Dealing with itchy, inflamed skin and small red bumps that resemble mosquito bites but persist in winter?
Chances are, you’ve encountered bed bugs.
Unlike fleas, these visible pests can wreak havoc on your sleep and cause intense itching.
Fortunately, there’s a safe and effective solution to combat bed bugs: diatomaceous earth.
In this article, we’ll explore what diatomaceous earth is and how you can use it to eliminate bed bugs from your home.
Looking for a natural and effective bed bug treatment? Diatomaceous earth offers a safe and eco-friendly solution to eliminate bed bugs from your home, providing peace of mind and a bug-free environment.
What is diatomaceous earth?
Diatomaceous earth is a natural substance composed of the fossilized remains of diatoms, microscopic algae with sharp skeletons.
It is derived from diatomite, a siliceous rock primarily found in California.
When reduced to a powder, diatomaceous earth possesses abrasive, absorbent, and insecticidal properties, making it an excellent choice for controlling invading insects and various pests.
How to apply diatomaceous earth in home?
Very versatile, uncalcined diatomaceous earth falls into the category of all-rounders:
- it is deodorant (trash can, refrigerator, shoes)
- it absorbs humidity in the house
- it can absorb an oil stain
- it cleans stainless steel, copper, silverware (in paste form)
It also has its specific applications to pets and insects:
- sprinkled on the coat of a dog or cat, it kills fleas and their eggs
- deposited on the passageways of crawling insects (spiders, cockroaches, ants…), it eradicates them
- it treats bedbugs
- it protects houseplants from attacks by aphids, mealybugs, midges while feeding them
- it sanitizes cat litter
The use of food-grade diatomaceous earth is somewhat different:
- it can whiten teeth
- ingested, it eliminates internal parasites while providing trace elements
- it detoxifies heavy metals
- it fixes calcium
- it can be used as bath salt
Using diatomaceous earth for bed bug treatment
Step 1 – Anti-bed bug equipment for the bedroom
To effectively tackle bed bugs, you’ll need the following:
- 300 to 500 grams of diatomaceous earth
- 4 anti bed bug sticky plates
- 2 protective anti bed bug covers, one for the mattress, the other for the box spring
Step 2 – Natural bed bug elimination
After using a steam cleaner to thoroughly clean your mattress and dislodge any bed bugs, follow these steps:
a) Install the anti-bed bug mattress covers (ad) and box spring covers.
b) Clean the legs of your bed and place sticky anti-insect traps (ad) under each foot to detect the presence of bed bugs.
c) Put a cup filled with diatomaceous earth on each foot to capture any bed bugs that escape the sticky traps.
d) Move the bed away from the wall to prevent bed bugs from accessing it.
Step 3 – Treating bed bugs in laundry
To address potential bed bugs in your laundry, follow these guidelines:
a) Pack your laundry in hermetically sealed bags to trap the bed bugs.
b) Launder the sealed bags in the washing machine at 60°C or in a high-temperature tumble dryer.
c) For delicate items, consider freezing them in the sealed bags for a week before unpacking.
d) Avoid returning the clothes to their original place until the entire house has been treated to prevent reinfestation.
Step 4 – Preventing bed bugs in your home
To treat your home and prevent future bed bug infestations, follow these steps:
a) Wear a mask to avoid inhaling diatomaceous earth and apply it in areas where bed bugs can hide, such as baseboards, sockets, parquet gaps, and corners.
b) Use a spatula to push the powder into inaccessible corners and a screwdriver to remove sockets and switches for applying diatomaceous earth.
c) Consider using a diatomaceous earth spreader (ad) for easier application.
d) Leave the diatomaceous earth traps in place for approximately two weeks before vacuuming and disposing of the contents outdoors.
e) Restore your clothes and linens to their original places once the treatment is complete.
Maintaining a bed bug-free home
To ensure long-term success in eradicating bed bugs, it’s crucial to maintain impeccable cleanliness.
Follow these tips:
- Regularly vacuum your house every three days, paying attention to all nooks and crannies.
- Use a steam cleaner to treat your bedding twice a week for added prevention.
- Stay vigilant for small black dots on your bedding, which indicate bed bug droppings.
With diatomaceous earth as your natural ally, you can effectively eliminate bed bugs and create a bug-free environment for you and your family.
By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can safely and efficiently treat your home, protect your bedding, and prevent the return of these unwanted pests. Embrace the power of diatomaceous earth and say goodbye to bed bug worries once and for all.
Diatomaceous earth bed bugs (ad)
Frequently Asked Questions
What attracts bed bugs?
As for the mosquito, the bug is attracted by the carbon dioxide (CO2) that the person releases.
But it also loves smells, heat, and vibrations.
It often targets an isolated individual at the start of the infestation to finally attack all the sleepers to feed.
An invasion of bed bugs in my house, why?
Stink bugs seek warmth in the fall.
They readily hide on mattresses, underpaintings, under rugs, and in window frames.
In the spring, they try to flee your home to ensure their reproduction.
Should I disinfect my laundry if I have bedbugs?
There is no need to disinfect your laundry if you have bed bugs.
Washing is also not very useful.
Just run your dryer on high heat for 30 minutes to get rid of bedbugs.
Do bedbugs live in clothes?
As a general rule, no, they do not remain in the clothes.
Just as they can’t sting you through those same clothes.
The bedbug is looking for breath more than tissue.
It stalks you when you sleep.
