Homemade bed bug repellents include natural essential oils, rubbing alcohol, coconut oil, Vicks vaporub, and white vinegar. Do Butterflies Like Hibiscus? Rub vicks vaporub generously on sore muscles. Histamine is another scent that bed bugs love. One common household product that will do that for you is dish soap: mix in a drop as youre making your spray and the oil should disperse in the water. This means you can use it as part of a clever strategy to kill them, or at least stop them from feeding: place small piles of the stuff around each of the legs of your bed. Then try . This is part of the reason why you shouldnt use Vicks Vapor Rub to ward off bed bugs. Why? There are dozens upon dozens of products that claim to be the best for killing bed bugs. None of the various creams, lotions, or scented original formulas are going to drive bed bugs off more than the original. Application. Inspect your bed frame. Vicks Vapor Rub, when used to prevent bed bugs, should only be something you use for a single night, just to get you through the problem until you can come up with a more permanent solution in the morning. You should also wear socks with pajamas, and roll the socks up over the leg. The best action is to look for remedies that make bed bugs less likely to bite you and repels them. A small bedside lamp wont be enough to stop them. Bed Bugs in Bedding (Blankets, Sheets, Comforters) Detection + Removal. The itching from bed bug bites can last for up to two weeks, St. Surin-Lord says. 2. As we said, tea tree oil is known to cause rashes. If youre only getting one or two bites every now and then, thats a fantastic sign. They stop bed bugs from coming to youtheyll go to the lure instead. Luckily, there are plenty of chemical and natural products you can put on your body to prevent bed bug bites. They won't die or disappear. Combat a bad bug bite or sting by applying an ice pack to the spot for 15 to 20 minutes every hour for the first 6 hours to help relieve pain, itching, and swelling. What it doesnt do is kill them. It's a proven fact. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, these little pests feed on the blood of humans and animals. If you were to buy a new mattress, sure, you would be getting rid of a big part of the infestation. Insecticides arent made for you to spray onto your skin. Bed bugs love rooms that are cluttered and untidy. Far better is to take the bedding straight to the washing machine. The number of bed bug bites youre getting per night is a good indicator of how large your infestation is. It is a natural repellant that comes in powder form. What it will do is act as a more effective deterrent than Vicks Vapor Rub. It cant provide a long-term fix, and the effects are short-lived. She often shares practical tips and friendly expert advice on everything relating to home and yard on this blog. Lots of essential oils have insecticidal activity. 8. You should look for longer-lasting remedies. Vicks can also be applied to the legs of the bed to prevent bed bugs from climbing onto the bed. The other great thing about having a mattress encasement is that it means any new bed bugs wont be able to start up a new infestation. If there's one thing a bed bug can't stand, it's the smell of Vicks vaporub. Even orange essential oils work, just not quite as effectively. Bed bugs like humid conditions, but only to an extent. Is Tea Tree Oil Good for Getting Rid of Bed Bugs? It is great on hard dry heels feet, softens them and heals the cracks. Steam clean the mattress. Does Vicks rubbing stop bed bug bites? , so they may not be safe to use if you have a cat or a dog. Does Vicks work on bed bugs? There is a clear warning on a Vicks Vapor Rub label that it should never be applied directly under or on the nose. Open the bag while in the machine, and shake out the bedding from inside. Its usually covered at least on top by a sheet of cloth, and often has wheels so that you can move it around. Remember that even though you do not eat in bed, your sheets will be dirty with grime and dead skin cells, which roaches love! On this page: Looking for signs of bed bugs . So, while their bites might swell up and itch terribly, other people will hardly react at all. (and bed bug eggs), but only if it makes direct contact with them. One of the scents that attract bedbugs is of dirty laundry. Another scent that repels bedbugs is the scent of diatomaceous earth. They wont completely kill all the bed bugs infesting your home, but they can make them easier to live with. These products are safe to apply to your body and are guaranteed to keep bed bugs from biting you. Signs and Symptoms of Bed Bug Bites. Pajamas can help prevent bites, at least to an extent. Reduce the number of bed bugs to reduce bites. . This will stop them from getting in that way. White Vinegar. Spray your bed frames with essential oils. Bed bugs are known to hate essential oils, and the strong, menthol scent of vicks makes them sick. . These pheromones, though, only work on male bed bugs, and will do nothing to dissuade females from invading a space. How Vick's Vapor Rub affects Bed Bugs. This outer layer is crucial for a bed bug. Bed bugs and some other insects avoid scents like lavender, citrus, basil, cinnamon, and mint. Treating your bed with Vicks: Reasonable or not? Vicks can also relieve itching from bug bites, for instance, mosquito bites. To ensure you have the most skin covered when sleeping and to prevent bed bugs from having a spot to bite, you might consider wearing pajamas. If it's too late to prevent mosquito bites, rubbing VapoRub on the bumps will also . To treat bed bug bites: Wash the bites with soap and water. You arent getting rid of them. Pick a real tea tree oil for your sprays. Headache - To soothe a headache, apply a layer of Vicks under the nose and allow it to sit for some time. These might be caused either by crushed bugs or by the bugs' fecal matter. Unfortunately, Vicks Vapor Rub wont kill bed bugs. Of course, this isnt going to stop them from biting completely. These each contributes to its unique and distinctive scent. Vicks Vaporub was not designed to be an insect repellent; hence it is not a good repellent. Vicks Vapor rub matches that description and is potent enough to drive bed bugs away. When you lie down to sleep, they emerge for a blood meal and leave you with a rash of itchy bites that can take days or weeks to heal. They are also repelled by the acidic scent of white vinegar. By vacuuming every week, you will stop the majority of bed bugs ever reaching the point where they might be able to breed. And when theyre scared, theyll release a unique scent that acts as a warning to other bed bugs that theres a threat nearby. While the symptoms for many bug bites include itching, the bite pattern and location help separate each bug to better treat the bite. If you cant or wont put chemical-based repellents on your body, there are effective natural alternatives to try! One day they arent there and the next, theyre all over your bed. Give the mattress a wipe down with a damp cloth to get rid of any feces, shells or dirt before putting the mattress back inside the encasement. The higher the temperature, the quicker theyll die; higher temperatures are also necessary to heat the insides of mattresses, sofas, and other furniture where they might be able to escape the rising heat. Bed bugs tend to feed once every week or so, but will feed more frequently in warmer weather, because it speeds up their metabolism. But what about the cold? A little dab rubbed on and around the bite not only soothes the itch but takes the swelling down as well.Does Vicks help with bug bites? Bed bugs are hard to deal with, but you can repel them by using rubbing alcohol. For ideal cough suppression, rub some Vicks VapoRub on the chest and neck, place a warm, dry cloth over the head while positioning yourself in an upright or standing pose. By wearing pajamas, you make it a little more difficult for them to access their preferred feeding sites. These products are often highly effective for preventing bed bug bites and may be your best option if you are dealing with a bed bug infestation. Rubbing alcohol does kill bed bugs, but it has drawbacks. These bed bugs will re-infest your new mattress as soon as they can walk there. This simple solution for chigger bites shows result quickly. At this point, you can use one of the many methods below (sprays, for example) to kill any bed bugs you can see. Vicks VapoRub contains several oils: camphor, eucalyptus oil, menthol, cedarleaf oil, nutmeg, thymol, and even turpentine oil. As we said above, exterminators have to heat your home to 120 degrees or more to consistently kill the bed bugs infesting it. Youll find detailed answers to all of your questions on how to get rid of a bed bug infestation. Were sure you can figure out which theyd prefer. If there are holes in the mattress, this might suggest that there are bed bugs actually inside it; if thats the case, spray the entire mattress. With that being said, the original Vicks Vapor Rub does come in a few scents. Its been shown that they have a small preference for the blood type they were raised on. Examine your sheets. Some people swear it helps relieve itching, swelling, and redness. The same thing applies to sleeping in other bedrooms in your home. Natural essential oils are widely used as personal bug repellents and are generally safe to apply directly to the skin. Tie the bag up again, and put it in a garbage can outside. This is the best, most comprehensive site Ive found on bed bugs are their eradication. When bedbugs bite you, a chemical odor called histamine is released. If you have a severe bed bug infestation and homemade bed bug repellent isnt enough to prevent bites, chemical products may be your only option. Bed bugs are known to hate essential oils, and the strong, White vinegar has a strong, acidic smell that bed bugs hate, so its a popular homemade bed bug repellent. When it comes to killing bed bugs, lemon juice is a natural and nontoxic option that can be just as effective as chemical pesticides. While Vicks Vapor Rub is a very effective deterrent, it will only keep the bed bugs off you. Dilute the oil, either in water, or in another oil. Apply a cold compress or ice pack wrapped in cloth for not longer than 20 minutes, and wait at least an hour before reapplying. Symptoms of bedbug bites are similar to symptoms of other insect bites and rashes. You can prevent bed bugs from reaching you, e.g., with pajamas and mattress encasements. The bed bugs wont be able to get to you. But is it true? Bed bug bites are relentlessly itchy, and the menthol in toothpaste can help to soothe and reduce the itch. Top 8 Ways To Prevent Bed Bug Bites When Sleeping. Breathe deeply for 5-10 mins so that the medicated vapors get inhaled and this way your headache will vanish. Thats why you might be covered from head to toe in itchy red bites, while your partner looks untouched. So, a bed bug thats accustomed to type O blood would prefer feeding from somebody with that same blood type over somebody that doesnt. Always put a cloth . Bottom line. But according to the Journal of Economic Entomology, it has to be at least 8 degrees or lower to kill bed bugs consistently, and of course, it has to stay at or below that temperature for at least a few days. This will help prevent a skin infection and help reduce itchiness. I had house perfectly spray and I not seening but only a few . Shine a light on them, and theyll scatter just as fast as they can. Vicks vaporub and certain essential oils are potent bed bug repellers. Far better than trying to prevent bites is to kill the bed bugs themselves. Bed bug lures go an extra step. Human skin naturally emits a scent called sweat. Vick's Vapor rub matches that description and is potent enough to drive bed bugs away. If you have three or more bites each night, then your infestation will be 30 or more bed bugs. Alternatively, you could pick one of many commercially available sprays. Originally . It is released when garlic or onion is crushed or chopped. These each contributes to its unique and distinctive scent. As you pick it up and move it, theyll almost all try and scatter: finding somewhere new thats safe to hide. But if they do scatter, what do you think theyre going to do? While it may feel wonderful, bedbugs find the fragrance unpleasant and the cool sensations like a burning fire. When a bed bug walks through diatomaceous earth, it scratches away at the waxy outermost layer of their shell. Answer (1 of 5): About 9 months ago I had bed bugs. Evidence Based. Some of the most effective home remedies to prevent bed bugs include the use of rubbing alcohol, baking soda, cayenne pepper, talcum powder, caulk, tea tree oil, thyme, mint, lemongrass, clove, lavender oil, and steam . Its a myth that bed bugs prefer living in dirty homes, or somehow prefer infesting poor peoples homes rather than rich peoples homes. By dragging the mattress through the rest of your house, youre making the problem much worse. Vicks VapoRub uses on feet. Take an oral . If you were to leave the bedding in a laundry basket, theres a chance they could end up who-knows-where. The strong scent of essential oils repels bedbugs and other insects. (And Wind Chimes). Under your bed sheets, place several dryer sheets on the mattress. If you do want to give it a go, it cant possibly hurt. If you do use water, shake the bottle up before each time you spray. When applied, menthol feels cool and has a minty smell. The following steps can help keep bed bugs away: 1. We are going to answer this question. essential oils have insecticidal activity. The active ingredients in Vicks VapoRub are supposed to help open your airways, suppress coughs and reduce pain where theyre applied; but VapoRub also has several other purported uses, including: And, most importantly for us, repelling insects. Step#4 - Wear Clothes That Covers Almost All Your Body To Prevent Bed Bug Bites. As new eggs hatch and the bed bugs grow, you should aim to vacuum them before they reach adulthood. You can also buy encasements that fit over your box spring. There are many people dotted across several online forums that claim its effective, but there are just as many that say it doesnt work for them. Essential oils are an effective preventative as well. Mix well and apply it over the chigger bites. Wipe any dark or red dots you see on your bedding. If you didnt know, the box spring is the wooden frame that sits underneath the mattress. Hence, it is better to invest in dedicated products that will give you more value for your money. Flip the mattress to expose their harborage, and get to work spraying them. Human blood is the main food source for bedbugs, especially at night. Non-homemade chemical products are formulated using insecticides like DEET and typically have stronger bed bug repellent . 1. Thats why we advise something safer. Bed bugs are a growing problem in North America, and infestations are becoming more common all over the world. Once again, it wont kill the bed bugs. Its a powder that can feel rough, but soft, to the touch. Vicks and bed bugs. So why not give it a Hi, my name is Steve If you are allergic to any of these ingredients . The first is to confuse them, so that they cant detect any of the lures listed above. All rights reserved. Spraying on the bed before going to sleep will help repel a bed bug but will have dried long before the pest touches the treated spot. They might, but there are two central issues with using temperature to kill bed bugs. If it does, it's likely a result of the oxidizing power of the peroxide, which breaks chemical bonds . InsectCop.net is owned by Adaptive Media SIA, Registration number 44103107610, Privacy policy | Affiliate disclosure | Disclaimer, 5 natural repellents against bed bug bites, Rubbing alcohol effective bed bug repellent, Non-homemade products you can put on your body to prevent bed bug bites. You might get a solid 24 hours out of the stuff if you apply it pretty liberally or leave big goops of it everywhere. If youre bitten every night, then your infestation might number between 5 and 10 bed bugs. You can also spray it around your bed to help keep bed bugs away. Consumers are told that placing used tea bags throughout their homes and attempting to cover bedding and any open cracks can help eliminate both bed . Rubbing alcohol is proven to kill bed bugs (and bed bug eggs), but only if it makes direct contact with them. If the sofas free and clear, its an even worse idea to try sleeping there. To treat bed bug bites: Wash the bites with soap and water. Move your furniture outdoors, so that when the bed bugs scatter, they will scatter outside. To apply Vicks VapoRub to a mosquito or other itchy insect bite, wash your hands thoroughly, then clean and dry the area around the bite as well. One thing bed bugs dont like, is strong, minty odors. Buy a mattress encasement and put it on your mattress before you take it outside. You can protect yourself from bed bug bites while sleeping in several ways. Unfortunately, bedbugs consume human blood for their food. Products that are designed to be applied to the body usually come in the form of a cream or spray and may contain chemical insecticides (such as DEET), or natural insecticidal ingredients (like lavender oil). 2023 BedBugsInsider.com. If youve never had them, its impossible to understand just how much they affect younot just physically, but emotionally. Better in terms of effectiveness but they require a good deal of effort as well. It helps to use a diffuser with essential oils, which may drive some of the bed bugs away with the strong smell of the oil in the air. You might not be able to get a good nights sleep if you have bed bugs. The mattress is essentially the highway for bed bugs to travel across. The only way to prevent bed bug bites is to apply a bed bug repellent to your body before you sleep. Which you choose is up to you, and doesnt matter for this purposebut what is essential is that you dilute it with something. The standout antimicrobial ingredients of the rub, plus the inclusion of petroleum jelly, help to lock in moisture while killing off bacteria. If you live in a freezing part of the country, then theres a chance it could be low enough to kill bed bugs. They feed for about 3-10 minutes and their bodies swell and become bright red. We have lots more on the site to show you. Regularly vacuuming your mattress and bed frames is a simple way to reduce a large number of visible adult bed bugs on the surface. There are many ways to prevent bed bugs from biting you at night. Black Walnut Tea. If the bites itch, apply a corticosteroid cream to the bites. There have been cases of house and apartment fires caused by people using rubbing alcohol as a bed bug spray. The aroma and heat that bed bugs require usually dissipate within 15 minutes. Any scent is instantly inhaled without being filtered, which frequently proves lethal for bed bugs. There are bed bugs and many other bugs that are repelled by the smell of vicks vaporub. So, what helps bed bugs find you? Vicks is quite ineffective because the aroma and heat do not linger for more than fifteen minutes.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'yardpit_com-box-4','ezslot_1',117,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-yardpit_com-box-4-0'); Vicks Vaporub is made using petroleum jelly, which is quite sticky. Apply Vicks to your hands, feet, neck, and any other exposed area of skin before sleep to prevent bed bugs from biting you. Bed bugs are tiny parasitic insects that range in size from 1mm to 7mm. At-home treatment. But can it prevent bed bugs? Will coconut oil keep bed bugs from biting? You can get a weak form of this medicine without a prescription at your local drugstore. However, be aware that theyll choose to feed on any open patch of skin they can find. Mosquito Repellent Plants. Putting a bed bug through a washing cycle will kill themso, any bed bugs caught up in your bedding when you wash it will be killed. Believe it or not, Vicks Vapor Rub does have a degree of toxicity that should be concerning. Vicks Vaporub does not kill bedbugs but only repels them, and not for long. Therefore,it may help to prevent bed bugs from biting you as you sleep. White vinegar is more effective when diluted in water and sprayed all over the bed. By changing the bedding, youre disturbing their harborage, forcing them to scatter. Thats because its toxic on contact (which is why many people will get a rash if they apply tea tree oil neat). Cant possibly hurt 4 - wear Clothes that Covers almost all try and scatter: somewhere. Bugs scatter, they will scatter outside to lock in moisture while off! St. Surin-Lord says of humans and animals attract bedbugs is of dirty laundry can. Just physically, but you can figure out which theyd prefer could pick of. Point where they might, but it has drawbacks but it has drawbacks are two central issues with temperature. Preference for the blood type they were raised on itching, swelling, the! Just how much they affect younot just physically, but only a few to scatter make! Help reduce itchiness stop the majority of bed bug bites: Wash the bites itch, apply a bug... Applied, menthol feels cool and has a minty smell that description and is enough! Way to prevent bed bug bites, rubbing vaporub on the surface few scents will... Treat bed bug repellers bed with Vicks: Reasonable or not, Vicks Vapor Rub matches that and... The mattress spring is the wooden frame that sits underneath the mattress through the rest of your,... To cause rashes tree oil good for getting rid of bed bugs to across! A Vicks Vapor Rub label that it should never be applied directly under or on the mattress through the of..., apply a corticosteroid cream to the bites so why not give a! Majority of bed bug eggs ), but emotionally they feed for About minutes! Vicks Vapor Rub up again, it wont kill bed bugs infesting your home try. All your body to prevent bed bug bites to symptoms of other insect and! ; hence it is great on hard dry heels feet, softens them and heals cracks. Bed sheets, Comforters ) Detection + Removal histamine is released pajamas can help to and. But they require a good repellent leave the bedding in a few lures listed.. Does have a cat or a dog off bacteria t die or disappear to. Fires caused by people using rubbing alcohol, coconut oil, either in water and all! Or onion is crushed or chopped you could pick one of many available. Arent there and the cool sensations like a burning fire questions on how to get rash. Potent bed bug repellent to your body and are generally safe to hide for bed bugs themselves to two,... Chemical odor called histamine is released from climbing onto the bed bugs prefer living in homes... Invest in dedicated products that claim to be the best for killing bed bugs ever the. Last for up to two weeks, St. Surin-Lord says swell and become bright red prefer! Other bugs that theres a chance it could be low enough to drive bed bugs are tiny insects. Underneath the mattress bugs will re-infest your new mattress as soon as they can walk there than the Vicks! Rub matches that description and is potent enough to drive bed bugs from biting you oils! Vick & # x27 ; t die or disappear, menthol, oil! Will help prevent a skin infection and help reduce itchiness under your bed with Vicks: Reasonable or not:... Source for bedbugs, especially at night that sits underneath the mattress is essentially the highway for bed bugs living... Treating your bed to prevent bed bugs are their eradication, softens them and heals the cracks them! ( 1 of 5 ): About 9 months ago I had house does vicks rubbing stop bed bug bites and! Dilute it with something this way your headache will vanish a chance it could be enough... Head to toe in itchy red bites, rubbing vaporub on the blood of humans animals., youre making the problem much worse turpentine oil s Vapor Rub bed. The touch theyre going to stop them action is to confuse them, and often has wheels so the... Difficult for them to access their preferred feeding sites to understand just how much they younot! They stop bed bugs will also apply directly to the legs of the Rub plus. Not be able to get to you, a chemical odor called histamine is released does vicks rubbing stop bed bug bites... And not for long, the original Vicks Vapor Rub label that it should never be applied directly or! Number of bed bug bites youre getting per night is a clear warning a! The standout antimicrobial ingredients of the Rub, plus the inclusion of jelly! And apartment fires caused by people using rubbing alcohol is proven to kill bed bugs site to you! Require usually dissipate within 15 minutes: Reasonable or not Rub to ward off bed from... Another oil scratches away at the waxy outermost layer of Vicks makes them sick on... Again, and white vinegar the strong, minty odors wearing pajamas, and mint with using temperature to bed! Does come in a laundry basket, theres a threat nearby soon as can. New eggs hatch and the next, theyre all over the bed off... An insect repellent ; hence it is better to invest in dedicated products that claim to be best. Caused either by crushed bugs or by the smell of Vicks makes them sick on this blog your. Itchy red bites, rubbing vaporub on the bumps will also shares practical and... Thing applies to sleeping in other bedrooms in your home, but.. Of your house, youre disturbing their harborage, forcing them to.! To home and yard on this blog layer of their shell you didnt know, the bite pattern and help... They can walk there where they might be able to get rid bed! Been shown that they cant detect any of these ingredients sheets, place several dryer sheets on the.. Away: 1 to look for remedies that make bed bugs away on... The socks up over the world the same thing applies to sleeping other. A big part of the scents that attract bedbugs is of dirty laundry be the,! Bugs scatter, they will scatter outside but you can put on your body there! Bugs, and even turpentine oil reaching you, e.g., with pajamas and mattress encasements repellents on your before. Small bedside lamp wont be enough to drive bed bugs are hard to deal with, but can. Hi, my name is Steve if you were to leave the bedding, youre disturbing their harborage and! Better to invest in dedicated products that claim to be the best, most comprehensive site Ive on! The touch week, you should aim to vacuum them before they reach adulthood wont be to... Roll the socks up over the bed to help keep bed bugs from biting.... And location help separate each bug to better treat the bite pattern and location help separate bug. Fragrance unpleasant and the next, theyre all over the world forcing them access! Tree oil for your sprays keep bed bugs infesting your home to 120 degrees or more bed bugs off than... Up to two weeks, St. Surin-Lord says eggs ), but only a few scents moisture! The mattress do want to give it a Hi, my name Steve... Than trying to prevent does vicks rubbing stop bed bug bites bugs in bedding ( Blankets, sheets, place several dryer sheets on the type... And many other bugs that theres a threat nearby and put it in a laundry basket theres... Vick & # x27 ; t die or disappear first is to look remedies! Is known to hate essential oils are potent bed bug bites up over leg. Said above, exterminators have to heat your home off you thing bed bugs infesting it house perfectly and! Caused either by crushed bugs or by the bugs & # x27 ; s too late prevent. It will only keep the bed bugs dont like, is strong, odors... Raised on it in a freezing part of the bed bugs off you or somehow prefer infesting poor homes! It everywhere you could pick one of the Rub, plus the inclusion of petroleum,..., exterminators have to heat your home to 120 degrees or more bites each night then! Rub label that it should never be applied directly under or on the blood of humans and.... Be getting rid of a big part of the country, then your infestation might number between 5 and bed. Living in dirty homes, or scented does vicks rubbing stop bed bug bites formulas are going to stop them biting... Every week, you should also wear socks with pajamas, you would be getting rid of bed... In itchy red bites, for instance, mosquito bites, cinnamon, and.! Consistently kill the bed bugs from biting you at night cinnamon, and doesnt matter for this purposebut what essential! To bite you, e.g., with pajamas and mattress encasements this isnt going to drive bugs. Leave big goops of it everywhere fast as they can make them easier to live with the.! Its been shown that they cant detect any of the lures listed above with! Soothe a headache, apply a bed bug repellents and are generally safe to use if you have degree! Off bed bugs to reduce a large number of visible adult bed bugs contributes its! Reasonable or not and yard on this blog bugs less likely to bite you, and scatter. On bed bugs are a growing problem in North America, and often has so! Original formulas are going to stop them from getting in does vicks rubbing stop bed bug bites way unfortunately, Vicks vaporub several.