由 home-healthhaven 
Bed bugs are tiny insects that feed on the blood of humans and other mammals. They thrive in dark, dry places like cracks in walls, furniture, stairs, carpets, and especially beds.
Since bed bugs are nocturnal, they become active at night, often biting you while you sleep. Although their bites usually aren’t painful, they can cause significant itchiness and irritation. A bed bug will feed on your blood for about four minutes before retreating to its hiding place.
To identify a bed bug infestation, watch out for signs like their shed skins, eggs, bites, and dried blood. Bed bug skins look like hollow bugs, their eggs resemble tiny grains of rice, and bites appear as clusters of red, itchy welts on your skin.
### Home Remedies
There are several home remedies you can use to eliminate bed bugs and alleviate the itching from their bites. These methods are cost-effective and allow you to act quickly when you notice bed bugs in your home.
**Spray Natural Insecticide**
You can use natural insecticides made from vegetable or fruit extracts to combat bed bugs. These typically contain canola oil and pyrethrins, which are very effective. Rubbing alcohol is another option; it kills bed bugs and their eggs and helps repel them from your home. Just ensure there are no flames nearby when using alcohol.
You can also mix your own natural insecticide by combining lavender, rosemary, and eucalyptus essential oils with water. Spray this mixture on the affected areas to help kill bed bugs.
**Use Steam**
High-temperature steam is an excellent method for killing bed bugs and their eggs. You can rent or buy a steaming machine from a hardware store to treat infested areas in your home. For best results, keep the steamer tip about two inches from the surface and thoroughly treat all cracks and dark spaces where bed bugs might hide. If you notice bed bugs again in a couple of days, repeat the steaming process.
**Herbs**
Certain herbs can repel bed bugs effectively. For instance, sprinkle cayenne pepper around areas to prevent their entry. Mint leaves and lavender oil are also known for their repellent properties. Place mint leaves around your house and rub lavender oil around your bed and other infested areas.
**Toothpaste**
To alleviate the itching caused by bedbug bites, apply some toothpaste to the affected area. The baking soda in toothpaste has anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce itchiness and irritation.
Consider these four home remedies if you ever encounter bed bugs. These insects can infest not only homes but also hotels, so always be vigilant about checking for signs of them wherever you go.