An infestation of bed bugs is one of the most challenging tests for exterminators. These tiny insects, measuring no larger than 7 millimeters in length, have been shown to meretriciously victimize their hosts. What is a bed bug host? Hosts are warm-blooded creatures – animals and humans – preyed upon by bed bugs. The insects desire to be in close range of their hosts, allowing them to access blood meals quickly and easily. This is one title no human or animal wants to earn.
Scent And The Bed Bug-Proof
Animals and humans react to scent in unique manners. Scents – vanilla, ginger, coconut, and valerian – have calming properties, while lemon scent eases nausea. Again, each individual and animal reacts differently to various types of scents.
Not becoming a victim of bed bugs should always be in the back of your mind. Unfortunately, these parasites commonly hang out around motels, college dorms, country inns, hospitals, hotels, skilled nursing facilities, and daycare centers. Houses, apartments, flats, duplexes, multi-family establishments, and townhouses are also at risk of bed bug infiltration and infestation.
Natural Bed Bug Deterrent
While no one wants to become a bed bug host, smelling like a chemical factory is not an option either. To avoid both, experts recommend natural bed bug deterrents, such as essential oils. Peppermint, tea tree, cedarwood, citronella, lemon eucalyptus, cinnamon, lavender, and blood orange essential oils are believed to be natural deterrents for bed bugs.
A unique deterrent, not available to humans, is generated by the bed bug nymph. This natural deterrent is produced by nymphs to deter the adult male bug from attempting to mate with them. The pheromone only impacts the adult male.
Natural Bed Bug Pesticides
There is no doubt, bed bugs are continuing to plague unsuspecting, vulnerable humans and animals. Thyme, cintronella, peppermint, tea tree, and lemongrass essential oils act as natural bed bug insecticides. A study conducted by researchers at the United States Department of Agriculture and Rutgers University revealed essential oils paraffin and silicone eradicate bed bugs. The study combined three parts silicone oil with one part water and three parts paraffin oil and one part water.
Each mixture was applied to bed bugs. After 24 hours, 92 percent of the bed bugs were reported dead when the silicone oil mixture was applied.
Summary
Experts recommend natural repellents and insecticides. These pest control products are effective in keeping bed bugs at bay and eradicating bed bugs. When these products are combined with routine visual inspections, the end results are full bed bug extermination
