Friday, July 20, 2012

How to Repel Bed Bugs...Naturally



Unlike the last post, the pretty lavender spritzer for linen and home, this post is gross, sick and gag reflex worthy!  I could talk myself out of staying in a hotel for the rest of my days after reading about bed bugs.


*shudder*  *cringe*  *gasp*




Bed bugs ugh!  I know this isn't a pretty subject but if you're vacationing this summer in a hostel, hotel or any other place where large numbers of people sleep, we need to know this stuff!


Bed bugs can be found in the swankiest hotels and the humblest  hostels.  The little buggers are no discriminators of taste but, they're particular of their habitat and who they dine on.



I should post a photo of a bed bug but I can't do it!  I can't!  You can google it if your curiosity is getting the better of you. I've seen enough vermin on enough websites to last a good long while.


The glaring truth of the matter is that when traveling, you don't know if you're going to come in contact with bed bugs because even the newest, trendiest hotels can be infested.  Sad but true.  Why not give yourself some peace of mind by mixing up a spritzer of "Bed Bug be Gone" for your next trip.  This spritz is made with key essential oils that will send the buggers packing instead of you!



Buy some small glass spray bottles that will fit in your luggage.  If you're going to carry it with you on the plane, make sure it meets TSA regulations.  Here's a link to a great source for all sizes of glass bottles, Aroma Tools.


Recipe for "Bed Bug be Gone" Spritz


1  C. water
10  drops lavender 
10  drops rosemary
10  drops eucalyptus 
3  drops clove 
1  teaspoon vodka (acts as an emulsifier)


Fill several bottles, use some as refills or distribute to fellow travel buddies.  When you get to your hotel room, do not put your suitcase on the bed or the floor, use a luggage rack or set in the shower.  Pull back the comforter and sheets and spray between all layer.  Essential oils are not oily so don't worry about staining the linens.


FYI - Lavender is a well known insect repellent.  Interesting that something so fragrant repels bugs!  Of course, my hopes for all of us is that we never encounter horrid bed bugs at all but...in the words of UPS...


 Expect the unexpected. 



23 Comments:

At July 20, 2012 at 3:35 PM , Blogger Arkansas transplant said...

Just in time for vacation. Thanks for the great idea. I am having a real fear of staying in motels and hotels lately and this might make it easier.

 
At July 21, 2012 at 6:11 AM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

Thanks for this recipe...it will come in handy this summer, read you soon, Alexandra

 
At July 26, 2012 at 8:23 AM , Blogger Honeynajar said...

Thanks for your great posts! I notice you use Absolute vodka in your recipes.... just in case you actually drink the vodka - there is a brand called 3 - just the number. It's a soy based vodka and BOY is it YUMMY! I have no affiliation with 3 other than to drink it! :-) It's not avail everywhere... But I highly recommend it! Cheers!

 
At August 16, 2012 at 8:49 AM , Blogger Unknown said...

It's true that no matter how clean and beautiful the hotel or guesthouse that we stay in, those places will still be prone to pesky bedbugs. And having the lavender scent sprayed on the bed will not only protect yourself from bugs, it will also make your sleep a lot nicer. I also used to bring a small lavender bottle every time I go backpacking.


Carlene Fertig

 
At November 4, 2012 at 4:52 AM , Blogger Carole said...

Can you use anything else beside Vodka?

 
At November 4, 2012 at 5:06 AM , Blogger Rebecca said...

Yes Mom, you can use rubbing alcohol too! Thanks for asking :))

 
At November 21, 2012 at 7:33 AM , Blogger Lucile Lynch said...

Aside from this tip you've given, we can also use our appliances we have at home like the vacuum cleaner and a handheld steamer. Basically, these two can work well together in killing those bed bugs. Well, you should vacuum the entire bed first, and then go over it with the steamer. You can also fill the steamer with lavender oil to make it more effective. :D

Lucile Lynch

 
At December 27, 2012 at 5:02 AM , Blogger Unknown said...

The scent of lavender definitely has lots of benefits! Aside from its calming effect, it can also be used as insect repellent. Isn’t that amazing? Now I know why my mother loves lavender so much! I should probably start using lavender too, shouldn’t I? That is, if I want to keep those bugs away.

-Selena Slough

 
At January 3, 2013 at 7:30 AM , Blogger Marg said...

I have just one question. My husband does not like the smell of lavender so if I use this spray I might be in a room by myself. Is there anything that could be used.
Marg

 
At January 3, 2013 at 7:34 AM , Blogger Rebecca said...

You could use Peppermint!

 
At January 3, 2013 at 6:37 PM , Blogger Marg said...

Thanks for the suggestion.

 
At January 28, 2013 at 7:08 PM , Blogger AnnaleeG said...

I send my boys to scout camp with a spray bottle mixed with tea tree oil, rubbing alcohol and lavender. They spray their sleeping gear both in the morning and at night to keep out the creepy crawlies.

 
At April 6, 2013 at 9:19 PM , Blogger Unknown said...

Why glass bottles? Wouldn't the plastic travel spray bottles work the same?

 
At April 8, 2013 at 9:07 AM , Blogger Rebecca said...

Crystal, essential oils leach petrochemicals from plastic, glass is best :))

 
At April 29, 2013 at 5:37 PM , Blogger Unknown said...

What store caries these oils?

 
At July 19, 2013 at 3:58 PM , Blogger Unknown said...

Does this actually work?

 
At July 22, 2013 at 2:12 PM , Blogger Rebecca said...

You would be surprised how PURE essential oils like these can repel bugs!!

http://www.sparknaturals.com/?affiliates=6

 
At November 21, 2013 at 6:20 PM , Blogger Unknown said...

can all these oils be bought at any grocery store?

 
At January 25, 2015 at 2:44 PM , Blogger Unknown said...

What if we are missing 1 oil will it still work
And where u get glass spray bottle

 
At June 5, 2016 at 6:50 PM , Blogger Unknown said...

Hi I do not have clove or eucalyptus what can I use instead also what size or ounces of bottle do you use

 
At June 5, 2016 at 6:51 PM , Blogger Unknown said...

Hi I do not have clove or eucalyptus what can I use instead also what size or ounces of bottle do you use

 
At June 12, 2016 at 6:12 AM , Blogger Unknown said...

I buy all of my oils and glass spray bottles from my friend who is an oil consultant. You could always get them from her. Search her on Pinterest - Heather Poma

 
At June 12, 2016 at 6:12 AM , Blogger Unknown said...

I buy all of my oils and glass spray bottles from my friend who is an oil consultant. You could always get them from her. Search her on Pinterest - Heather Poma

 

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