Bed bugs remedies and suggestions

Bed bugs are as much a problem today as they were years ago, especially in hotels. Bed bug bites are sharp and painful, with a hot sting, and they may swell up to the size of red welts as in the photo at right. At least mine did when I got them at a hotel a few years ago. Fortunately I was traveling with a bottle of pure essential oil of peppermint and I just sprinkled the entire contents onto the mattress and bedding and that took care of the problem (most bugs just hate the aroma of peppermint).

Here is an old time remedy to get rid of these nasty creatures, but at the cost of having a strong odor afterward. This mixture was applied to all areas where bugs were found, including floors, walls, closets and mattresses.

First, wash down area with soap and hot water. Combine the following in a pot or pan:

• 4 tablespoons of soft or liquid soap

• 13 tablespoons of hot water

• 1 tablespoon of turpentine

• 2 tablespoons of kerosene

Heat and stir the mixture until it is uniformly dissolved. Paint it with a brush onto all surfaces where bugs are found.

I'm sure this remedy worked, but I can't imagine how the mattress and bedroom would smell after being painted down with turpentine and kerosene! However, these remedies are for information only; proceed at your own risk!

Essential oils make great bug repellents

My natural remedy for bedbugs was to sprinkle peppermint oil around and on the bedding. Note that essential oil of pennyroyal works great too for driving away all kinds of insects.For more essential oil natural remedies, please visit: www.essential-aromatherapy-oils.com.

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