What Do Bed Bugs Hate? [Expert Answered]

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Expert's Note

Have you had enough with bed bugs and just want them to hate your house?

In this article we'll give you valuable information that will make bed bugs despise anything to do with your house.

Read below to know our top tips and finally solve your problem.

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Bed bugs bites on the back of a person

Bed bugs are a nuisance to all homeowners, but there are ways to keep them away from your home.

In this post, we'll discuss what bed bugs hate and how you can use this knowledge to your advantage.

We'll look at the types of things bed bugs hate, why they hate them, and how to use this information to keep your home free of these pests. You'll have an arsenal of every bed bug's nightmare on hand, so they'll never touch your house with a 10-foot pole.

How Difficult is Getting Rid of Bed Bugs?

Getting rid of bed bugs can be a difficult and time-consuming task. They are hardy pests that can survive in a variety of environments, and they reproduce quickly. They can also hide in small areas, making them difficult to find and treat.

The best way to get rid of bed bugs is to use a combination of pest control methods, including chemical treatments, physical removal, and heat treatments. Chemical treatments can be effective at killing bed bugs, but they may not kill all the eggs. Physical removal is time-consuming and can be difficult, as bed bugs can hide in small cracks and crevices. Heat treatments are an effective way to kill bed bugs, but they can be expensive and may not be available in all areas.

It is important to remember that the most effective way to get rid of bed bugs is to use a combination of methods. A pest control professional can help you identify the best treatments for your situation and provide advice on how to prevent future infestations.

bed bug infestation on mattress

What are Things Bed Bugs Hate the Most?

  • Light: Bed bugs are nocturnal, which means they avoid light. To keep bed bugs away, try using bright lights in the rooms where you suspect may be infested. To add, sunlight can be a deterrent to bed bugs. Opening up curtains and blinds during the day can help to keep bed bugs away. Furthermore, using ultraviolet light to expose areas that may be infested can help to kill bed bugs.
  • Temperature: Bed bugs hate extreme temperatures, both hot and cold. Temperatures below 32 degrees Fahrenheit can cause bed bugs to die, so if you want to use temperature to keep bed bugs away, you can try freezing items that may be infested or keeping your home heated to a temperature above 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Pesticides: Certain types of pesticides such as pyrethrins, pyrethroids, and neem oil can be used to repel bed bugs. However, it's important to use the right type of pesticide, as some can actually attract bed bugs.
  • Scents: Certain scents such as lavender and eucalyptus can be used to repel bed bugs. You can use essential oils of these scents in your home to help keep bed bugs away. Continue Reading to know more about what scents you can use to keep bed bugs away.

Lighting Environment Bed Bugs Hate

Bed bugs are nocturnal, which means they avoid light. If you want to keep bed bugs away, you can try using bright lights in your home, particularly in the rooms you suspect may be infested.

Since they like to hide in dark places, using bright lights to check for bed bugs in your home can help. You can also use insecticides to kill any bed bugs you may find. It's important to remember to check your bedding and furniture and clean up any clutter in your home, as bed bugs are attracted to these areas.

A UV light lamp

Temperatures Bed Bugs Hate

Bed bugs hate extreme temperatures, both hot and cold. In fact, temperatures below 32 degrees Fahrenheit can cause bed bugs to die. If you want to use temperature to keep bed bugs away, you can try freezing items that may be infested or keeping your home heated to a temperature above 90 degrees Fahrenheit. In fact heat treatment is an effective way to get rid of bed bugs and is often used by pest control companies.

Table with temperatures that kill bed bugs

Top Pesticides Bed Bugs Hate

Bed bugs are also repelled by certain pesticides, such as pyrethrins, pyrethroids, and neem oil.

However, it's important to use the right type of pesticide, as some can actually attract bed bugs.

Here are the best pesticides bed bugs hate the most:

  • Pyrethrin-based pesticide: Pyrethrin is an insecticide derived from chrysanthemums and can be used to get rid of bed bugs.

  • Neem-based pesticide: Neem-based pesticide is effective against bed bugs and can be used safely in homes.

  • Permethrin-based pesticide: Permethrin is a synthetic pesticide that has been used to kill bed bugs.

  • Diatomaceous earth: This is a natural substance made from the fossilized remains of tiny aquatic organisms. It can be used to kill bed bugs by drying them out.

    Neem plant in a mortar and pestle next to it neem oil in a cup

Top Scents Bed Bugs Hate

Bed bugs are highly sensitive to certain smells and absolutely despise them. This can be exploited to repel them from areas.

Some of the scents they hate the most include:

#1 Peppermint

Peppermint is a natural insect repellent that can be used to repel bed bugs. The strong, minty fragrance of peppermint essential oil has been found to be an effective deterrent against bed bugs, and can help repel them away from the area.

Peppermint plant and oil bottle

#2 Lavender

Lavender is a natural insect repellent that can be used to repel bed bugs. The sweet, floral scent of lavender essential oil can help to keep bed bugs away, as well as providing a pleasant aroma.

Lavender plant and oil bottle

#3 Cinnamon

Cinnamon is another natural insect repellent that can be used to repel bed bugs. The warm, spicy scent of cinnamon has been known to ward off bed bugs and keep them from infesting a particular area.

Cinnamon wood wrapped in cloth ribbon

#4 Rubbing Alcohol

Rubbing alcohol is an effective natural repellent for bed bugs due to its distinct, unpleasant odor. This can help prevent them from coming close to the area.

Rubbing alcohol is an effective method for killing bed bugs, as well as their larvae and eggs. However, there’s a catch. It kills bed bugs on contact. Rubbing alcohol alone won't be enough to get rid of bed bugs as they can hide in small cracks and crevices. Rubbing alcohol is an effective way of deterring bed bugs, as they hate its smell.

Mix equal parts of rubbing alcohol in a spray bottle to repel bed bugs. Spritz your bed frame, headboard, mattress, and any furniture near the bed. Using rubbing alcohol on the skin every night to ward off bed bugs is not recommended as it can cause dryness and redness on the skin, and is potentially toxic.

Person's hand holding a brown spray bottle

#5 Black Pepper

Black pepper is another natural insect repellent that can be used to repel bed bugs. The sharp, spicy aroma of black pepper can help keep bed bugs away, making it an effective deterrent when used in an area.

Two plates full of black pepper

#6 Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is a natural insect repellent that can be used to repel bed bugs. The refreshing, medicinal scent of tea tree oil is an effective repellent against bed bugs, and can help to keep them away from the area.

Tea tree oil

#7 Neem Oil

Neem oil is another natural insect repellent that can be used to repel bed bugs. The strong, woody scent of neem oil has been known to ward off bed bugs and keep them from infesting the area.

Neem plant and oil

#8 Lemon

Lemon is another natural insect repellent that can be used to repel bed bugs. The tart, citrusy aroma of lemon is an effective deterrent to bed bugs, and can help to keep them away.

#9 Blood Orange Oil

Blood orange oil is a highly effective solution for bed bug problems. It can be used in a variety of ways, such as spraying it on surfaces, putting it in a diffuser, and applying it directly to bed bugs.

It can take some time to take effect, but will be worth it in the end. If this method is not desired, a pest expert from Mooresville should be consulted.

Blood oranges cut into halves

#10 Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus is another natural insect repellent that can be used to repel bed bugs. The sharp, camphorous scent of eucalyptus can help to keep bed bugs away, making it an effective deterrent when used in an area.

Eucalyptus tree and buds

#11 Lemongrass

Lemongrass is another natural insect repellent that can be used to repel bed bugs. The strong, citrusy scent of lemongrass has been known to ward off bed bugs and keep them from infesting a particular area.

Lemongrass plant and oil next to a mortar and pestle

Myths About Bed Bugs

There are many myths and misconceptions about bed bugs, and it can be difficult to know what to believe. Here are some of the most common myths about bed bugs and the truth behind them.

Myth: Bed Bugs are only found in dirty places

This is a common misconception, but it's not true. Bed bugs can be found in any type of home, regardless of cleanliness. They are attracted to the warmth and carbon dioxide produced by humans and animals, not dirt or mess.

Myth: Bed Bugs only come out at night

Bed bugs are nocturnal, meaning they are most active at night. However, they can come out during the day, especially when they are looking for food.

Myth: Bed Bugs can fly

Bed bugs do not have wings and cannot fly. They are able to crawl on walls and ceilings, but they cannot fly.

Myth: Bed Bugs can jump

Bed bugs do not have the ability to jump. They crawl quickly and can cling to surfaces, but they cannot jump.

Myth: Bed Bugs only feed on humans

Bed bugs will feed on any warm-blooded animal, including humans, cats, dogs, birds, and rodents.

Myth: Bed Bug bites are always itchy and painful

Not everyone reacts to bed bug bites in the same way. Some people may experience severe itching and pain, while others may not notice anything at all.

FAQs about What Bed Bugs Hate

Below is a table with frequently asked questions about what bed bugs hate:

QuestionsAnswers
What do bed bugs hate?Bed bugs hate light, extreme temperatures, pesticides, and certain scents.
What type of light do bed bugs hate?Bed bugs are nocturnal, so they avoid light. Using bright lights in rooms you suspect may be infested can help.
What temperatures do bed bugs hate?Bed bugs hate extreme temperatures, both hot and cold. Temperatures below 32 degrees Fahrenheit can cause bed bugs to die.
What type of pesticides do bed bugs hate?Pyrethrin-based, neem-based, permethrin-based, diatomaceous earth, and heat treatments can all be used to repel bed bugs.
What scents do bed bugs hate?Bed bugs hate peppermint, lavender, cinnamon, rubbing alcohol, black pepper, tea tree oil, neem oil, lemon, blood orange oil, and eucalyptus.

Conclusion

By understanding what bed bugs hate, you can use this knowledge to your advantage and keep your home free of these pests.

Try using extreme temperatures, bright lights, and the right type of pesticide to keep bed bugs away.

Additionally, using natural repellents such as peppermint, lavender, cinnamon, and eucalyptus can help repel bed bugs and keep them away from your home. Rubbing alcohol and black pepper can also be used to repel bed bugs, while neem oil, lemon, and blood orange oil can be used to kill them. Lastly, don't forget that bed bugs can feed on any warm-blooded animal, not just humans!

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Jessica H.

Jessica is a reviewer, writer, and sleep enthusiast at Sleepiverse. Jessica graduated with her master's degree in Nursing research and education. She is a registered nurse and currently works in the Intensive Care Unit. Since becoming a nurse, Jessica has worked the night shift, which means a disrupted sleep schedule. Knowing she needed to function at her best while caring for patients at night, she spent a lot of time researching how to sleep well with a difficult schedule.