Bedbugs are a huge problem. They can hitch a ride on your clothes and end up in your bed, where they will feast on your blood. So, does a dryer sheet keep bed bugs away?
The fact is, there is no surefire way to keep them away. But there are some things you can do to make your home less attractive to them. One of those things is using dryer sheets.
In this article, we’ll explore the truth about this myth and how to use dryer sheets to ward off them. So, keep reading to learn more!
Why Does It Have Bed Bugs In Your Home?
First, we need to find the hide of the bed bugs. There are many reasons why you may find bed bugs on clothes in a closet or anywhere in your home:
One possibility is that you or someone else brought the bugs into your home on clothing from outside. They can also travel between apartments through shared walls, pipes, and ventilation systems, so if you live in an apartment building, it could have come from another unit.
If you’ve recently stayed in a hotel or motel, bugs could have hitchhiked their way into your luggage and come home with you.
Another reason is that the bugs were already in your home, and they’re just taking refuge in your closet because it’s a dark, quiet place. Bugs are attracted to the carbon dioxide we exhale, so they often congregate near our sleeping areas.
Whatever the case, it’s important to take action immediately if you find them on clothes in your closet. These pests can quickly multiply and spread to other areas of your home, so it’s best to nip the problem in the bud as soon as possible.
Read more: Can Head Lice Live On Pillows And Sheets
Does A Dryer Sheet Keep Bed Bugs Away?
There is no evidence and guarantee that dryer sheets will keep them away 100% of the time. But if you’re looking for an extra layer of protection, they might be worth a try.
There is a lot of debate surrounding whether or not to use dryer sheets. Some people swear by them, while others claim they don’t do anything to deter the pests. So, why do some people believe it?
One of the main reasons people believe that dryer sheets keep repelling bed bugs away is because they mask the scent of humans. Bugs are attracted to the carbon dioxide that we exhale, so by using a dryer sheet, you can make it harder for them to find you.
Another reason why dryer sheets might work is that they can help repel other insects. Many dryer sheets contain chemicals that act as insect repellents, so it stands to reason that they could also work on bed bugs.
Read more: Flat Sheet And Fitted Sheet
What Are Alternatives That Can Kill Bed Bugs?
Here are some alternative solutions that could work better than dryer sheets and you can easily try at home:
Lavender Oil
One of the most popular home remedies is lavender oil. This natural oil has a strong scent that deters them and can even kill bed bugs on contact.
You will need to follow these steps, add some lavender oil to the water in a spray bottle. Then, mist your bedding and furniture with the solution.
You can also add a few drops of lavender oil to a cotton ball and place it near your bed. The scent will help keep them away so you can sleep peacefully.
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is another natural remedy to keep them at bay. This essential oil has potent insecticidal properties that make it an effective way to get rid of them.
To use this method, add some tea tree oil to the water in a spray bottle. Then, use the mixture to mist your bedding and furniture. Be sure to do this regularly to keep them from returning.
Diatomaceous Earth
Diatomaceous earth is a natural substance that is made up of the fossilized remains of algae. You can find it in many forms, but powder is the most common. When this substance comes into contact with bedbugs, it will kill bed bugs by puncturing their exoskeletons.
To use diatomaceous earth, simply sprinkle it around the perimeter. You can also put it in a thin layer on your mattress and box spring.
Note: Just be sure to avoid breathing it in, as it can harm your lungs.
Traps
Traps are devices that lure adult bed bugs into a chamber where they cannot escape. These devices can be placed under your bed or in other areas where it is commonly found. Once they enter the trap, they will dehydrate and die.
There are many different types of traps available on the market. Some use heat to attract them, while others use a pheromone lure. Some traps use a combination of both extreme heat and pheromones.
Sprays
There are many different sprays available on the market. Some of these sprays contain chemicals that can harm you and your family if they are not used properly. If you decide to use a spray, read the instructions carefully and follow them exactly.
There are also natural sprays available. These sprays typically contain essential oils that have insecticidal properties.
Note: Test it on a small skin area first to ensure that you are not allergic to any ingredients.
Read more: How to Wash Linen
Powders
Bug powders are a type of insecticide to kill bed bugs. These powders contain chemicals that will cause them to dehydrate and die.
These powders are typically safe to use around children and pets. However, you should always read the label carefully and follow the instructions to avoid potential risks.
Foggers
Foggers are devices that release a cloud of insecticide into the air. You can use these devices to kill them in your home.
When using a fogger, follow the instructions carefully. You should also open all of the doors and windows in your home so that the fog can escape.
Pyrethrin-Based Products
Pyrethrin is a substance that is derived from chrysanthemum flowers. It is commonly used as an insecticide and can be found in many products, including sprays, powders, and bombs. When pyrethrin comes into contact with bugs, it will kill them.
Pyrethrin-based products are typically safe to use around children and pets. However, you should always read the label carefully and follow the instructions to avoid risks.
How To Protect Your Clothes From Bed Bugs?
Bed bugs are a growing problem and if you’re not careful, they can easily hitch a ride into your home on your clothes. But there are some things you can do to help keep them at bay. Here are four tips for keeping them away from your clothes.
Tip 1: Keep Your Clothing Clean And Free Of Clutter
Adult bed bugs are attracted to dirty laundry and cluttered spaces. So, the first step in keeping them away from your clothes is to keep your clothing clean and tidy. It means washing your clothes regularly and storing them neat and orderly.
Tip 2: Inspect Your Clothing Before You Bring It Into Your Home
When you’re out in public, it’s easy for bugs to hitch a ride on your clothes. So, before you bring your clothes into your home, let’s inspect them.
If you see any insects, remove them from your clothing and wash your clothes immediately.
Tip 3: Store Your Clean Clothing In Airtight Containers
Once you’ve inspected and washed your clothes, store them in airtight containers. It will help keep bed bugs away from your clothes and make it more difficult for them to infest your home.
Tip 4: Keep Your Home Clean
In addition, bed bugs attract dirt and clutter, so the best way to keep them away from your home is to keep them clean and organized.
Following these four tips will help you keep bed bugs away from your clothes and your home. Remember, they attract dirt and clutter, so the best way to keep them away is to keep your clothing and home clean and tidy.
You also should contact a professional pest control company for assistance if you have any concerns about this insect.
Conclusion
Do dryer sheets repel bed bugs away? The answer may not be clear, but using dryer sheets as part of your insect prevention strategy couldn’t hurt. If nothing else, your clothes will smell fresh.
Some people swear by the power of dryer bed sheets to ward off them, while others say there is no scientific evidence to support this claim.
These are just a few of the many different methods that you can use to keep them away. Try all and consider which works best for you.
Thank you for reading!
FAQs
This is why the following odors are repulsive to bugs, as well as other insects and arachnids: mint, cinnamon, basil, and citrus. (Linalool is present in all of these.) Sprinkling lavender oil or spraying lavender aroma in locations where they hide is effective, but not overpowering.
They can be found around the bed along the piping, seams, tags of the mattress and box spring, and gaps in the bed frame and headboard. You may locate bugs if the room is badly infested: In the seams of chairs and couches, between cushions, and between curtain folds.
Non-chemical control methods and tools, including vacuuming, are critical components to controlling bed bugs. Vacuuming alone will not eliminate them (unless in very limited new infestations), and it is usually used in conjunction with insecticide treatment and other non-chemical measures. They also help to clean dead bed bugs in addition to the powder.
