Bed Bug Remedies That Don't Work

Here's a list of ways people often suggest to get rid of a bed bug infestation that just don't work:

1) Changing the temperature of your house - True, heat and cold can kill them off. But fiddling with the thermostat isn't going to cut it. It needs to be about 120 Fahrenheit to kill them with heat, or 32 Fahrenheit to kill them with cold (but it takes a couple of weeks that way). Even if you can get your house to those temperatures, it won't be uniform. So leave that dial alone. 

2) Lavender oil - This is a long-standing belief that isn't correct. Lavender is not very successful in keeping them away, and while there are various sprays, oils, etc. that are marketed as a natural remedy, it's going to be a waste of your time. I could find no proof anywhere that this works, and most people agree it's a myth.

Sources and Useful Links:

http://www.ca.uky.edu/entomology/entfacts/ef636.asp

http://www.thestar.com/article/242328

http://bedbugger.com/2007/07/11/lavenderoil/

 

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