Grayson West
Waking up in the middle of the night from an insect bite, only to realize it’s a bedbug, is a nightmare. These pesky invaders can ruin your sleep and invade your space, but natural repellents can help. Discover 15 effective options to keep them away.
Eucalyptus Oil
The sharp, clean scent of eucalyptus does more than freshen up a room. Applying eucalyptus oil around bed frames and mattress seams can keep bedbugs away. Plus, it’s a natural alternative and antibacterial that doesn’t harm your health.
Rosemary
Not just a cooking herb, rosemary also serves as a pest repellent. You can sprinkle dried rosemary or spray a diluted solution of rosemary essential oil in problem areas and it will work as a chemical-free deterrent to protect your space naturally from bedbugs.
Diatomaceous Earth
Although it appears to be just another powder, diatomaceous earth is a deadly enemy to bed bugs. As bed bugs crawl over it, their exoskeletons become damaged. It’s safe for humans and pets and great for controlling infestations, but watch out for your eyes to avoid irritation.
Thyme Oil
A natural solution that works over time, thyme oil doesn’t rely on harsh chemicals. It has a powerful aroma that disrupts a bed bug’s sense of smell, making your home uninviting to them. To get rid of bedbugs, regularly diffuse thyme oil in your bedroom or other affected areas.
Vinegar
You can easily find vinegar in your home, and its acidity and pungent smell make it unbearable for bed bugs. In addition, it’s an affordable and eco-friendly way to temporarily fend off these unwelcome guests. Just spray it on surfaces and cracks where they hide.
Clove
The pungent aroma of clove can do wonders in driving away bed bugs. Its active compound, eugenol, irritates these insects, which makes them avoid areas where clove oil is applied. Simply place a few drops around problem spots to discourage bed bug activity.
Garlic
The potent smell of garlic isn’t just off-putting for vampires—bed bugs dislike it, too. Crushing and spreading fresh garlic in infested areas can help keep bed bugs from returning to that place. This is not a permanent repellent, but it’s good for keeping them away until you find a permanent solution.
Witch Hazel
Often used for skin care, witch hazel also has properties that repel pests. It is slightly astringent in nature and helps discourage bed bugs from settling in. You can spray a diluted solution around your bed and furniture to remove bedbugs without harsh chemicals.
Cedar Oil
The earthy scent of cedar oil bed bugs can’t stand, which makes this another easy natural repellent for your sleeping space. Known for its use in protecting clothes from moths, cedar oil works similarly against bed bugs by disrupting their pheromones.
The earthy scent of cedar oil bed bugs can’t stand, which makes this another easy natural repellent for your sleeping space. Known for its use in protecting clothes from moths, cedar oil works similarly against bed bugs by disrupting their pheromones.
Blood Orange Oil
Blood orange oil has a sweet, citrusy scent that seems harmless, but bed bugs don’t think so. You can easily get it from health stores or online. Packed with compounds like limonene and linalool, it repels bugs—just mix a few drops with water and spray in their hiding spots!
Neem Oil
A popular natural pesticide, neem oil, can ward off bed bugs. If applied to mattresses, bed frames, and cracks, it helps control infestations to a degree. The strong odor and active compounds like nimbidin and nimbin are harmful to bedbugs but safe for humans.
Lemongrass
The bright, lemony scent of lemongrass doesn’t sit well with bed bugs and it removes the infestation due to its acidic properties. To see good results, you’ll need to spray a diluted solution of lemongrass around your sleeping or other infested areas regularly.
Baking Soda
Its drying effect can make bed bugs uncomfortable in your home. When sprinkled into cracks and crevices, it dries out their bodies over time. While not a permanent cure-all, baking soda is a helpful natural repellant when combined with other methods.
Citronella
The fresh, lemony scent of citronella acts as a natural bed bug repellent. Its strong fragrance overwhelms these insects, making them steer clear of treated areas. Whether applied through sprays or essential oils, citronella is a simple and effective way to keep them at bay.
Tea Tree Oil
With a distinct herbal fragrance, tea tree oil creates an unwelcoming environment for bed bugs. You can mix it with water and spray the solution on surfaces where they’re likely to hide, which offers a natural way to minimize their presence in your home.