What Smells Do Bed Bugs Hate?

Bed bugs are a common problem for many people, and getting rid of bed bugs can be challenging. These tiny insects are not only annoying, but they can also cause many health problems. Natural remedies like essential oils are one of the most effective ways to prevent bed bugs from infesting your home. This article will explore what smells do bed bugs hate and how to use them to keep your home free from these pests.

Table of Contents

How Do Bed Bugs Sense Smells?

Bed bugs have a powerful sense of smell that helps them locate their prey. Here’s a closer look at how bed bugs sense smells:

Sensory hairs: Bed bugs have tiny sensory hairs on their bodies that allow them to detect odors in the air.
Antennae: Bed bugs also have two antennae that detect smells. These antennae contain receptors that can pick up chemical signals in the environment.
Carbon dioxide: Bed bugs are susceptible to carbon dioxide, produced when humans and animals exhale. They use this scent to locate their prey, as it signals the presence of a potential meal.
Other chemicals: Besides carbon dioxide, bed bugs can detect other chemicals in the air, such as lactic acid, produced by sweat.

Overall, bed bugs have a highly developed sense of smell that allows them to locate their prey accurately. Understanding how bed bugs sense smells can create more effective strategies for repelling and eliminating these pests.

The Scents That Repel Bed Bugs / Essential Oils to keep bed bugs away

Bed bugs are susceptible to certain scents and find several smells extremely unpleasant. Here are some of the top scents that bed bugs hate:

Lavender oil

Lavender oil has a calming and relaxing scent, making it ideal for promoting better sleep and reducing anxiety. It also has insecticidal properties, making it a natural bed bug repellent. Here are some ways to use it:

Mix a few drops of lavender oil with water in a spray bottle and spray it on your bedding, furniture, and other areas where bed bugs may be hiding.
Add a few drops of lavender oil to your laundry detergent when washing your sheets and linens.
Apply a few drops of lavender oil to your skin before bed to promote relaxation and better sleep.

Peppermint oil

Peppermint oil has a refreshing and invigorating scent, making it a great natural air freshener. It also has insecticidal properties, making it an effective bed bug repellent. Here are some ways to use it:

Mix a few drops of peppermint oil with water in a spray bottle and spray it on your bedding, furniture, and other areas where bed bugs may be hiding.
Place a few drops of peppermint oil on cotton balls and place them in drawers, closets, and other areas where bed bugs may be hiding.
Add a few drops of peppermint oil to your laundry detergent when washing your sheets and linens.

Tea tree oil

Tea tree oil has antimicrobial and insecticidal properties, making it an effective natural bed bug repellent. Here are some ways to use it:

Mix a few drops of tea tree oil with water in a spray bottle and spray it on your bedding, furniture, and other areas where bed bugs may be hiding.
Add a few drops of tea tree oil to your laundry detergent when washing your sheets and linens.
Apply a few drops of tea tree oil to your skin before bed to promote relaxation and better sleep.

Eucalyptus oil

Eucalyptus oil has a fresh, minty scent and insecticidal properties, making it an effective bed bug repellent. Here are some ways to use it:

Mix a few drops of eucalyptus oil with water in a spray bottle and spray it on your bedding, furniture, and other areas where bed bugs may be hiding.
Add a few drops of eucalyptus oil to your laundry detergent when washing your sheets and linens.
Place a few drops of eucalyptus oil on cotton balls in drawers, closets, and other areas where bed bugs may be hiding.

Lemon oil

Lemon oil has a fresh, citrusy scent and insecticidal properties, making it an effective bed bug repellent. Here are some ways to use it:

Mix a few drops of lemon oil with water in a spray bottle and spray it on your bedding, furniture, and other areas where bed bugs may be hiding.
Add a few drops of lemon oil to your laundry detergent when washing your sheets and linens.
Place a few drops of lemon oil on cotton balls and place them in drawers, closets, and other areas where bed bugs may be hiding.

Clove Oil

Clove oil has antiseptic, antimicrobial, and insecticidal properties. It is an effective bed bug repellent that can keep these pests away from your home. Here’s how to use clove oil to repel bed bugs:

Mix 1/4 cup of clove oil with a gallon of water.
Pour the mixture into a spray bottle.
Spray the mixture on bed frames, baseboards, and any other areas where bed bugs may be present.
Add a few drops of clove oil to a diffuser or humidifier to repel bed bugs.

Lemongrass Oil

Lemongrass oil is a natural insecticide that can repel bed bugs and other pests. It has a refreshing citrusy scent and is safe for children and pets. Here’s how to use lemongrass oil to repel bed bugs:

Mix 10-15 drops of lemongrass oil with 1/4 cup of water.
Pour the mixture into a spray bottle.
Spray the mixture on bed frames, baseboards, and any other areas where bed bugs may be present.
Add a few drops of lemongrass oil to your laundry detergent to repel bed bugs from your clothes and bedding.

Thyme Oil

Thyme oil is a natural insecticide that can kill bed bugs and their eggs. It has a strong scent and should be used in moderation. Here’s how to use thyme oil to repel bed bugs:

Mix 1/4 cup of thyme oil with a gallon of water.
Pour the mixture into a spray bottle.
Spray the mixture on bed frames, baseboards, and any other areas where bed bugs may be present.
You can add a few drops of thyme oil to your washing machine when washing your bedding and clothes.

Cedarwood Oil

Cedarwood oil is a natural insecticide that can repel bed bugs and other pests. It has a pleasant woody scent and is safe for children and pets. Here’s how to use cedarwood oil to repel bed bugs:

Mix 10-15 drops of cedarwood oil with 1/4 cup of water.
Pour the mixture into a spray bottle.
Spray the mixture on bed frames, baseboards, and any other areas where bed bugs may be present.
Add a few drops of cedarwood oil to your laundry detergent to repel bed bugs from your clothes and bedding.

Citronella Oil

Citronella oil is a natural insecticide that can repel bed bugs and other pests. It has a refreshing lemony scent and is safe to use around children and pets. Here’s how to use citronella oil to repel bed bugs:

Mix 10-15 drops of citronella oil with 1/4 cup of water.
Pour the mixture into a spray bottle.
Spray the mixture on bed frames, baseboards, and any other areas where bed bugs may be present.
Add a few drops of citronella oil to your laundry detergent to repel bed bugs from your clothes and bedding.

Additional Natural Bed Bug Repellents that bed Bugs hate

In addition to essential oils, there are several other natural remedies you can use to repel bed bugs. Here are some of the most effective options:

Diatomaceous Earth

Diatomaceous earth is a natural powder made from the fossilized remains of tiny aquatic organisms. When bed bugs come into contact with diatomaceous earth, it dehydrates their exoskeleton and ultimately kills them.

To use diatomaceous earth as a bed bug repellent, you can:

Sprinkle diatomaceous earth around your bed and other areas where bed bugs might be hiding.
Be sure to use food-grade diatomaceous earth, as other forms of diatomaceous earth can be harmful to humans and pets.

Baking Soda

Baking soda is a common household item that can also be used to repel bed bugs. Its abrasive texture can help to dry out bed bugs and prevent them from moving around.

To use baking soda as a bed bug repellent, you can:

Sprinkle baking soda around your bed and other areas where bed bugs might be hiding.
Leave the baking soda in place for a few days, then vacuum it.

Black Walnut Tea

Black walnut tea is a natural remedy used for centuries to repel pests. Its robust and bitter scent is highly unpleasant to bed bugs and can help to keep them away from your home.

To use black walnut tea as a bed bug or insect repellent, you can:

Boil black walnut leaves in water for several minutes.
Strain the leaves and pour the tea into a spray bottle.
Spray the tea around your bed and other areas where bed bugs hide.

Bean Leaves

Bean leaves are a natural bed bug repellent due to the microscopic hooked hairs on their surface that trap the bugs. To use bean leaves to repel bed bugs, follow these steps:

Scatter dry bean leaves around your bed or other areas where bed bugs are present.
Leave the bean leaves in place for a few days, then replace them with fresh leaves.
Repeat this process until the bed bugs are gone.

Rubbing Alcohol

Rubbing alcohol is a readily available household item that can kill bed bugs on contact. To use rubbing alcohol to repel bed bugs, follow these steps:

Mix equal parts rubbing alcohol and water in a spray bottle.
Spray the solution on bed bug-infested areas, focusing on areas where the bugs are most prevalent.
Be sure to use caution when using rubbing alcohol, as it is flammable.

Neem Oil

Neem oil is a natural insecticide that can repel bed bugs. To use neem oil to repel bed bugs, follow these steps:

Mix neem oil with water according to the instructions on the product.
Spray the solution on bed bug-infested areas, focusing on areas where the bugs are most prevalent.
Repeat this process every few days until the bed bugs are gone.

Lemon Juice

Lemon juice contains citric acid, which can help repel bed bugs. To use lemon juice to repel bed bugs, follow these steps:

Squeeze fresh lemon juice into a spray bottle.
Spray the solution on bed bug-infested areas, focusing on areas where the bugs are most prevalent.
Repeat this process every few days until the bed bugs are gone.

Cinnamon

Cinnamon is a natural bed bug repellent that can be used in powder form. To use cinnamon to repel bed bugs, follow these steps:

Sprinkle the cinnamon powder around your bed or other areas where bed bugs are present.
Leave the cinnamon in place for a few days, then replace it with fresh powder.
Repeat this process until the bed bugs are gone.

Peppermint Leaves

Peppermint leaves contain menthol, which bed bugs find intolerable. To use peppermint leaves to repel bed bugs, follow these steps:

Crush fresh peppermint leaves and place them around your bed or other areas where bed bugs are present.
Leave the peppermint leaves in place for a few days, then replace them with fresh leaves.
Repeat this process until the bed bugs are gone.

Other Bed Bug Repellents

While essential oils can be effective in repelling bed bugs, there are other methods you can use to keep these pests at bay. Here are some additional options:

Bed Bug Mattresses and Furniture Covers

Bed bugs hide in cracks and crevices, and mattresses and furniture provide plenty of places to do so. Bed bug mattresses and furniture covers are designed to seal off these hiding places and prevent bed bugs from infesting your sleeping and sitting areas.

Heat Treatments and Steamers

Bed bugs cannot survive extreme temperatures, so heat treatments and steamers can effectively kill them. Professional exterminators often use heat treatments to eliminate bed bug infestations. Still, you can also purchase steamers to use at home.

Bed Bug Traps and Interceptors

Bed bug traps and interceptors are designed to lure bed bugs in and trap them. Some traps use a unique adhesive that bed bugs stick to, while others use a CO2 lure to attract the pests. Interceptors are placed under the legs of furniture and can prevent bed bugs from climbing onto your bed or couch.

Pesticides and Insecticides: Pros and Cons

Pesticides and insecticides can effectively kill bed bugs but should be used cautiously. Some products can be harmful to humans and pets, and bed bugs can develop a resistance to certain chemicals over time. If you choose to use pesticides or insecticides, follow the instructions carefully and use them in a well-ventilated area.

How to Use Essential Oils to Repel Bed Bugs

Essential oils can be an effective and natural way to repel bed bugs from your home. Here are some tips for using essential oils to keep these pests at bay:

Choose the suitable essential oils: Some of the most effective essential oils for repelling bed bugs include lavender, peppermint, tea tree, and eucalyptus. These oils have a strong scent that bed bugs dislike.
Dilute the oils: Essential oils should always be diluted before use. Mix a few drops of your chosen oil with a carrier oil, such as coconut or almond, before applying it to your skin or clothing.
Apply the oil: Apply the diluted oil to your skin, clothing, or bedding. You can also add a few drops of essential oil to a spray bottle filled with water and spritz it around your home to repel bed bugs.
Reapply as needed: Essential oils will lose their potency over time, so you must reapply them regularly to avoid bed bugs. Reapply every few hours or as needed.
Use caution around pets: Some essential oils can be toxic to pets, so it’s important to keep them away from areas where your pets spend time. Use essential oils in well-ventilated areas, and keep them out of reach of your furry friends.

Following these tips, essential oils can repel bed bugs and keep your home pest-free.

Precautions When Using Essential Oils

While essential oils can effectively repel bed bugs, it’s important to use them safely. Here are some precautions to keep in mind:

It should be diluted before use, as it can cause skin irritation and other side effects if used undiluted.
Some essential oils can be toxic to pets, so keep them out of reach of your furry friends.
Essential oils can be flammable, so keep them away from open flames and heat sources.
Essential oils should not be ingested, as they can be toxic if swallowed.
Essential oils should be stored in a cool, dark place to prevent them from degrading.
Some essential oils can cause allergic reactions in some people, so it’s important to test them on a small patch of skin before using them more extensively.

Following these precautions, you can use essential oils safely and effectively to repel bed bugs and keep your home pest-free.

Conclusion

If you’re dealing with a bed bug infestation, knowing what smells bed bugs hate can be a powerful tool in your fight against these pests. Natural repellents like essential oils, diatomaceous earth, baking soda, and black walnut tea can keep bed bugs at bay without harsh chemicals.

While these natural remedies may not be 100% effective, they can benefit from a comprehensive bed bug treatment plan. Combining natural remedies with other tactics like vacuuming, steam cleaning, and professional extermination services lets you get a good night’s sleep without worrying about bed bugs.

FAQs

Do essential oils repel bed bugs?

Yes, essential oils such as lavender, peppermint, eucalyptus, lemongrass, citronella, cinnamon, thyme, and clove effectively repel bed bugs.

Can I use essential oils directly on my skin to repel bed bugs?

No, essential oils should be diluted with carrier oil before applying them to your skin.

Can I use essential oils to kill bed bugs?

Some essential oils, such as eucalyptus oil, have insecticidal properties and can kill bed bugs and their eggs.

Can I use essential oils on my pets to repel bed bugs?

No, essential oils can be toxic to pets and should not be used on them.

Are there any precautions I should take when using essential oils to repel bed bugs?

Yes, diluting essential oils with a carrier oil before applying them to your skin and doing a patch test is necessary. Essential oils should also be kept out of reach of children and pets.