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Safest Way to Kill Bedbugs

Bedbugs are parasites that feed on the blood of warm blooded animals. They hide during the day and come out at night in search of potential hosts. Signs you may have bedbugs are itchy red wheals on your body or tiny drops of blood on your sheets. If you discover bedbugs in your home and do not want to use toxic chemicals, neem oil is a great alternative. It is a natural insecticide that is effective in repelling and killing bedbugs.

Things You'll Need

1 tsp neem oil
1 tsp insecticidal soap
Spray bottle
Caulk
Weather stripping

Instructions

- 1
  Make your own neem oil spray to kill bedbugs. Fill a spray bottle with one quart of warm water. Pour 1 tsp. of neem oil and 1 tsp. of insecticidal soap into the bottle and mix well. You can buy neem oil at your local garden center.
- 2
  Apply a light mist of the neem oil solution on your mattress, bed frame and box springs. Spray baseboards, cracks and crevices or anywhere you think bedbugs are hiding. Repeat once a week until you see no signs of bedbugs.
- 3
  Wash bedding and clothing in hot water and then dry at high temperatures to kill bedbugs. Place clean clothing in plastic bags until you see no signs of bedbugs.
- 4
  Vacuum furniture, bedding, floors and walls often to eliminate bedbugs. Discard the vacuum bag in an outside trash container.
- 5
  Prevent bedbugs from coming into your home. Seal any cracks or crevices in your home's foundation with caulk. Use weather stripping to seal openings around doors and windows.

Insects & Science