Bed bugs are one of the most persistent pests to deal with in any home. Once they find their way into your mattress, furniture, or clothing, they can be extremely difficult to eliminate. This has led many people to explore natural remedies, including essential oils. Lavender, known for its calming scent, is often suggested as a bed bug deterrent. But how effective is it really?
In this article, we’ll explore whether lavender oil can actually help with bed bug infestations, compare it with cedarwood oil, and offer safe, natural strategies to address the issue.
What Makes Bed Bugs So Hard to Get Rid Of?
Bed bugs are small, flat insects that feed on human blood, usually at night. Their tiny size and ability to hide in crevices make them hard to detect. Worse, they reproduce quickly, with each female capable of laying hundreds of eggs over her lifetime.
Signs of a bed bug infestation include:
-
Itchy, red welts on the skin
-
Rust-colored stains on sheets or mattresses
-
Tiny dark spots (bed bug excrement) on furniture
-
A musty odor in heavily infested areas
While traditional chemical sprays exist, many people are turning to more natural options due to health concerns especially in homes with pets, kids, or sensitive individuals.
The Appeal of Lavender as a Bed Bug Repellent
Lavender has long been used in aromatherapy and home care for its calming fragrance. It’s a staple in many households, often added to laundry, diffused in bedrooms, or mixed into DIY cleaning products. When it comes to insects, lavender is commonly believed to repel moths, fleas, mosquitoes, and yes bed bugs.
But where does this belief come from? Primarily, it’s anecdotal. Many essential oil enthusiasts claim that lavender oil keeps bugs away, and some small-scale studies support this idea. The scent of lavender is unpleasant to many insects, which might drive them away temporarily. However, deterrence does not equal elimination.
Does Science Support Lavender for Bed Bugs?
Scientific studies on lavender oil and bed bugs are limited. While some evidence suggests lavender oil may repel bed bugs in lab environments, it doesn't perform well when used alone in real-world infestations.
Key points from existing research:
-
Lavender oil may repel bed bugs on contact.
-
Its effectiveness is short-term and heavily reliant on frequent reapplication.
-
It does not affect eggs or bugs hidden deep in furniture or walls.
-
Bed bugs exposed to lavender oil may relocate but are not killed by it.
Lavender may provide some surface-level relief but should not be used as a sole treatment method for serious infestations.
How People Commonly Use Lavender to Repel Bed Bugs
Even with limited scientific backing, many homeowners still try lavender-based solutions. Here’s how lavender is often used in homes:
Lavender spray on bed linens and mattresses
Mix a few drops of lavender essential oil with water and spray over bedding and furniture.
Lavender sachets in closets and drawers
Dried lavender flowers placed in fabric pouches can be stored near clothes or bedding.
Diffusers in bedrooms
Using an essential oil diffuser may help spread the scent and reduce nighttime activity.
Lavender oil in laundry
Adding lavender oil during washing may help scent your fabrics while repelling insects.
Mixing lavender oil with rubbing alcohol or vinegar
Some DIY recipes call for stronger carriers to increase effectiveness but these can damage surfaces or fabrics.
While these methods might help deter a few bugs, they won’t eliminate colonies hiding deep inside your home.
Cedarwood Oil vs Lavender: Which Is More Effective?
At first glance, both lavender and cedarwood oil seem like natural, pleasant-smelling options. However, the difference lies in their mechanism of action.
Mode of Action:
-
Lavender oil: Works mainly through scent; may cause discomfort to bugs but doesn't interfere with their biology.
-
Cedarwood oil: Interferes with the insects’ pheromonal systems. It affects their ability to breathe, breed, and feed causing them to die or relocate permanently.
Target Range:
-
Lavender oil has limited effect on mature bed bugs and is not known to affect eggs.
-
Cedarwood oil affects adults, larvae, and even eggs by breaking down their protective outer layers.
Safety and Use:
Both oils are generally safe for use around pets and children when properly diluted. However, cedarwood oil has been formulated into commercial pest control products for use in homes, gardens, and even on pets offering more versatility.
Benefits of Using Cedar Oil for Bed Bugs
Here are several reasons why cedar oil is gaining attention as a better natural alternative:
-
Targets multiple life stages of bed bugs
-
Doesn’t rely on scent alone to be effective
-
Interferes with reproductive and feeding cycles
-
Safe for use around pets, children, and food areas
-
Used in foggers, sprays, and granules for complete coverage
Unlike lavender oil, cedarwood oil works on a biological level meaning it’s not just chasing bugs away, but actively interfering with their survival.
Step-by-Step Natural Bed Bug Control Using Cedar Oil
1. Identify infested areas:
Look closely at mattress seams, headboards, couch cushions, baseboards, and behind furniture.
2. Declutter and vacuum thoroughly:
Vacuum all corners, cracks, and fabrics. Empty the vacuum outdoors after use.
3. Wash all linens and clothing:
Use hot water and high-heat drying to kill bed bugs and eggs on fabric items.
4. Apply cedar oil spray:
Spray directly on mattresses, bed frames, upholstery, and baseboards.
5. Use a cedar oil fogger for room-wide treatment:
This helps reach hidden bugs in cracks, wall gaps, and under furniture.
6. Repeat treatment over several days:
Reapplication ensures new hatchlings are also addressed.
7. Use cedar granules or powders in hard-to-reach places:
They offer long-term protection and deter bugs from returning.
Final Thoughts: Will Lavender Get Rid Of Bed Bugs
Lavender oil may offer some relief from bed bugs in very mild cases or as a preventative measure. However, it is not a substitute for proper treatment. Its effectiveness is limited to repelling bugs on contact and will not solve a full-blown infestation.
For those looking for a safer yet more reliable alternative, cedarwood oil presents a much stronger case. Backed by real-world use and bio-based action, cedar oil can be a part of a comprehensive, family-safe pest control plan.
Frequently Asked Questions on Will Lavender Get Rid Of Bed Bugs
Q: Can lavender kill bed bugs?
No, lavender oil may repel bed bugs temporarily but does not kill them or affect their eggs.
Q: Is lavender safe to use on bedding?
Yes, when diluted properly, lavender oil can be sprayed on bedding. However, it should not stain or irritate sensitive skin.
Q: How does cedar oil work against bed bugs?
Cedar oil affects bed bugs by disrupting their pheromone-driven systems, suffocating them, and interfering with their growth cycles.
Q: Can I use cedar oil every day?
Yes, cedar oil is safe for daily use on surfaces, furniture, and even on pets when used according to product directions.
Follow Cedar Oil Industries on Facebook