One day they arent there and the next, theyre all over your bed. Bed bugs Vicks vapor rub is one of these remedies, other remedies are essential oils, rubbing alcohol, and many other things. However, this effect isnt absolute. To treat bed bug bites: Wash the bites with soap and water. Lets examine a few; Bed bugs like cluttered areas where they can hide during the day and then surface at night to bite you. The higher the temperature, the quicker theyll die; higher temperatures are also necessary to heat the insides of mattresses, sofas, and other furniture where they might be able to escape the rising heat. One of the scents that attract bedbugs is of dirty laundry. To treat bed bug bites: Wash the bites with soap and water. This will stop them from getting in that way. Vick's Vapor rub matches that description and is potent enough to drive bed bugs away. Diatomaceous earth is a kind of ground-up rock. Another scent that repels bedbugs is the scent of diatomaceous earth. Lures typically use carbon dioxide and warmth to pretend that theyre a person. Its completely airtight once its zipped up, which means that the bed bugs in your mattress cant get you anymore. Whether any essential oil is potent enough to kill bed bugs is still up for debate, but applying essential oils to your body might stop bed bugs from biting you. To counter this, you could try applying some of the sprays or other deterrents we suggest below to these areas. As for isopropyl, a high percentage mix works well against bed bugs but dries faster. But if they do scatter, what do you think theyre going to do? (Quick Answer), Will a Porch Light Keep Raccoons Away? Many thanks! Thats why you can survive for hours or even days in very low temperatures, but youll eventually succumb to the cold without shelter. Some people experience allergic reactions; bed bug bites can cause skin rashes and itching. Of course, they also dont like the heat. Used to discipline pets. These pheromones, though, only work on male bed bugs, and will do nothing to dissuade females from invading a space. In that sense, Vicks is just a temporary solution. Pick a real tea tree oil for your sprays. They wont completely kill all the bed bugs infesting your home, but they can make them easier to live with. Peppermint kills some bug larvae and repels adult mosquitoes. This is because many essential oils are natural insecticides, and will make bed bugs flee the scene. Does Vicks vapor rub kill bed bugs. But Keeping insects as pets can be incredibly fun! S based company, Procter & Gamble. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, these little pests feed on the blood of humans and animals. Vicks is a vapor rub manufactured by a U. Bed bugs are attracted to many things, including heat, carbon dioxide and the natural smells we give off in our sweat. If there are holes in the mattress, this might suggest that there are bed bugs actually inside it; if thats the case, spray the entire mattress. VapoRub is also effective against bed bugs, which it treats not only coughs and colds. This will help prevent a skin infection and help reduce itchiness. The camphor oil in Vicks can help relieve pain, irritation, and itching. The more mess thats on the floor, the better it is for a bed bug. Vicks vaporub and certain essential oils are potent bed bug repellers. Dilute the oil, either in water, or in another oil. They Do), Do Banana Peels Keep Aphids Away? Does Vicks Rubbing Stop Bed Bug Bites. If you have no other options, you can use Vicks Vaporub at night as a last-resort bed bug repellant. So, bed bugs prefer warm weather. Of course, it goes without saying that you should never ingest the stuff or put it anywhere near your mouth or eyes. Theyre typically made of plastic, but could be made of anything smooth enough that they would struggle to get out of. Look for reddish or rusty stains on your sheets. Buy a mattress encasement and put it on your mattress before you take it outside. To apply vinegar to your skin, simply. To know more, you can read our post about what to put on your body to prevent bed bug bites. 2. You can prevent bed bugs from reaching you, e.g., with pajamas and mattress encasements. There are plenty of products you can put on your body that repels bed bugs and prevent bed bug bites. I hope you find it useful! This is made worse by the fact that the diatomaceous earth itself is highly absorbent, so it almost sucks the bed bugs moisture through its shell. At this heat, bed bugs quickly start to dry up and die. Alright, thats it for this article, here are a few hand-selected articles that you might also find interesting reads: Mad about bugs and wanting to publish as many articles as I can to help educate people about these amazing beautiful creatures! But you must keep in mind that you need to apply a generous amount of Vicks VapoRub on the bite prone areas of your body. Tea tree essential oil is thought to work especially well against bed bugs, as is peppermint essential oil, lavender essential oil, and eucalyptus essential oil. Its also vitally important that you empty the vacuum cleaner bag once youre done. White vinegar is a cheaper and more effective alternative to essential oils when repelling bugs. If you buy a mattress encasement, it doesnt matter how infested the mattress itself is. How Vick's Vapor Rub affects Bed Bugs. A little dab rubbed on and around the bite not only soothes the itch but takes the swelling down as well. 12 Surprising Home Remedies to Prevent Bed Bugs. 1. By dragging the mattress through the rest of your house, youre making the problem much worse. But without this outer layer, theyll very quickly dry out. There are several alternatives to Vicks that will effectively repel bed bugs. Here are 5 natural products that you can apply directly to your skin to prevent bed bug bites. No doubt youve tried a few things alreadybut what works, and what doesnt? 2023 BedBugsInsider.com. Far better is to treat the mattress and see if you can decontaminate it. While Vicks Vapor Rub is a very effective deterrent, it will only keep the bed bugs off you. However, everyone who uses Vicks Vapor Rub should never apply it extensively, all over the body. Also, just the act of changing your bedding is enough to make a bed bugs life less comfortable. Bear this in mind when youre choosing your spray bottle. Normally, Vicks is applied on the chest before you go to sleep. Vicks VapoRub contains cedarleaf oil, which is a natural insect repellent. Instead, you should stay in the same room, but use the methods described above and below to get rid of bed bugs fast, and prevent them from being able to reach you. As new eggs hatch and the bed bugs grow, you should aim to vacuum them before they reach adulthood. [8] 3. Let's find what scents can help in keeping bed bugs away. They won't die or disappear. The three ingredients in Vicks Vapor Rub that are the most harmful are camphor, eucalyptus oil, and menthol. I caught them in a hotel while on vacation. Second, were talking genuine temperature extremes. They have been bitten; its just that you cant see the bites. Some people swear it helps relieve itching, swelling, and redness. Because bed bugs like to hide under things. Signs and Symptoms of Bed Bug Bites. Bug Tip Tuesday | Vicks VapoRub Repellent. Bed bug bites can look like bites from other insects (such as mosquitoes or chiggers), rashes (such as eczema or fungal infections), or even hives. In particular, pay attention to cracks and crevices where they might be hiding. ), Does Vicks VapoRub Repel Mosquitoes? Bed bugs cant bite throughplastics, fabrics, or anything else. 4. If you cant or wont put chemical-based repellents on your body, there are effective natural alternatives to try! While it may feel wonderful, bedbugs find the fragrance unpleasant and the cool sensations like a burning fire. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'yardpit_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_3',110,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-yardpit_com-large-leaderboard-2-0');At least once or twice a week, launder your clothes and bedding in high temperatures. This will help prevent a skin infection and help reduce itchiness. It contains several essential oils on its own, including eucalyptus oil, turpentine oil, and cedar leaf oil. To deal with your bed bug problem, you have to try to kill every single one. Does Vicks rubbing stop bed bug bites? Coconut oil contains fatty acids that have been found to repel bed bugs, ticks, mosquitoes, and other biting flies. A specific amount of oxygen and carbon dioxide is present in the air we breathe. Vicks Vapor Rub, when used to prevent bed bugs, should only be something you use for a single night, just to get you through the problem until you can come up with a more permanent solution in the morning. If theres one thing a bed bug cant stand, its the smell of Vicks vaporub. A great alternative to vacuum cleaning is to use a steam cleaner, which well talk about later. Or you can kill them with heat which is the best way of stopping them from biting. Pajamas can help prevent bites, at least to an extent. Can You Get Bed Bugs from Charity Stores? Theyre just going to head somewhere else. By wrapping yourself in sheets and comforters, you make it so that the bed bug cant get to your skin in the first place. They dont like anywhere thats too humid. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hi, I'm Lou. Bed bugs are known to prefer dark conditions. Apply Vicks vapor rub on your skin to repel any persistent mosquito. Black Walnut Tea. Thats how steam machines actually perform a dual function. Its only effective as a temporary deterrent. 8. In terms of combatting bed bugs, there is really only one type of Vicks Vapor Rub, which is the original paste that everyone is used to and understands. The dirt will attract other bugs. To wash your bedding, follow the following guidelines: The point of this procedurerather than just picking up the bedding and taking it straight to the machineis to stop any bed bugs from being spread around your house. If youre bitten every night, then your infestation might number between 5 and 10 bed bugs. How does Vicks vapor rub kill bed bugs . Most people apply Vicks to their bodies to ease congestion or joint pain. link to Can Caterpillars Hurt You? So, for example, lets say you tried spreading a little Vicks VapoRub on a bed bug harborage underneath your mattress. For ideal cough suppression, rub some Vicks VapoRub on the chest and neck, place a warm, dry cloth over the head while positioning yourself in an upright or standing pose. However, some people find that repellent products made using essential oils simply arent potent enough to keep bed bugs away. Wash your bed sheets and other bedding in high temperatures settings (40 - 50C) at least once a week to eliminate all nymphs and adult bed bugs. Bed bugs and some other insects avoid scents like lavender, citrus, basil, cinnamon, and mint. Is Tea Tree Oil Good for Getting Rid of Bed Bugs? There are much better ways to both prevent and kill bed bugs. You can dab some Vicks on your elbow, neck, knees, ankles, and wrists instead of rubbing it all over your body. Bed Bugs in Bedding (Blankets, Sheets, Comforters) Detection + Removal. But there is some truth to the idea that bed bugs prefer biting some people more than others. Insecticides arent made for you to spray onto your skin. The Quick Answer. Apply Vicks to your hands, feet, neck, and any other exposed area of skin before sleep to prevent bed bugs from biting you. Vicks also sells vapor patches but, like the lotion variation, its nowhere near as potent and it would be difficult to use patches to lay down enough of the Vicks to ward off bed bugs. Lots of essential oils have insecticidal activity. Bed bugs are naturally averse to some of the potent odors and chemicals in Vicks Vapor Rub, specifically, the camphor smell culled front eh eucalyptus oil, menthol, and thymol. However, if youre thinking of spraying something like this on your skin, make sure to read the label first. This is part of the reason why you shouldnt use Vicks Vapor Rub to ward off bed bugs. Bed bugs cannot be ignored, so Vicks VapoRub not only treats coughs and colds, but it also repels them. If you use it on yourself to ward off bed bugs for the night, you should only use tiny amounts sporadically over your body. Tea tree oil has a nicer smell than rubbing alcohol and far less flammable. , ticks, mosquitoes, and other biting bugs. It even increases your chances of. It is said that black walnut tea offers bed bug repellent properties. Non-homemade chemical products are formulated using insecticides like DEET and typically have stronger bed bug repellent . To ensure you have the most skin covered when sleeping and to prevent bed bugs from having a spot to bite, you might consider wearing pajamas. This is bad for two reasons: Now, all of this isnt to say that bed bugs love dirt; they dont. But if youre living with a massive infestation, then quickly flipping the mattress and vacuuming up as many bed bugs as you can is a good idea. The heat and fragrance from Vicks are sufficient to keep bed bugs away from your skin and keep them from biting you. You dont want to just focus on the bed frame, the mattress, or the surrounding areas on an individual basis. Unfortunately, the bed bugs grew immune to DDT. Since bed bugs lack wings, you are responsible for moving them from one place to another by accidentally carrying them in your clothing, bags, or other items. Vicks can repel bed bugs but there are more effective ways of controlling their spread and infestation. Regularly vacuuming your mattress and bed box. Bed bugs are natural explorers: they can make their way through walls and ceilings, scuttle across hallways and under doors, and even hide on public transport. If theres one thing a bed bug cant stand, its the smell of Vicks vaporub. Bed bugs are tiny parasitic insects that range in size from 1mm to 7mm. This alleviates itching within minutes! It is true that bed bugs prefer to come out at night. It helps to use a diffuser with essential oils, which may drive some of the bed bugs away with the strong smell of the oil in the air. The first is to confuse them, so that they cant detect any of the lures listed above. Do Slugs Eat Mouse Poison? . Why? Sleep Under Layers of Sheets and Comforters. A short, sharp burst of heat wont be enough to kill them, but it will be enough to force them to scatter. If it's too late to prevent mosquito bites, rubbing VapoRub on the bumps will also . Enjoy the website! At this point, you can use one of the many methods below (sprays, for example) to kill any bed bugs you can see. If your bed bug infestation is bad enough, then the chances are that there might be some bed bugs in your sofa already. Apply a cold compress or ice pack wrapped in cloth for not longer than 20 minutes, and wait at least an hour before reapplying. Bed bugs are similar. So, to stop bed bug bites in particular places, you could spray yourself with a small amount of oil each night. If there are, then youre just going to get bitten anyway. The best treatment for bed bugs available from an exterminator is heat treatment. Simply smooth coconut oil onto exposed areas of skin before you sleep to keep the bed bugs away (but be aware; coconut oil can cause acne if applied directly to the face)! One known scent that repels bed bugs is the pheromones secreted by the nymphs, or baby bed bugs. To apply vinegar to your skin, simply soak a cotton wool ball and rub it over areas most vulnerable to bed bug bites. Homemade bed bug repellents include natural essential oils, rubbing alcohol, coconut oil, Vicks vaporub, and white vinegar. They Do), Do Butterflies Like Roses? Roll the socks over the pajama leg and wear them over the pajamas to keep bedbugs from getting in the way. Vicks and bed bugs. Lavender, rosemary, citronella, peppermint, and eucalyptus essential oils work the best. Apply Vicks to your hands, feet, neck, and any other exposed area of skin before sleep to prevent bed bugs from biting you. Like any insect, bed bugs are susceptible to both heat and cold. Vicks VapoRub uses on feet. Killing a bed bug infestation is a pretty involved process. 2. If you bring just one or two bed bugs with you to the sofa, then they might start a breeding population there, too. While pleasant to you, bed bugs usually become irritated by these smells. Bed bugs are attracted by many things that you might not expect. Vicks Vaporub was not designed to be an insect repellent; hence it is not a good repellent. Bed bugs can't bite through . So, what helps bed bugs find you? Ive long been fascinated by bed bugs, ever since a friends life was turned upside down. So why not give it a Hi, my name is Steve You can also buy encasements that fit over your box spring. Additionally, you might place some dryer sheets in your dresser or pillowcases. So, if you wear pajamas, be prepared for the bed bugs to bite your neck and shoulders instead. It just makes them avoid you like the plague. Use the one thats designed to fit into narrow cracks and gaps, so that you can aim the vacuum cleaner better. Because you might bring the bed bugs with you. It keeps control of the underlying inflammatory reaction of the skin. If you use essential oils to avoid bed bug bites, it is important to apply them to your body safely. For best results, wear pajamas with long legs and long sleeves to cover up as much of your skin as possible. The most important is that its highly flammable. There are many ways to prevent bed bugs from biting you at night. Its a myth that bed bugs prefer living in dirty homes, or somehow prefer infesting poor peoples homes rather than rich peoples homes. Bed bugs like humid conditions, but only to an extent. It is released when garlic or onion is crushed or chopped. These products are safe to apply to your body and are guaranteed to keep bed bugs from biting you. Youre sick of getting out of bed in the middle of the night to search for a bed bug remedy. Homemade bed bug repellents include natural essential oils, rubbing alcohol, coconut oil, Vicks vaporub, and white vinegar. So, while their bites might swell up and itch terribly, other people will hardly react at all. Rub vicks vaporub generously on sore muscles. And when theyre scared, theyll release a unique scent that acts as a warning to other bed bugs that theres a threat nearby. For best results, you should vacuum the mattress frequently. When you apply Vicks to certain parts of your body, bed bugs only experience one significant side effect: the essential oils make them ill. It's a simple yet effective technique to prevent bed bug bites . The biggest problem people encounter when finding out how to stop bed bugs is the sheer amount of pseudoscientific nonsense that many bloggers and even pest controllers suggest. As we said above, exterminators have to heat your home to 120 degrees or more to consistently kill the bed bugs infesting it. Bed bugs can detect us because of the carbon dioxide we exhale. These each contributes to its unique and distinctive scent. Rubbing alcohol does kill bed bugs, but it has drawbacks. Bed bugs are a nightmare. A small bedside lamp wont be enough to stop them. You can also dilute a few teaspoons of white vinegar with water to make a homemade spray repellent for your bed. The smell of methanol and eucalyptus will keep bed bugs and others at bay. According to a paper in Pest Management Science, steam machines use a combination of moisture and high heat to kill and repel bed bugs. ), Is Toothpaste Poisonous to Mice? Vicks Vaporub does not kill bedbugs but only repels them, and not for long. . Remember that even though you do not eat in bed, your sheets will be dirty with grime and dead skin cells, which roaches love! You should also wear socks with pajamas, and roll the socks up over the leg. Are one of the ways to prevent bug bites. Ice. While most bugs arent exactly cuddly, keeping them as pets lets us learn so much and get closer to the insect world. Why do bed bugs prefer to bite certain people? Bed bugs are generally attracted to scents closely related to their primary food source, humans. That means going after their eggs and the bed bugs themselves. Does putting toothpaste on bed bug bites work? During the bed bug life cycle, a female can lay . Hence, it is better to invest in dedicated products that will give you more value for your money. Vicks Vapor Rub and Salt. Thats why you might be covered from head to toe in itchy red bites, while your partner looks untouched. ), Do Moths Come From Caterpillars? These bed bugs will re-infest your new mattress as soon as they can walk there. Flip the mattress to expose their harborage, and get to work spraying them. Below, every suggestion weve made is backed up by real scientific studyso you can rest assured that these methods really work. The standout antimicrobial ingredients of the rub, plus the inclusion of petroleum jelly, help to lock in moisture while killing off bacteria. At-home treatment. But it is going to mean youre bitten less. Fortunately, it doesnt matter much because Vicks will keep them off of you for the time being. Apply the rubbing alcohol to exposed areas of your skin before you go to sleep to keep bed bugs away. But is it true? The hydrogen peroxide that you can buy at a drugstore is 3% peroxide. Apply it to open patches of skin before you sleep to see if it has any effect for you. One thing bed bugs dont like, is strong, minty odors. No. 6. They might, but there are two central issues with using temperature to kill bed bugs. If it does, it's likely a result of the oxidizing power of the peroxide, which breaks chemical bonds . Far better than trying to prevent bites is to kill the bed bugs themselves. When a bed bug walks through diatomaceous earth, it scratches away at the waxy outermost layer of their shell. Since you can apply bug spray directly to your skin, you can also apply it to your bed and the surrounding framework. All rights reserved. However, leaving the light on does nothing to stop them from searching you out. Unfortunately, it still takes them a year or longer to die, because they can live for a very long time without feeding. Give it a go, and theres a small chance that it might have an effect. Toothpaste wont heal a bed bug bite, but it can certainly make them feel better. Any more bites than this and its unclear how many bed bugs are infesting your room. However, also like Vicks, they dont actively kill bed bugs, at least not so far as killing them all the way to the source. Consider vacuuming your carpets, fiber items, curtains, and bedroom furniture at least once each week. Human skin naturally emits a scent called sweat. Vicks Vapor Rub preceded the essential oils industry by a long shot. Does Vicks Rubbing Stop Bed Bug Bites. Scents of many essential oils like lavender oil, peppermint oil, oregano essential oil, and tea tree oil repel bed bugs. Another reason Vicks Vaporub is not a good insect repellent is that its effect only lasts for a brief period. For people with a mild bed bug infestation, natural remedies may be enough to stop bed bugs from biting. If they smear or spread, they are likely bed bug excrement. But is it true? Due to the way bedbugs breathe, some smells can be fatal. The idea here is to physically prevent the bed bugs from being able to reach you. Vicks Vapor Rub. Even though youre supposed to be able to use Vicks to rub into sore muscle areas, some people are subject to a variety of negative reactions to it. By picking up and moving your old mattress, youll be helping to spread the bed bugs through your house. It cant provide a long-term fix, and the effects are short-lived. Vicks Vapor Rubs potential for toxicity, Swelling in the throat, constricting your ability to breathe, Turn on the vacuum and suck the air out of the plastic-covered pillows and mattress until they are fully compressed, Seal it immediately after withdrawing the vacuum hose. Does Vicks help with bed bug bites? (Yes. Since they don't have teeth, they cannot bite over fabrics. Vicks VapoRub is a mentholated ointment made by U.S. household and personal care manufacturer Procter & Gamble. Being vacuumed up doesnt kill a bed bug, and it doesnt get rid of all of them, since theyre so good at hiding. Products containing tea tree oil, peppermint oil, or other essential oils have been widely reported to prevent bed bugs bites. Unfortunately, bedbugs consume human blood for their food. Some people do not react to bed bug bites at all. What can I spray I bed sheets to keep them away ? How to prevent bed bug bites while sleeping? For more info check out my about page https://schoolofbugs.com/about-steve-foster/, Can Caterpillars Hurt You? What it doesnt do is kill them. It stops them from getting dehydrated, by preventing moisture from evaporating from their shell. However, Vick's is more of a preventative, keeping bed bugs away rather than destroying them or affecting their eggs, both of which need to be done. A mattress encasement is a big bag that zips around your mattress. To relieve symptoms, you can: Apply an over-the-counter or prescription steroid cream to decrease inflammation and itching. Its been shown that they have a small preference for the blood type they were raised on. Bear in mind that during cold weather, an infestation of a hundred bed bugs or more might hardly bite you at all. With that being said, the original Vicks Vapor Rub does come in a few scents. Fill or seal cracks, crevices, and seams with products, such as glue or . Keep your home clean and clutter-free. Bed bugs are small, flat insects that feed on our blood, typically at night, while we are sleeping. Well, theyll set up shop on the other side of the mattress. Vicks Vaporub to Repel Bed Bugs. Preventing bites is important, if to give yourself a little respite as you try and deal with your bed bug infestation. If you wish to prevent bedbugs from biting you, its good to note that Vick Vaporub only provides a very short-term remedy. The other great thing about having a mattress encasement is that it means any new bed bugs wont be able to start up a new infestation. Use a Steam Machine to Repel and Kill Bed Bugs, American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, 21 Ways to Prevent Bed Bugs from Entering Your Home That Work. By changing the bedding, youre disturbing their harborage, forcing them to scatter. 2. Bed bugs hate their smell. There are dozens upon dozens of products that claim to be the best for killing bed bugs. (How to Use it? You can apply Vicks to your skin and it will effectively prevent bed bugs from chowing down on your delicious blood throughout the night. There are bed bugs and many other bugs that are repelled by the smell of vicks vaporub. View complete answer on aad.org. And even if they do contain real oil, its likely that there wont be a high enough concentration in there. Human blood is the main food source for bedbugs, especially at night. Adult bed bugs are about 1/4 of an inch long, have flat, rusty-red-colored oval bodies, and look like an apple seed. A little dab rubbed on and around the bite not only soothes the itch but takes the swelling down as well.Does Vicks help with bug bites? Mosquito Repellent Plants. 9. Human blood is the main food source for bedbugs, especially at night. Make several passes over your furniture using the steam machine. On this page: Looking for signs of bed bugs And thats the last thing you want. . Vicks VapoRub has been used to treat . A bed bugs exoskeleton is protected by chemicals easily corroded by vinegars acetic acid, dehydrating it. They can hide underneath nearby furniture rather than under the mattress, of course, but in combination with traps around the feet of your bed they wouldnt be able to climb up. Take the bedding and bag it up securely in a large plastic bag. Natural vs. Chemical products Which are more effective? It also has a strong scent that overwhelms the nervous system of bed bugs. Its not a good idea to try repelling bed bugs. Will coconut oil keep bed bugs from biting? Whether any essential oil is potent enough to kill bed bugs is still up for debate, but applying essential oils to your body might stop bed bugs from biting you.