Sprinkle a thin layer of food-grade diatomaceous earth around the affected areas, including garden beds, furniture, and cracks.
Reapply after rain or heavy watering.
Why It Works:
Diatomaceous earth dehydrates bedbugs by damaging their exoskeleton, effectively eliminating them over time.
2. Essential Oils
Certain essential oils have strong scents that repel bedbugs.
Recommended Oils:
Tea tree oil
Lavender oil
Peppermint oil
Eucalyptus oil
How to Use:
Mix 10–15 drops of essential oil with 2 cups of water in a spray bottle.
Spray the mixture on outdoor furniture, plants, and potential hiding spots.
Why It Works:
The potent aromas of essential oils disrupt bedbugs’ sense of smell, deterring them from your garden.
3. Neem Oil
Neem oil is a natural pesticide derived from neem tree seeds. It’s highly effective against bedbugs and other garden pests.
How to Use:
Mix 2 tablespoons of neem oil with 1 gallon of water and a few drops of dish soap.
Spray the mixture on plants, soil, and hiding spots.
Why It Works:
Neem oil interferes with bedbugs’ feeding and reproduction cycles, eventually eradicating them.
4. Baking Soda
Baking soda is an inexpensive and readily available remedy that can help control bedbugs.
How to Use:
Sprinkle baking soda around garden furniture and areas where bedbugs are active.
Vacuum or sweep up the residue and reapply every few days.
Why It Works:
Baking soda absorbs moisture from bedbugs’ bodies, dehydrating and killing them.
5. Sunlight and Heat
Bedbugs are sensitive to heat and sunlight, making exposure an effective natural remedy.
How to Use:
Move infested furniture or items into direct sunlight for several hours.
Rotate items to ensure all surfaces are exposed.
Why It Works:
Heat and UV rays from sunlight can kill bedbugs and their eggs.
6. Soap and Water Solution
A simple soap and water solution can disrupt bedbugs’ exoskeletons, making it harder for them to survive.
How to Use:
Mix 2 tablespoons of dish soap with 1 gallon of water.
Spray the solution directly on bedbugs and their hiding spots.
Why It Works:
The soap suffocates bedbugs and disrupts their outer coating, leading to dehydration.
7. Plant Bedbug-Repelling Herbs
Certain plants naturally repel bedbugs and other pests.
Recommended Herbs:
Mint
Lavender
Lemongrass
Rosemary
How to Use:
Plant these herbs around your garden or in pots near affected areas.
Crush a few leaves to release their oils and amplify the scent.
Why It Works:
The strong aromas from these herbs act as natural deterrents, keeping bedbugs away from your garden.
Preventing Bedbugs in Your Garden
Prevention is just as important as elimination when it comes to controlling bedbugs.
1. Keep Your Garden Tidy
Remove clutter, such as unused pots, old furniture, and debris, where bedbugs can hide.
2. Inspect Outdoor Furniture
Regularly check outdoor cushions, chairs, and tables for signs of bedbugs.
3. Seal Cracks and Crevices
Fill gaps in walls, fences, and garden structures to eliminate potential hiding spots.
4. Use Outdoor Covers
Cover furniture and other vulnerable items with protective, washable covers.
5. Avoid Bringing Infested Items Outside
Inspect and treat items thoroughly before moving them between indoors and outdoors.
When to Call a Professional
If natural remedies and prevention methods don’t fully eliminate the problem, or if the infestation is severe, consider contacting a pest control professional. Look for a service that offers eco-friendly solutions to maintain your garden’s health and safety.
Final Thoughts
Bedbugs in your garden don’t have to ruin your outdoor enjoyment. With these natural remedies, you can effectively tackle the problem while keeping your garden eco-friendly and safe for plants, pets, and humans. From diatomaceous earth to essential oils and preventive measures, there are plenty of options to suit your needs and lifestyle.
