Coconut oil itself is not a repellent, Zhu emphasized. However, the coconut oil-derived free fatty acid mixture—lauric acid, capric acid and caprylic acid as well as their corresponding methyl esters—provides strong repellency against blood-sucking insects.
Our laboratory behavioral assays have shown that the repellency from the coconut fatty acids against bed bugs is significantly strong.
Simply add 1 teaspoon of the lemon eucalyptus essential oil and ¼ cup of coconut oil to a spray bottle. Put the cap on the bottle and shake it up to mix. There you go - all-natural homemade mosquito repellent!
The team of researchers found that coconut oil compounds can repel biting flies and bed bugs for two weeks, while against ticks their repellence was effective for at least one week. Topical application of high concentration of coconut oil can also repel mosquitoes and prevent potentially fatal mosquito bites.
How to use virgin coconut oil against small bugs: Apply VCO directly on skin before exposure, or mix it first with citronella, peppermint, tea tree, or rosemary essential oil for an extra insect-repellent scent.
Insect Shield's EPA registered permethrin spray can help repel bed bugs. Use it on mattresses as well as to treat luggage to reduce the risk of bed bugs.
Bed bugs hate scents such as lemon scents, cinnamon oil, neem oil, spearmint, and silicone. They will hide from you when you use these smells. This is so that they can easily attack and feed off of you! Even just the threat of these scents will keep them away from your house for good.
Allergic Reactions to Bed Bug Bites
Researchers have found that you do not build an immunity to these and in fact, the opposite happens - the more bites you sustain, the greater the reaction.
Everyone's body is different, so therefore different bodies will react to bites differently. If your immune system treats the bed bug saliva as a threat, then the small reddish bumps will appear. If your body does not have a reaction to them then a bite will not appear.
Apple cider vinegar: Like with insect stings, apple cider vinegar works well as a home remedy for bed bug bites.
Lavender oil is a known insect repellent that effectively destroys all bed bugs and their eggs. It is one of the best natural remedies for these persistent pests as they hate its taste, smell, and aroma.
Diatomaceous earth is a great chemical-free option for getting rid of a number of pests, including bed bugs. This natural powder contains properties that can dehydrate bed bugs, absorbing their fat and oil, and killing them dead as a doornail. Spray or sprinkle in infected areas and allow it to sit for at least a week.
No, baking soda will generally have no effect on bed bugs. They will not ingest it, and if they do walk through it, it will not cause them any problems. 'Bed bugs may avoid areas with baking soda, but they would just relocate to hide in cracks and crevices or find another path to get to the occupants of the bed.
Washing your bed sheets and other bedding such as pillowcases and blankets in hot water is a simple and inexpensive way to stop bed bugs from biting you right at where you sleep every night.
Baby powder can be used to smother and suffocate bed bugs. A 70% isoprophyl solution will also kill bed bugs and their eggs on contact. Both of these methods, however, may require multiple applications to fully eliminate an infestation.
Sprinkle talcum powder around the bed bug hotspots such as underneath bedroom furniture. Similar to baking soda, it is believed that talcum powder will get rid of bed bugs by causing them to dehydrate. Create a trap by putting some talcum powder in a bowl and placing it underneath your bed.
How can bed bugs get into my home? They can come from other infested areas or from used furniture. They can hitch a ride in luggage, purses, backpacks, or other items placed on soft or upholstered surfaces. They can travel between rooms in multi-unit buildings, such as apartment complexes and hotels.
Those most closely associated with repellency are citronella oil, eucalyptus oil, and catnip oil, but others include clove oil, patchouli, peppermint, and geranium.
You'll go coconuts for this news. A study published in the iScience journal Wednesday explored how different soaps repel mosquitoes, concluding that coconut could be the magic scent that keeps the pesky insects away.
Citronella Essential Oil is probably the most well-known for its insect-repelling abilities. It is effective against a wide range of insects including fleas, ticks, moths, gnats, and mosquitoes.
Bed Bugs Are Attracted to Carbon Dioxide: FACT
Bed bugs are attracted to carbon dioxide, as it is in the breath of a potential food source. Carbon dioxide serves as a marker that a suitable living host is close at hand.
Lavender oil contains compounds known to have insecticidal properties, so it makes sense that it could be used as a natural way to get rid of bed bugs. Bed bugs don't like lavender and other essential oils because they're toxic. Lavender contains compounds that can kill bed bugs and their eggs.
Toothpaste: menthol contained in toothpaste is said to be a good anti-itch remedy. Apply a generous amount to the bite to soothe the burning sensation and relieve the itching. Witch Hazel: provides a mild anesthetic effect that helps to calm the itching caused by bites.