YOUR BED IS FILLED WITH LUNG-HARMING BUGS: HERE’S HOW TO KILL THEM QUICKLY, EASILY, AND NATURALLY.

If you immediately make your bed with the sunrise, the tight sheets will trap millions of dust mites that live on your bed, feeding off your dead skin cells and sweat and potentially contributing to asthma and allergy problems.

An unmade and open bed, however, exposes the creatures to fresh air and light and will help dehydrate and kill them off.

Dr. Stephen Pretlove from Kingston University School of Architecture offers a simple explanation. When you make your bed, especially immediately after waking, you’re trapping your body heat, your skin cells, and most importantly, your sweat, all over the bed.

But leaving the bed unmade exposes the sheets to air and light, drying them out and thus, depleting the mites’ lifelines.

When we sleep, we sweat. The average person may sweat up to a liter of fluid per night. This creates an ideal breeding ground for the mites.

The reason behind this advice? Curbing the number of dust mites that live in your bed. (Try Eradicator dust mite spray)

Scientists estimate that there could be as many as 1.5 million dust mites living in the average bed, feeding on our old skin cells that we shed onto our sheets as we sleep.

It’s not so much their existence. Rather, what they leave behind is what poses problems for humans. Their excretions can irritate dust allergies and cause asthma flare-ups when inhaled.

Carolyn Forte, director of the cleaning lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute, told Good Housekeeping that since there are dust mites everywhere, leaving your bed unmade might not make much of a difference.

But she did say it’d be wise to leave your bed unmade for some time during the morning so the sheets have an opportunity to dry from your nighttime tosses and turns.

As we sleep during the night, we sweat and our skin flakes onto the sheets – providing a veritable feast for our bed’s dust mite inhabitants.

Forte said making your bed after you eat your breakfast and get ready for the day ahead is a good rule of thumb. Also, wash your sheets every one to two weeks — and don’t forget about those pillow cases.

“We know that mites can only survive by taking in water from the atmosphere using small glands on the outside of their body,” Dr. Stephen Pretlove of Kingston University’s School of Architecture said.

“Something as simple as leaving a bed unmade during the day can remove moisture from the sheets and mattress so the mites will dehydrate and eventually die,” he added.

So yes, experts have recommended leaving your bed unmade for the entire day – saving this chore for when you get home at night.

After a day’s exposure to fresh air and light, many of the dust mites in your bed will have died, leaving you to breathe a little easier, and a scientific excuse as to why you haven’t made your bed.

This Is Why You Need To Put Essential Oils On Your Feet Every Night Before Bed

In case you love essential oils, and have some, you already know that they are extremely beneficial for health and have intense relaxing and calming properties.

These oils despite being amazing for aromatherapy, also offer other benefits as well.

Essential oils can be applied to the feet at bedtime and ensure you get a healthy sleep during the night, according to reflexologists.

In fact the soles of the feet have 5 skin layers and no hair follicles. The pores are absorbent and quickly absorb the essential oil into the bloodstream.

It was shown that as soon as the essential oil is applied to the foot, its traces can be found throughout the body in less than 20 minutes.

The palms and soles are the only body areas without sebaceous glands and these glands produce sebum, which is an oily substance that protects and weakens the skin’s ability to absorb foreign materials.

When the soles and palms lack these glands, they can easily absorb essential oils.

Important is that the feet have 72,000 nerve endings each, which is more per square centimeter than any other body part. According to this to this fact, the East Asian medicine has treated various diseases and illnesses by stimulating certain foot points.

It is believed that body organs and systems are linked through meridians of energy that end in the feet, hands, ears and face. This healing tradition is known as reflexology.

According to reflexology the application of essential oils on the feet helps the properties of the oil to reach the body organs and systems and assist healing.

These oils are too concentrated to be applied directly on the body, so you need to dilute them with water or coconut oil to lower the risk of swelling or irritations.

The feet skin is the least sensitive, so you can freely apply any kind of essential oil on the soles.

If you use of essential oils topically it helps the active compounds to directly enter the bloodstream, instead of going through the digestive system and the liver, when ingested.

Consult a naturopath about the most beneficial essential oil to use in order to treat your health issue and gain most health benefits. Apply it on your feet and experience quick health improvements!

The Best Bed Bug Sprays to Kill Bed Bugs Fast

Most people use a combination of bed bug sprays and bed bug powders to kill off bed bugs fast. Bed bugs are notoriously difficult to get rid of and finding the right spray to eliminate bed bugs is not always easy.

Many natural residual bed bug sprays contain natural ingredients that have a proven repellent and insecticidal action against these infesting bugs. Some feel that they have to resort to commercial bed bug sprays to completely get rid of an infestation of bed bugs.

Contrary to popular belief, having bed bugs in your home is not a sign of a dirty home. Bed bugs are commonly found in clean hotel rooms, on public transportation, and movie theaters.

They can easily be brought into the home in luggage, backpacks, or by purchasing used furniture. They can also travel between apartments in large complexes.

Although there are many ways to eliminate these tiny crawling bugs from your home, this article focuses on the best bed bug sprays to exterminate bed bugs effectively.

You will also learn if natural bed bug insecticide sprays really work and what the precautions when using chemical bug sprays are.

What are Bed Bugs

The scientific name for bed bugs is Cimex lectularius. They are small creatures that grow up to 5 mm in size, or about the size of an apple seed. They have a flat oval-shaped body and will become significantly larger if they have fed.

According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, bed bugs start life as a tiny egg, then grow into a nymph before becoming an adult.

According to the Department of Entomology at the University of Kentucky, bed bugs are more active at night when they come out to feed. They feed on the blood of humans and pets, however, in cooler temperatures, can go up to 6 months without feeding.

The best places to use bed bug sprays are in the tiny crevices around bed frames, in seams of mattresses, box springs, and headboards where bed bugs like to hide.

The University of Kentucky says that unless the first signs of a bed bug infestation aren’t dealt with quickly, bed bugs can migrate to other rooms and infest those.

What are the Signs of Bed Bug Infestation?

To use sprays effectively to eliminate all traces of bed bugs, you need to know the signs of a bed bug infestation. The first sign that you may have bedbugs are some itchy bite marks on your skin when you wake up in the morning.

Dr. Carol DerSarkissian on WebMD says that the bites from bed bugs cause red itchy bumps on the skin.

To check for signs of a bedbug infestation, Dr. DerSarkissian says that you may notice rusty-colored spots on bed linen and mattresses. These spots could be either blood stains or bedbug excrement.

You may also find shed skins around bed frames, mattresses, and other hiding places. Also, a musty smell is usually present where a large number of bed bugs are living.

Other common places where you will have to use a bedbug insecticide spray are behind headboards, in furniture joints, inside books, the edges of carpets where they join with the baseboards, in closets, and behind torn wallpaper.

Getting Rid of Bed Bugs with Sprays

Bed bug sprays usually act as an insecticide and repellent. The best kind of bed bug sprays should kill bed bugs on contact and need to be used repeatedly to help eliminate your bug problem.

According to the Texas A&M University, bed bug sprays are best used in combination with other bug control methods like natural bed bug powders.

This is because bed bugs don’t build up resistance to natural bug powders and products like diatomaceous earth which kills bed bugs as long as the powder is dry.

Apart from spraying insecticidal liquid on bed bugs, other ways of getting rid of bed bugs for good include freezing items, using heat treatment, hot steam, and vacuuming.

Natural bed bug sprays or chemical bug sprays?

There are many commercially produced natural and chemical bed bug sprays.

It is important to be careful when using chemicals around the home in case they come into contact with children or pets.

According to the Texas A&M University, there are no “magic” insecticide sprays for bed bugs. However, both natural and chemical sprays have a measure of effectiveness against bed bugs.

One of the benefits of chemical sprays is that they are stronger and will kill off bed bugs quicker. However, the drawback is that many populations of bedbugs have become resistant to pyrethrins and pyrethroids – the 2 main chemicals in many chemical bed bug sprays.

Therefore, they may not be effective in reducing many bed bug populations.

One of the reasons that many people choose natural bug sprays instead of chemical ones is that they are less toxic to use around the home. Also, bed bugs don’t build up resistance to natural oils and other ingredients in natural bed bug sprays.

As with all sprays – chemical sprays and natural sprays – you need to spray the liquid directly on the bed bugs to kill them and repeat the application frequently.

However, many of the best bed bug sprays have a residual effect and will continue to be toxic to the bed bugs for a certain time after spraying.

The Best Homemade DIY Bed Bug Sprays

Let’s look first at some effective bed bug sprays that you can make at home.

There is also scientific research to back up the insecticidal effect of these sprays to use as part of your battle against bed bugs.

Tea tree oil bed bug spray

One of the many uses of tea tree oil around the house is to use it as a DIY natural bed bug spray. Tea tree oil contains compounds that have an insecticidal effect against insects as well as their larvae and eggs.

Although no direct studies have been published on the effect of tea tree oil on bed bugs, research has shown that it has a lethal effect on many bugs and insects.

A study in the journal Veterinary Parasitology reported that diluted tea tree oil effectively kills off fly eggs and also helped to repel larvae.

Another study published in the journal BMC Dermatology found that tea tree oil was more effective as an insecticide than pyrethrins-based products in getting rid of mites.

How to use:

To easily make your own natural tea tree oil insecticidal spray for bed bugs, this is what you should do:

1. Put 20-30 drops tea tree oil in a small spray bottle, fill with water, and shake well.

2. Liberally spray in all crevices in your bed frame and furniture where you think the bedbugs are.

3. Repeat 2 times a day and continue using the spray until all signs of the bed bug infestation have gone.

If you don’t see any improvement, you could try to increase the concentration of tea tree oil. Remember to always shake the bottle well before use.

Essential oil bed bug spray

You can also make your own homemade bed bug spray by mixing other essential oils that are proven to kill off bed bugs. The mixture of essential oils will not only help rid your home of bed bugs, but the pleasant smell will help mask any musty odors from the bugs.

The journal Insects published a study on products containing essential oils for bed bug control. It was found that essential oils like cedar oil, cinnamon oil, clove oil, peppermint oil, rosemary oil, and lemongrass oil all have insecticidal properties against bed bug populations.

The study concluded that using these essential oils in a bug spray can be an effective way to reduce bed bug populations without putting humans at risk of exposure to chemicals.

How to use:

To kill off bed bugs from your bed frame, box springs, or mattresses, you can make and use your own essential oil bed bug spray this way:

1. In a small spray bottle filled with water, add 10 drops peppermint oil, 10 drops clove oil, and 10 drops cinnamon oil.

2. Spray in all joints, screw holes, and nooks and crannies where the bed bugs could be hiding.

3. Also, treat mattress seams and other soft furnishings with the essential oil natural bed bug spray.

4. Use 2 times a day and continue applying until you no longer see evidence of bed bugs.

5. Remember to always shake the bottle well before use.

You can also experiment with different essential oils to get the type of bug spray that is effective for you.

Best Natural Bed Bug Sprays

For many people, it is easier to buy a natural bug spray to kill off bed bugs fast and prevent a new infestation. There are some popular bed bug sprays on the market that have been scientifically proven to eliminate bed bug populations and also get great reviews from customers.

Here are the 3 best bed bug sprays that will help to kill off bed bugs fast and naturally.

EcoRaider

EcoRaider contains natural active ingredients geraniol and cedar oil to create a commercial natural bed bug spray.

The journal Insects studied the effectiveness of EcoRaider on controlling bed bugs and found that it helped to kill up to 90% of all bed bugs. It effectively killed off bed bugs from sofas, curtains, furniture, and wall decorations. Also, the residual spray was effective for up to 2 weeks after application.

To use EcoRaider, the manufacturers recommend spraying all edges and seams of mattresses, as well as box springs, and bed frames. You can also use the spray to kill bed bugs from cushions, behind baseboards, edges of carpets, and moldings. It is safe for the whole household and won’t harm pets. You can get more information about EcoRaider and purchase it in Amazon here.

Bed Bug Patrol

Another natural bed bug spray that has a proven insecticidal effect against pesky bed bugs is Bed Bug Patrol. This natural spray for getting rid of bed bugs contains clove oil and peppermint oil as its active ingredients.

The Journal of Economic Entomology reported on a study showing that Bed Bug Patrol eliminated around up to 90% of all bed bug nymphs. The study concluded that Bed Bug Patrol is a “useful pesticide for controlling bed bug infestations.”

Bed Pug Patrol doesn’t contain any harsh pesticides and can be sprayed anywhere you see signs of bed bugs. It can also be used safely on fabrics because it won’t stain them. Bed Pug Patrol also comes in various sizes and can be used as a cost-effective method for controlling large bed bug infestations. You can get more information about Bed Bug Patrol and purchase it in Amazon here.

BBT-2000

BBT-2000 is another natural pesticide for exterminating bed bugs. BBT-2000 contains cedar and soybean oil to help get rid of bed bugs and prevent them returning. It also has a residual effect on the bugs and will help destroy bed bugs for up to 1 week after spraying.

According to another study in the journal Insects, BBT-2000 showed substantial bed bug control and was also effective against resistant strains of bed bug populations. In some cases, it outperformed chemical bed bug sprays.

Chemical Sprays to Get Rid of Bed Bugs

Although some chemical bed bug sprays are effective at dealing with a bed bug infestation, their toxicity to humans and pets are an issue for many people.

Great care has to be taken to avoid exposure that could be dangerous to humans, and some bug sprays manufacturers don’t recommend using the product if children are around.

Also, the journal Insects in 2016 published a report on the growing problem of bed bug becoming resistant to pyrethroids (chemical compounds used to control bed bugs). This means that many commercially available chemical-based bed bug sprays may not be as effective as they once were.

Here are the most effective chemical sprays for bed bugs that are on the market.

Temprid SC

Temprid SC is a popular chemical-based bed bug spray because it can also be used to get rid of other bugs and insects from the home.

According to research done on Temprid SC, it contains a combination of chemical pesticides that can be used against pyrethroid-resistant bugs. It has become a popular choice as a chemical bed bug spray to control bed bug populations resistant to pyrethroids.

The solution can be sprayed to all cracks and crevices where bed bugs lurk and its residual effect helps to continue eliminating bugs after application. However, it may cause skin irritation if used on mattresses and cushioned furniture. You can get more information about Temprid SC and purchase it in Amazon here.

Harris Bed Bug Killer

Harris bed bug killer is another popular chemical spray to eliminate bed bugs from your home. The manufacturers say that Harris Bed Bug Killer can be used on all soft fabrics to get rid of bed bugs as it won’t stain.

You can also spray the solution in all nooks and crannies in your bed frame, furniture, and corners of your room to exterminate the bugs. It is also odorless. You can get more information about Harris bed bug killer and purchase it in Amazon here.

Ortho Home Defense

Because of its fast-acting effect on killing bed bugs, Ortho Home Defense aerosol spray gets good online reviews. Ortho Home Defense bed bug spray is also effective against populations of pyrethroid-resistant bugs and can be used for ticks, fleas, and lice.

According to a study carried out on Ortho Home Defense, it contains a chemical bifenthrin that is considered relatively safe and kills off bugs that pyrethroid-based insecticides can’t. It is also effective against bed bug eggs and larvae.

It should be sprayed as a spot treatment in any crevice where bed bugs can reside. You can get more information about Ortho Home Defense bed bug spray and purchase it in Amazon here.

Get to Know the Bed Bug Habits

In order for bed bug sprays to be effective in your battle against these tiny pests, you should know something about the habits of bed bugs.

According to the National Pesticide Information Center, there are a few facts that are important to know to completely eliminate the very last bed bug from your home.

For example, females can lay eggs anywhere and it can take up to 10 days for them to hatch. Therefore, it’s important to continue using bed bug sprays and powders even after you think the bed bugs have gone for good.

At room temperature, bed bugs can survive for up to 3 months without feeding. So, even if no one is living in the room, bed bugs can still survive, especially if there is enough moisture in the air.

However, to get rid of bed bugs effectively, you should not just rely on bed bug sprays for exterminating the pests, you should have an integrated pest control management program.

Get Rid of Bed Bug Bites

While you are fighting your bed bug infestation with sprays, bed bug powders, and other techniques, you may have to treat bed bug bites.

According to Dr. William Shiel on MedicineNet, bed bugs will bite any exposed area of the body and the most common places are the face, neck, and arms.

The bed bug bite can leave you with an itchy welt that looks like a small raised red bump.

You can treat bed bug bites by using a tea tree oil spray. The journal Clinical Microbiology Reviews published studies showing that tea tree oil can help to reduce skin inflammation and has antimicrobial action.

You can make a natural bed bug bite treatment by putting 1 cup distilled water in a spray bottle and adding 10-15 drops tea tree oil. Shake well and spray on areas of skin that have clusters of bed bug bites.

Or, you could spray the remedy on a cotton pad and apply to the itchy bumps on your skin. You can also dilutes tea tree oil with a carrier oil, such as coconut oil or sweet almond oil (a few drops of tea tree per one tablespoon of carrier oil).

Alternatively, if you only have one or two bites, you could put a drop of tea tree oil directly on the bite as a spot treatment to help relieve itching, inflammation, and prevent any infection developing.

11 Natural Remedies to Eliminate Bed Bugs for Good – Recipes Included

Whenever we hear the word bedbugs, chills run down our spine, we know they’re a nightmare to get rid of and are simply disgusting.

Bedbugs are small parasites that feed on our blood and dead skin cells and are so tiny that cannot be seen with the naked eye.

They’re oval, brownish parasites with a flat body that turns red and swells when they’ve fed. Bed bugs are more active at night but are not entirely nocturnal.

The female bedbugs can lay thousands of eggs during one lifetime as they reproduce awfully quickly.

These eggs are as big as a speck of dust which can easily be brought to your home through used furniture, baggage, used bed, linens, clothing and so on.

Bed bugs can cause serious problems as they can cause rashes, allergies and even psychological problems in certain cases.

How to tell if you have bed bugs at home?

The most common symptom people with bed bugs experience is an itching sensation all over their body first thing they get up from bed.

The itching place is where the bug has bitten you and sometimes these places become reddish and swollen as a result. There can even be blood stains on your sheets and pillows from the bites.

The bed bugs’ feces are another sign that you’ve got a bed bug infestation.

Look for these among your sheets and mattress.

They secrete a musty odor from their scent glands, so this is another sign you probably have a problem with bed bugs.

Since they’re small and flat they can move rather quickly and hide in places like the mattress, the headboard, box springs and bed frames.

As time passes by they can scatter around the bedroom and cause serious infestation problems.

Getting rid of bed bugs

So you’ve got bed bugs? Don’t worry it’s not the end of the world, they may be a nuisance and difficult to eliminate but be patient, it may take a while but there’s a way to get rid of them.

The main thing you need to do is clean every corner of your house where you found these parasites. Wash and dry the linens, bedding, curtains, clothing and everything else you think needs washing.

Then vacuum your entire house thoroughly, including the furniture and furnishing. This needs to be done regularly. When you finish vacuuming remove the bag and throw it out in the garbage immediately.

You can also try freezing the infested items at -17C as they cannot survive these temperatures.

Steam is a good idea as well, as it can get into all the crack and crevices and terminates the bed bugs. Use 60C to clean the infested areas.

Home Remedies For Bed Bugs

You can get rid of bed bugs with certain alternative remedies as well, we recommend using essential oils as they are quite effective.

Here are the best natural remedies for bed bugs:

1. Diatomaceous Earth

This is a no-toxic insecticide that we commonly use against pests in the garden and the house. It’s completely safe and natural and can be used in the unreachable places around the house. Just sprinkle the food grade diatomaceous earth around the house, on the bed, the floor and everywhere where you think these pests may reside. Leave it on for 3 days and vacuum the entire house afterwards. Throw the vacuum bag in a garbage bag and throw it outside in the garbage.

2. Tea Tree Oil Spray

Studies show that tea tree oil is super effective against insects. Mix it with some water and create your own homemade anti-bed bugs spray. Combine 2tsp. of tea tree oil with 50ml of water and pour the mixture in a small spray bottle. Spray this mixture wherever you think bed bugs may live, spray it every day until there are no more bugs. Just shake the bottle before every use.

3. Clove Oil

Clove oil is a powerful insect repellent with insecticidal properties. Thanks to the clove’s acidic pH and its pungent smell it destroys these parasites effectively. Mix 1tsp. of clove essential oil with 1 cup of water and pour the mixture in a spray bottle. Spray as needed.

4. Lavender Oil

Lavender oil is a powerful natural insecticide that is effective against bedbugs. Its bug-eliminating properties are mostly owed to its smell. But it also acts as a cytotoxin, killing the parasites almost instantly.

Mix 10-15drops of lavender oil with 50ml of water and pour the mixture in a spray bottle. Shake it well and spray it around the house.

A combination of peppermint and lavender is also very effective. Mix 15 drops of peppermint and 15 drops of lavender essential oil and transfer the mixture in a spray bottle. Shake well before use and spray it everywhere.

5. Thyme

Thyme oil or thymol concentrate is an excellent bed bug repellents and deterrents as well. Using thyme to repel insects is not as simple as the previous remedies but you’ll get the hang of it, we’re sure.

Tie a thyme stick in a cotton cloth and burn it in your bedroom or anywhere else where you feel there’s a bedbug infestation.

You can also put a bunch of thyme leaves in small net bags and place these bags in the infested areas. Replace the bags every three days and repeat the procedure for a month until the bedbugs are eliminated.

6. Citronella Spray

Citronella or lemongrass is an essential oil with amazing insecticide properties, killing both the bedbugs and their eggs. It increases the acidity within the bugs and eliminates them from within.

Add 10 drops of the oil in a small bowl with water and pour the remedy in a small spray bottle. Shake well and spray it all around the house.

7. Bean Leaves

Studies show that bean leaves contain trichomes, which are microscopic hairs, on the surface which hook onto the bedbugs’ legs and trap them.

Scatter some kidney bean leaves around the house everywhere you think bedbugs reside. Place some under your mattress as well. Leave them around for a few days before throwing them out and replacing them with new ones.

The bugs will be trapped in the leaves and thrown outside in the garbage, eliminating them for good.

8. Eucalyptus Oil

Eucalyptus essential oil is a widely used product in the cosmetic industry, in perfumes, pharmaceuticals and other products. But it’s also very powerful as an insect repellant.

Mix 30 drops of eucalyptus essential oil with 2 ounces of water and 1,5 ounces of witch hazel or vodka. Transfer the liquid in a spray bottle and spray every corner of your house. Continue spraying every 4 hours while you’re at home.

9. Sweet Flag

Sweet flag is a semi-aquatic, perennial plant, native to Eurasia and America. Its medicinal and insecticidal properties make is a rather popular plant.

Recent studies show that it has antimicrobial and antifungal properties which make it an effective bedbug destroyer.

Boil a liter of water and add 100gr. sweet flag and 50gr turmeric. Let it simmer for an hour and transfer the mixture in a container with a lid.

Store it for a day before you dilute the mixture with water in 1:10 ratio. Spray your entire house with the mixture.

10. Orange Essential Oil

Orange essential oil is the last powerful natural bedbug insecticide on our list.

To create your very own spray mix 2 ounces of orange essential oil, 4l of water, 1 ounce molasses and 1 cup of compost tea. Shake well and spray your house with the mixture. The bed bugs will be eliminated instantly.

11. Neem Oil

For a long time, the neem oil is used for different insecticidal and medicinal properties. In fact, the seeds, the leaf and the tree, everything is used for medicine and is very beneficial.

According to studies, the cold pressed neem oil can repeal a lot of pests, and it is highly toxic.

Also, it has high properties when it comes to larval growth inhibition.

How to Make

To make your own spray, in 4 ounces of water put 1 ounce of concentrated neem oil. Also, put ½ tsp. of soap to emulsify the mixture.

You will need to mix well. Take the mixture and put it in a spray bottle.

You can use it to spray and wipe walls, sheets, beds, and crevices. Use it in all places where the bed bugs hide.

In the first 3 days, you will need to spray 3 times per day. Then for 18 days, you will need to use this solution, but you will only need to do that every alternate day.

The essential oils are effective when it comes to eliminating bed bugs because they act as cytotoxins. Which means that they destroy the membranes of the bed bugs.

Start today and stay safe from bed bugs.