a recipe; increasing the dose of components will enhance the effect of the solution, but a decrease is possible only if the deficiency of one of the oils is compensated by increasing the content of the other; • to protect against bedbugs, regularly apply an oily solution with a sponge or spray with a spray bottle, and it is important to treat the areas: ventilation hole, baseboards, door block, windows, all cracks on the floor: bedbugs, if they get into such an apartment, can go in search of a suitable place habitat further.
Essential oils can be used diluted
Processing method
Baiting bedbugs with a solution is easy. There is no need to buy a professional device specifically for this case; just pour the liquid product into a hand-held flower sprayer and treat the clothes and mattress.
It is very important to know that the drug is not allergenic to people and animals. But all blood-sucking insect species are not resistant to the drug “Executioner”. However, treating an apartment for bedbugs should not exclude basic methods of protection. The work is carried out in protective clothing - rubber gloves on the hands, a respirator on the face, and goggles. To prevent accidental contact with chemicals on the body, be sure to wear a robe over your clothes.
