Tea Tree Oil For Bed Bugs

by Reader Suggestion

I have been using tea tree oil to kill the bedbugs and it works right on contact. but it does leave oil residue on mattresses. This oil also costs a bit but its herbal and doesn't bother the people with breathing problems. It does how ever have a strong smell to it. I hope this helps some people out.

Editor Comment Bed Bugs Tea Tree Oil

We are revising our guidance for tea tree oil. In general trying tea tree oil as a natural bed bug remedy can be effective for reducing the size of a bed bug population and potentially eliminating a small population. To use, dilute 20 drops of tea tree oil in a water filled spray bottle and apply directly onto bed bugs. The mixture will enter the insects exoskeleton and suffocate the insects.

According to one study from the Brazilian Journal of Pharmacognosy, Tea Tree oil has a fumigation effect, but no effect when sprayed directly on bed bugs. Other sources claim that it kills bed bugs on contact.

For larger infestation we do not believe this is an effective approach since most bed bugs in an infestation are in hiding, the only thing you will be doing is to "knock down" the size of the population. This might be an effective approach for small infestations.

If you live in an apartment, a study by Rutgers University showed that the use of tea tree oil or an insecticide spray only eliminated bed bugs from 22% of treated apartments. If you live in an apartment there is a 20% chance that bed bugs spread from an adjoining apartment. If all apartments are not treated, the problem will just return.

If you live in a private home we suggest purchasing a Powders and Sprays">bed bug kit that contains several products including insecticide based sprays. You can use this in conjunction with a natural product such as diatomaceous earth that will kill bed bugs that pass through the dust field.

If you live in an apartment you can try a contact spray while you wait for a professional exterminator to inspect all adjoining apartments and to apply the appropriate treatment.

According to the Mayo Clinic Tea Tree Oil is generally safe when it comes in contact with human skin. In some people it can cause irritation. It is also toxic to cats and dogs.