We already know that inspection and early detection are essential for getting rid of these bothersome parasites; let’s now discuss prevention by utilizing the best bug repellents for home. It is important to comprehend the benefits, drawbacks, and hazards of any bug repellent strategy, whether you’re interested in natural bug repellent for home, goods from the shop, or DIY repellent.
A quick look at the best bug repellent for home in 2023
- Avon SKIN-SO-SOFT Bug Guard
- Vicks Vaporub
- Ultrasonic Pest Repellent
- Spritz 4 Pack All Natural Bug & Mosquito Repellent Spray
- BUGMD Essential Pest Concentrate
- Diatomaceous Earth
What are bed bug bites
Bed bugs have piercing, sucking mouthparts that can elicit a wide range of responses in humans. According to a broad consensus, one in three persons may not at all react to bed bug bites. Understanding how a bed bug obtains a meal can assist you to comprehend the variety of reactions.
The bed bug’s head is endowed with a rostrum, which is a tube-like structure. When not in use, it folds down beneath the bug’s head. It opens up to a downward piercing posture when in use. A pair of mandibles inside the rostrum have sharp edges, and they alternately pierce the host’s skin with them.
Following the mandibles, after the skin is split, a pair of maxillae trail behind in quest of an appropriate blood vessel. The maxillae seek a blood artery that is just the right size—neither too large nor too little. Following the discovery of a suitable capillary, a salivary duct injects anti-coagulating saliva into the channel to maintain a consistent blood flow.
Blood suddenly starts to flow up via a feeding canal after a tiny pump in the bug’s head causes a rapid jolt of suction (known as the subaerial pump). The host’s natural blood pressure keeps the blood flowing unhindered.
The many physiological reactions in people are brought on by this procedure of piercing, searching, and delivering anticoagulating saliva. Some people might be allergic to the saliva’s proteins, while others might be sensitive to the mechanical activity of cutting and searching. Serious reactions may be a response to every facet of the interaction, whereas non-reacting hosts may not have any reactions at all.
Which is more effective, natural or chemical products
Natural essential oils are frequently applied directly to the skin and are commonly utilized as topical insect repellents. Numerous reports suggest that bed insect bite prevention products contain tea tree oil, peppermint oil, or other essential oils.
Some people discover that bed bug repellents prepared with essential oils are simply insufficiently effective. If you have a dog or a cat, you might not be able to use certain essential oils since they might be poisonous to animals. Chemical treatments may be your only choice if you have a serious bed bug infestation and homemade bed insect repellent is ineffective at preventing bites.
What are the best bug repellent for home
Avon SKIN-SO-SOFT Bug Guard PLUS
Avon SKIN-SO-SOFT Bug Guard PLUS is a combination of a moisturizing lotion and an insect repellent. It contains IR3535® as the active ingredient, which is an EPA-approved insect repellent that provides protection against mosquitoes, ticks, biting flies, and other insects.
Pros:
- Convenient 2-in-1 product that provides both moisturizing and insect protection.
- Contains SPF 30 to protect the skin from harmful UV rays.
- Gentle breeze scent is pleasant and refreshing.
Cons:
- May not be as effective as other insect repellents that contain DEET.
- The moisturizing properties may not be suitable for individuals with oily skin.
- Higher cost compared to traditional insect repellents.
Vicks Vaporub
Vicks Vapor Rub is one thing that bed bugs absolutely detest. Because of the potent menthol aroma of Vicks, bed bugs are reported to be nauseated by it. Before going to bed, apply Vicks to your hands, feet, neck, and any other exposed skin. This will stop bed bugs from biting you.
Ultrasonic Pest Repellent
The most cutting-edge current technology is used by this pest repeller to generate ultrasonic electromagnetic radiation, polar waves in bionic waves, etc., which irritate bed bugs’ hearing systems and cause them to flee the room. Suitable for installation and use in homes, kitchens, warehouses, shops, hotels, and offices. It can provide all-encompassing, round-the-clock defense
BugMD Essential Pest Concentrate
BugMD is a powerful tool for tackling a wide variety of pests, both indoors and out, such as bed bugs, roaches, and mosquitoes. The ideal way to keep your house, yard, and other areas free of pests without ever putting your family’s health and safety at risk is with this essential oil-powered spray.
You only need one tiny concentration container to make a 32 oz pest control spray that can be applied anywhere within and outside the house, including baseboards, pet areas, kitchens, sheds, cupboards, gardens, and outdoor spaces.
After using it for five weeks, the number of bedbugs will have significantly decreased. On contact, it does kill bed bugs, and the concentrate’s oils appear to be moderately successful in keeping out other pests.
Pros
- Safe for use around pets and children.
- Uses a strong mixture of cotton seed and olive oil
- Kills upon contact
Cons
- The fact that the concentration is fleeting is the sole drawback. It moves really quickly if you repeatedly need a number of rooms.
- Costly to purchase
Rubbing alcohol
Rubbing alcohol can help you prevent bed bugs even though they are difficult to deal with. They detest the smell of alcohol, therefore employing it to solve your issue is a good idea. Rubbing alcohol has the ability to dry out bed bug bodies, which may eventually result in death.
Rubbing alcohol generates an odor that deters pests from laying their eggs nearby, therefore using this odor is beneficial for your home. They will leave your house when they smell it to find another spot to give birth. Almost 50% of the bed bug population can be eradicated by spraying rubbing alcohol.
It will destroy bed bugs when applied directly, giving you a restful night’s sleep. Alcohol should only be used sparingly because it can result in fire hazards
Diatomaceous Earth
The powdered form of diatomaceous earth is created from preserved algae. In touch with the DE, bed bugs become dehydrated and pass away.
DE damages pests’ waxy exoskeletons, which has an impact on their internal organs. The powder also has a strong scent that bed bugs find repulsive. The smell will get rid of the insect quickly and may deter them from coming back.
To get rid of bed bugs—even the ones hiding—you must sprinkle the powder everywhere. To keep your home clean, make sure to sweep or vacuum up DE and dead bed bugs. You can gradually get rid of your bed insect problem by just utilizing DE.
How can you avoid an infestation or recurrence?
- Furniture like mattresses should be moved a few inches away from the walls. Bed bugs can’t fly or jump.
- Be sure that blankets and bed skirts do not reach the floor to prevent bed bugs from having free access to the mattress.
- Avoid buying used furniture and keep clutter picked up. You can also prevent reinfestation by washing bedding and upholstery frequently.
Considering a trip? Take these safety measures:
Prior to departure
- Use a bed bug treatment product that is also approved for use on luggage to spritz your bags. Dry fully, if possible.
- Put your dirty clothes in plastic bags that you can take to the washing room at your house.
Leaving for home
- Do not unload any bags inside. Open your bags outside in the basement, storage room, or laundry.
- Take out the laundry you had packed in bags at the hotel and put it in the dryer right away on the maximum heat setting.
Conclusion
People can lessen the likelihood of developing a bed bug infestation in their homes by taking a few simple precautions. To keep bed bugs from residing in the beds, use plastic or vinyl mattress and pillow covers. Regularly check, especially in or near sleeping areas, for indications of bed insect infestation and bed bug eggs. Keep your bags and baggage off the ground while you travel. Bed bug prevention can significantly lower the likelihood of an infection, which can be very challenging to eradicate.