Bed bugs are one of the most common household pests that can cause severe discomfort and irritation to your skin. These tiny insects feed on human blood and can infest your beds, furniture, and even clothing. Bed bug infestations are a common problem, especially in urban areas, and it’s essential to know what bed bugs hate to prevent an infestation.
In this article, we’ll discuss what bed bugs hate and how you can use this knowledge to keep them away from your home.
What Are Bed Bugs?
Bed bugs are small, reddish-brown insects that feed on human blood. They are about the size of an apple seed and can be found in a variety of places, including beds, furniture, and clothing. Bed bugs are not known to transmit any diseases, but their bites can cause severe itching and discomfort.
Bed bugs are excellent at hiding, and it can be challenging to spot them. They are most active at night and can survive for up to a year without feeding.
What Do Bed Bugs Hate?
There are several things that bed bugs hate, and understanding their dislikes can help you prevent an infestation.
Extreme Temperatures
Bed bugs are sensitive to extreme temperatures and cannot survive in extremely hot or cold environments. Exposing bed bugs to temperatures above 120°F (49°C) or below 32°F (0°C) can kill them.
You can use this knowledge to your advantage by washing your bedding, clothing, and other infested items in hot water and drying them on high heat. You can also use a steam cleaner to kill bed bugs on furniture and other surfaces.
Certain Scents
Bed bugs are repelled by certain scents, including lavender, peppermint, and tea tree oil. You can use essential oils containing these scents to keep bed bugs away from your home.
To use essential oils to repel bed bugs, mix a few drops with water in a spray bottle and spray the solution on your bedding, clothing, and furniture. You can also add a few drops of essential oil to your laundry detergent.
Certain Fabrics
Bed bugs prefer certain fabrics and materials, including wood, paper, and cotton. They are less likely to infest synthetic materials such as polyester and nylon.
You can use this knowledge to reduce the risk of bed bug infestations by using synthetic materials for your bedding, clothing, and furniture. You can also encase your mattress and pillows in bed bug-proof covers made of synthetic materials.
Light
Bed bugs prefer to be active at night and are attracted to dark spaces. They are less likely to infest areas with bright lights, so keeping your home well-lit can help prevent a bed bug infestation.
You can use this knowledge to your advantage by leaving your curtains open during the day to let in natural light. You can also use a bright flashlight to inspect your home for signs of bed bugs.
Conclusion
Bed bugs are a common household pest that can cause severe discomfort and irritation. Understanding what bed bugs hate can help you prevent an infestation.
Bed bugs are repelled by extreme temperatures, certain scents, certain fabrics, and bright lights. You can use this knowledge to your advantage by washing your bedding and clothing in hot water, using essential oils to repel bed bugs, using synthetic materials for your bedding and furniture, and keeping your home well-lit.
By taking these steps, you can reduce the risk of a bed bug infestation and keep your home free from these pesky insects.
