What Scent Keeps Bed Bugs Away?

Scents are utilized to treat depression, anxiety, pain, and stress. For example, licorice, rosemary, and orange scents have been shown to improve mood. So, why can’t scents be utilized to deter bed bugs from entering a building, hitchhiking a ride with a specific individual, and accessing a suitcase? One particular type of scent that comes to mind originates from essential oils. This scent is peppermint, which is similar to spearmint and watermint. Peppermint is extracted from the Mentha plant, a member of the Lamiaceae family, a family of mints. Other essential oils that are believed to deter bed bugs include tea tree and lavender. A small dab will go a long way in keeping bed bugs at bay. Another, very unique bed bug deterrent is a secretion emitted by the bed bug nymph. What makes this deterrent so unique is it only impacts the adult male bed bug. The nymph emits the secretion to alert the adult male bed bugs they are present and not interested in mating. A study conducted by researchers at Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey, and the USDA measures the effect of essential oils – paraffin and silicone – on bed bugs. The study revealed that silicone and paraffin essential oils may be safer alternatives to pesticides and insecticides. We suggest a DIY essential oil study, utilizing the hundreds of scents to determine which are effective bed bug deterrence options. There is no doubt, essential oils are utilized in a broad range of applications. If they can be utilized to deter bed bugs, people like yourself will face no issues accessing them. Rubbing alcohol, garlic, and Diatomaceous earth may also help keep bed bugs at bay. If you are concerned about bed bugs, you should not hesitate to take advantage of the aforementioned scents. Essential oils are available at health food stores, nutritional shops, and online vendors.