5 Smells Bed Bugs Can’t Stand to Be Around

Dealing with bed bugs can turn a cozy nest into a nightmare overnight, and it’s an issue that affects nearly 20% of Americans. Whether it’s you or someone you know, these little pests are infamous for disturbing sleep with their itchy bites. While calling in the exterminators is a common route, it’s not your only option.

If you’re up for a little do-it-yourself pest control, you’re in luck. There are some surprisingly effective scents that can send those bed bugs packing, and the good news? You might already have these fragrances at home.

From essential oils to common kitchen staples, these scents are not just accessible but also a natural way to reclaim the peace of your bedroom. As bed bug infestations continue to rise nationwide, being armed with these 8 scents could be your ticket to uninterrupted, blissful sleep.

Peppermint

The intense scent of peppermint is overwhelming to bed bugs, driving them away effectively. For a DIY pest control solution, add a few drops of peppermint oil to a spray bottle filled with water. Use it alone or mix it into your other homemade repellents and spray liberally around areas you suspect are infested.

If you prefer something a bit more subtle, try a peppermint essential oil candle. While it might not pack the same punch as pure oil, it will still help keep the bugs at bay and leave your home smelling minty fresh.

Lavender Oil

If you’re dealing with an infestation, applying lavender essential oil around your home can be a game changer. The scent of lavender is repulsive to bed bugs, making it an excellent natural method to encourage them to leave.

For best results, spray the oil in affected areas and around your bedding. Regular use not only keeps the bugs away but also helps you relax and improve your sleep, thanks to lavender’s calming properties.

Spray lavender around your entire house to really keep the bedbugs from coming in.

Lemon

The strong citric scent is disliked by these pests, making lemon a natural insecticide. To use lemon effectively, mix lemon juice with water in a spray bottle and apply it directly to infested areas. The acidity of the lemon disrupts the bed bugs’ environment, making your home inhospitable to them.

For ongoing protection, add lemon-scented cleaners into your cleaning routine, ensuring bed bugs stay away while your home stays fresh and clean.

Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is a nightmare for these pests. When diffused around your sleeping area, its strong aroma sends bed bugs packing. Tea tree oil has a bonus feature—it damages the critters’ exoskeletons, leading to their demise.

Try filling a spray bottle with a diluted tea tree oil solution and spray it around areas where you suspect bed bug activity. Not only will it help in bug control, but it’ll leave your space smelling fresh and clean too.

Cinnamon

Imagine sprinkling some cinnamon around your bed and watching bed bugs turn away in disgust—that’s the power of this common spice. Cinnamon’s sharp smell is a big turn-off for bed bugs, which means it’s a great natural deterrent. This spice is used in many bed bug repellents available on the market.

The secret lies in linalool, a compound found in cinnamon, known for its insecticidal properties. If you’re leaning towards a DIY pest control solution, giving cinnamon a try could lead to some pleasantly bug-free results. Just keep the scent strong and consistent to keep those bed bugs at bay.