What Can I Do To Naturally Deter Bed Bugs In Ventura?

Efficacy Of Essential Oils

While more research is needed, the study conducted by the USDA on the effectiveness of essential oils on bed bugs showed that while minimally effective, bed bugs did show an aversion towards certain oils. Specifically, the oils that were proven to have this small but measurable effect were blood orange oil, paraffin oil, silicone oil, and spearmint oil.

Other Natural Methods For Combating Bed Bugs

If you are looking to deter bed bugs using natural methods, temperature is likely a more practical approach than using essential oils. Tried and true bed bug control methods such as drying items on the highest heat setting, freezing potentially contaminated items, or other means of achieving extreme temperatures are more likely to affect bed bugs. 

Bed Bug Hotspots

Even more effective than essential oils and extreme temperatures is being mindful of your surroundings and taking precautions when passing through bed bug hot spots. Bed bugs feed almost exclusively on human blood, which means anywhere there are lots of people automatically becomes a hotspot for bed bugs. Examples of bed bug hotspots include airports and train stations, movie theaters and libraries, laundromats, and hotels. 

When moving through a bed bug hotspot it is important to pay attention to your belongings. Unlike other pests, bed bugs do not jump or fly. Instead, they wait for our belongings to be placed nearby and then climb onto them to catch a ride into our homes. To avoid this fate it is important to not set items on the floor, or too close to the belongings of others, when in crowded public spaces. 

When traveling, it is helpful to protect your luggage with plastic bags, inspect hotel rooms for signs of bed bugs before settling in for the night, and wash and dry all items on the highest heat setting upon returning home.