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Introduction
If you’ve ever dealt with bed bugs, you know how frustrating and unsettling it can be. These tiny pests hide in mattresses, bed frames, and upholstery, feeding on human blood and leaving behind itchy, irritating bites. While professional extermination is sometimes necessary for severe infestations, there are simple, natural methods you can use to deter and eliminate early-stage infestations. This article will show you a tried-and-true trick using everyday ingredients to help rid your mattress of bed bugs and leave it smelling clean and fresh.
Ingredients
1 cup baking soda
10 drops of tea tree oil (optional for enhanced effect)
1 cup diatomaceous earth (food-grade)
A fine-mesh sieve or shaker
Vacuum cleaner with upholstery attachment
Freshly laundered mattress cover or encasement
Instructions
Strip the Bed:
Remove all bedding, including sheets, pillowcases, and mattress covers. Wash them in hot water (at least 120°F or 49°C) and dry on high heat to kill any lingering bed bugs or eggs.
Vacuum Thoroughly:
Using the upholstery attachment, vacuum the mattress surface, seams, sides, and bed frame. Pay close attention to cracks and crevices where bugs love to hide.
Create the Bed Bug Powder Blend:
In a bowl, combine the baking soda and diatomaceous earth. If using tea tree oil, mix it thoroughly into the powder—this adds a natural antibacterial and insect-repellent boost.
Apply the Mixture:
Using a fine-mesh sieve or shaker, evenly sprinkle the mixture over the entire mattress. Let it sit for at least 4–6 hours, or ideally overnight. This allows the diatomaceous earth to dehydrate and kill any bed bugs, while baking soda absorbs odors and moisture.
Vacuum Again:
After the wait time, vacuum the mattress again to remove all the powder and dead bugs.
Seal and Protect:
Once the mattress is clean and dry, cover it with a bed bug-proof mattress encasement to prevent future infestations.
Serving and Storage Tips
Serving (or in this case, using) Tip: Repeat this treatment once a week for a month if you suspect a lingering infestation.
Storage Tip: Store the leftover powder in an airtight jar in a cool, dry place, away from pets and children.
Variations
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