Bedbugs: Why They Enter Your Home and What Attracts Them

 As we deal with flies and mosquitoes during the summer, we now face a different kind of guest during the fall: bedbugs. These persistent insects, which thrive in warm, sunny gardens during the summer months, seek refuge indoors when the weather cools down.
Why Bedbugs Enter Your Home

Bedbugs, including the notorious Palomena, which is easily recognized by its distinctive green color, are especially attracted to warm and humid environments. During the colder months, they invade homes, seeking shelter near heat sources such as radiators, heating vents, and humidifiers. They are also drawn to areas with high humidity, such as bathrooms, and sometimes they even hide among the leaves of houseplants.
Common Entry Points

Even if you lock doors and windows, these insects are tricky. They can enter through the smallest cracks and openings in your home, so it’s crucial to check corners, gaps, gutters, foundations, and small holes where they can squeeze through.
How Bedbugs Enter Unnoticed

More often than not, we unintentionally bring bedbugs into our homes. For example, when we collect laundry, leave backpacks or bags outside, or visit places where these insects are present, we can unknowingly carry them back indoors.
Natural Remedies to Get Rid of Bedbugs

 Natural Remedies to Get Rid of Bedbugs

If you’ve spotted bedbugs in your home, you don’t necessarily have to resort to harsh chemicals. There are several natural remedies that can help you get rid of these unwanted guests.

    Repelling Plants
    Certain plants have natural scents that bedbugs dislike but are pleasant to us. Here are a few plants known to repel them:

        Lavender

        Mint

        Rosemary

        Garlic

        Bay leaves

    You can place these plants around the house, especially near doors and windows where bedbugs are most likely to enter.

    Vinegar Spray
    Vinegar is a powerful natural repellent. You can make a homemade spray by mixing distilled water, white vinegar, and essential oils from repellent herbs (such as lavender or mint). Spray this mixture near doors, windows, and any other entry points.

    Cinnamon
    Cinnamon’s strong, spicy scent works as a great repellent for bedbugs. You can use ground cinnamon and sprinkle it in areas where the insects are likely to appear.

    Vanilla Extract Spray
    Vanilla extract, when mixed with tap water, can create a pleasant-smelling solution that also repels bedbugs. Simply spray it on problem areas to deter these insects from making your home their own.

Final Thoughts

While bedbugs might seem impossible to avoid, taking a few simple steps and using natural repellents can help minimize their presence in your home. By using plants like lavender and mint, and creating sprays from vinegar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract, you can keep these unwanted visitors at bay without resorting to harsh chemicals. Remember to regularly check for entry points and be cautious about where you leave your belongings to prevent bedbugs from hitching a ride into your home.