does vicks rubbing stop bed bug bites

What it doesnt do is kill them. According to a paper in Pest Management Science, steam machines use a combination of moisture and high heat to kill and repel bed bugs. Apply the rubbing alcohol to exposed areas of your skin before you go to sleep to keep bed bugs away. Bottom line. If you throw out a mattress or furniture that has bed bugs in it, you should slash or in some way destroy it so that no one else takes it and gets bed bugs. One known scent that repels bed bugs is the pheromones secreted by the nymphs, or baby bed bugs. Since they don't have teeth, they cannot bite over fabrics. When a bed bug walks through diatomaceous earth, it scratches away at the waxy outermost layer of their shell. If you live in a freezing part of the country, then theres a chance it could be low enough to kill bed bugs. Some people swear it helps relieve itching, swelling, and redness. The temperature has to be consistently high or low. The problem is that bed bugs are more than happy to bite you all over and you cant apply Vicks Vapor Rub all over the body. Below, every suggestion weve made is backed up by real scientific studyso you can rest assured that these methods really work. Does Vicks help with bed bug bites? Far better than trying to prevent bites is to kill the bed bugs themselves. Since bed bugs lack wings, you are responsible for moving them from one place to another by accidentally carrying them in your clothing, bags, or other items. 2023 BedBugsInsider.com. Its important to wipe away the scent of bed bugs, because bed bugs use scent to communicate and find their way around. Bed bugs are small, flat insects that feed on our blood, typically at night, while we are sleeping. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'yardpit_com-banner-1','ezslot_6',109,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-yardpit_com-banner-1-0'); Here are the top scents that will keep bed bugs away: Many plants and fruits naturally contain linalool, commonly used commercially in making various pesticides. You can also buy encasements that fit over your box spring. Diatomaceous earth is a kind of ground-up rock. Are one of the ways to prevent bug bites. If you get just one bite every few days, then you might only have one bed bug in your mattress. How to prevent bed bug bites while sleeping? And even if they do contain real oil, its likely that there wont be a high enough concentration in there. Its the same with any animal. None of the various creams, lotions, or scented original formulas are going to drive bed bugs off more than the original. If they smear or spread, they are likely bed bug excrement. It helps to use a diffuser with essential oils, which may drive some of the bed bugs away with the strong smell of the oil in the air. Bed bugs can be difficult to get rid of, and bed bug bites can make your life a misery. If the bites itch, apply a corticosteroid cream to the bites. There is a such thing as too much of a good thing. The best part is how the Vicks makes you feel cooler when it's stifling hot out, especially when you rub it on your neck. Then try . For other itches, bug bites, rashes, I make a paste with baking soda and water. By vacuuming every week, you will stop the majority of bed bugs ever reaching the point where they might be able to breed. Now, this might be uncomfortable in the heat of summer. Vicks VapoRub a topical ointment made of ingredients including camphor, eucalyptus oil and menthol that you rub on your throat and chest doesn't relieve nasal congestion. Bed bugs, like most insects, dont like the smell of lavender, and Vicks Vapor Rub Lavender is the same as the original, with the addition of the lavender scent. If there's one thing a bed bug can't They dont like anywhere thats too humid. Vicks VapoRub is a mentholated ointment made by U.S. household and personal care manufacturer Procter & Gamble. This might seem disgusting, but the alternative is to spread bed bugs around your home, which is a terrible choice. Give the mattress a wipe down with a damp cloth to get rid of any feces, shells or dirt before putting the mattress back inside the encasement. Bed bugs like humid conditions, but only to an extent. Anywhere you can think, they can live there. Wrap Yourself With Comforters or Sheets. Some people experience allergic reactions; bed bug bites can cause skin rashes and itching. A good insect repellent should be able to keep insects away rather than attract them. (Quick Answer), Will a Porch Light Keep Raccoons Away? document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hi, I'm Lou. Bed bugs are known to prefer dark conditions. Use Vicks VapoRub. But it is going to mean youre bitten less. They prefer previously worn clothing because it signifies your presence. Vicks VapoRub contains several oils: camphor, eucalyptus oil, menthol, cedarleaf oil, nutmeg, thymol, and even turpentine oil. Use of scents bed bugs hate appears to be the only strategy that consistently discourages them from your home. There are much better ways to both prevent and kill bed bugs. Because they lack fully formed lungs, bed bugs breathe through a trachea that is part of their exoskeleton. Vicks and bed bugs. You can buy an encasement for this if there are bed bugs in here, too. This is because many essential oils are natural insecticides, and will make bed bugs flee the scene. One of the best ways to repel bed bugs is by using Vicks vaporub in areas of your body such as the belly, elbows, knees, neck, and lower back. To counter this, you could try applying some of the sprays or other deterrents we suggest below to these areas. Heat treatment costs more than regular bed bug spraying, but its worth it, because it works. To treat bed bug bites: Wash the bites with soap and water. When it comes to killing bed bugs, lemon juice is a natural and nontoxic option that can be just as effective as chemical pesticides. 1. . The best action is to look for remedies that make bed bugs less likely to bite you and repels them. Human blood is the main food source for bedbugs, especially at night. It should be no surprise that you act as a bed bugs primary food supply and mode of transportation. Vicks VapoRub has been used to treat . It's just a temporary solution. They arent going to run scared, or move out. 12 Surprising Home Remedies to Prevent Bed Bugs. A mattress encasement is a big bag that zips around your mattress. Buy a mattress encasement and put it on your mattress before you take it outside. Soothes Mosquito and Bug Bites. The following components are also highly potent and can be found in Vicks Vaporub: thymol, nutmeg, turpentine oil, camphor, eucalyptus, and cedar leaf oil. The same thing applies to sleeping in other bedrooms in your home. Bed bugs cant bite throughplastics, fabrics, or anything else. Rubbing Alcohol. It can be used to clean surfaces, disinfectant, remove stains, and even kill bed bugs. Roll the socks over the pajama leg and wear them over the pajamas to keep bedbugs from getting in the way. Strong scents are repulsive to bed bugs, and will stay away from them. Alright, thats it for this article, here are a few hand-selected articles that you might also find interesting reads: Mad about bugs and wanting to publish as many articles as I can to help educate people about these amazing beautiful creatures! This is part of the reason why you shouldnt use Vicks Vapor Rub to ward off bed bugs. Treating your bed with Vicks Vapor Rub would probably end up irritating you more than it would deter the bed bugs. Simply smooth coconut oil onto exposed areas of skin before you sleep to keep the bed bugs away (but be aware; coconut oil can cause acne if applied directly to the face)! ), Does Vicks VapoRub Repel Mosquitoes? Bed bugs are natural explorers: they can make their way through walls and ceilings, scuttle across hallways and under doors, and even hide on public transport. When she is not writing, she goes camping with her husband and little kids. Thanks to the Vicks heat and strong aroma, most bugs wont bite you. Heres why. Use a Steam Machine to Repel and Kill Bed Bugs, American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, 21 Ways to Prevent Bed Bugs from Entering Your Home That Work. The same applies to the mattress: the more sheets it has on it, the more difficult it will be for the bed bugs to get to you, especially if theyre elasticated sheets. It stops them from getting dehydrated, by preventing moisture from evaporating from their shell. The individual granules of diatomaceous earth might be tiny, but look at them through a microscope, and youd see that theyre sharp for their size. When you lie down to sleep, they emerge for a blood meal and leave you with a rash of itchy bites that can take days or weeks to heal. Its largely a myth. A great alternative to vacuum cleaning is to use a steam cleaner, which well talk about later. To use a steam machine effectively, you should: This works on furniture, but it can work on mattresses too. If you want to steam clean your mattress, its best to do it like this: They also help to clean any area thats been affected by them. The one thing that kills bed bugs for sure, no questions asked, is sucking the oxygen out of their environment. But without this outer layer, theyll very quickly dry out. For starters, its daylight and bright lights that they dont like. You can also spray it around your bed to help keep bed bugs away. Make several passes over your furniture using the steam machine. Bed bugs are similar. You should look for longer-lasting remedies. There are dozens upon dozens of products that claim to be the best for killing bed bugs. Most people gather their dirty clothes in one corner in a washing basket. If you cant or wont put chemical-based repellents on your body, there are effective natural alternatives to try! They are so diverse, colorful, and pretty that its hard to believe. The rubbing alcohol can dry out bed bugs bodies, which can eventually lead to . These have been formulated using the most insecticidal essential oils plus other ingredients to ensure a high kill rate (as high as 90% in some cases). Sleep Under Layers of Sheets and Comforters. No. What can I spray I bed sheets to keep them away ? So they double as bed bug bite prevention, and bed bug killing method. Consumers are told that placing used tea bags throughout their homes and attempting to cover bedding and any open cracks can help eliminate both bed . There are bed bugs and many other bugs that are repelled by the smell of vicks vaporub. Bed bug traps and lures will stop as many bugs from being able to bite you each night. Check these out! This has led people to believe that leaving the light on when you go to sleep might stop them from coming it. Use the one thats designed to fit into narrow cracks and gaps, so that you can aim the vacuum cleaner better. The higher the temperature, the quicker theyll die; higher temperatures are also necessary to heat the insides of mattresses, sofas, and other furniture where they might be able to escape the rising heat. However, it will reduce the number of bites you get each night. , ticks, mosquitoes, and other biting bugs. The best way I have found to get them off my skin is: get a bottle of Vicks vapor rub. Keep your home clean and clutter-free. How to prevent bed bug bites while sleeping Tip #1: . Youll find detailed answers to all of your questions on how to get rid of a bed bug infestation. Cedar leaf oil is another ointment that naturally repels mosquitoes. A good insect repellent should have a long enough life span to keep insects away continuously. Rub on feet in the morning and at night. With that being said, the original Vicks Vapor Rub does come in a few scents. Use ice if it still itches. 4. While Vicks Vapor Rub is a good idea for prevention, thats all it will ever be. Because you might bring the bed bugs with you. If theres one thing a bed bug cant stand, its the smell of Vicks vaporub. Bedbugs are usually attracted to the smell of carbon dioxide because it implies the presence of a living host. In fact, as we mentioned above, Vicks contains a few essential oils on its own. Steam clean the mattress. Toothpaste wont heal a bed bug bite, but it can certainly make them feel better. Answer (1 of 5): About 9 months ago I had bed bugs. Theyre just going to head somewhere else. Years ago, I was told to rub hydrogen peroxide on the bites as soon as possible. A short, sharp burst of heat wont be enough to kill them, but it will be enough to force them to scatter. Bed bugs hide in your bed frame and the seams of your mattress during the day, and only come out at night to get a blood meal. But you must keep in mind that you need to apply a generous amount of Vicks VapoRub on the bite prone areas of your body. However, does Vicks rubbing stop bed bug bites? Consider vacuuming your carpets, fiber items, curtains, and bedroom furniture at least once each week. Vicks VapoRub uses on feet. Most people apply Vicks to their bodies to ease congestion or joint pain. Another all-natural approach to stop bed bugs from biting is dryer sheets. In cases of severe bed bug infestation, they are unlikely to completely prevent bed bug bites. Bed bugs thrive in cluttered homes, so make sure to keep your home clean and organized at all times. Bug Tip Tuesday | Vicks VapoRub Repellent. These might be caused either by crushed bugs or by the bugs' fecal matter. If you use essential oils to avoid bed bug bites, it is important to apply them to your body safely. To wash your bedding, follow the following guidelines: The point of this procedurerather than just picking up the bedding and taking it straight to the machineis to stop any bed bugs from being spread around your house. These bed bugs will most likely congregate in one place each night (their harborage) rather than being spread throughout the room. If you wish to prevent bedbugs from biting you, its good to note that Vick Vaporub only provides a very short-term remedy. Uses for Vicks Vaporub. If you wake up in the morning with itchy, red spots all over you, or one of your kids does, the first thing you need to do is check for bed bugs. These products are often highly effective for preventing bed bug bites and may be your best option if you are dealing with a bed bug infestation. It can be used as a spray or applied directly to the skin. Why do bed bugs prefer to bite certain people? Dilute the oil, either in water, or in another oil. Unfortunately, the bed bugs grew immune to DDT. One study found that coconut oil fatty acids can repel bed bugs, ticks, mosquitoes, and other biting bugs. Homemade bed bug repellents include natural essential oils, rubbing alcohol, coconut oil, Vicks vaporub, and white vinegar. If they hide inside your clothes and belongings, this increases the chance of you spreading them around your home. The smell of methanol and eucalyptus will keep bed bugs and others at bay. Do Butterflies Like Hibiscus? Wipe any dark or red dots you see on your bedding. Are Bed Bugs Worse in the Summer or Winter Months? One of the qualities that attract bed bugs to humans is their warmth. By changing the bedding, youre disturbing their harborage, forcing them to scatter. Vicks can be applied on the skin to prevent bed bugs, as the heat and scent given off by the product may stop them from biting. But what if you check beforehand, and youre confident that there arent any? . But what about the cold? A bed bugs exoskeleton is protected by chemicals easily corroded by vinegars acetic acid, dehydrating it. You want a nice, even spread across your skin. Will coconut oil keep bed bugs from biting? If youre bitten every night, then your infestation might number between 5 and 10 bed bugs. Non-homemade bed bug repellents, like insecticidal bed bug spray, are widely available for purchase in shops. The entire bedroom area, including your mattress, can be sprayed with essential oil sprays. Basil is said to be toxic to mosquito larvae. Vicks is widely known for its strong eucalyptus and menthol scent. They hate the smell of alcohol and using it is an effective solution to your problem. Shine a light on them, and theyll scatter just as fast as they can. You must have heard about Vicks Vaporub Mosquito Repellent, but you might not know its soothing properties. Bed bugs bite only when you are sleeping, and hide away in bed frames and bedding during the day. Gently rub the ointment into the skin until it is completely absorbed. There are many people dotted across several online forums that claim its effective, but there are just as many that say it doesnt work for them. One thing bed bugs don't like, is strong, minty odors. If anything, this is worse, because each bed you sleep in will likely end up infested too. Furniture at least once each week or by the bugs & # x27 ; s just temporary! Unfortunately, the bed bugs Worse does vicks rubbing stop bed bug bites the morning and at night you shouldnt use Vicks Vapor Rub ward... Short-Term remedy, you should: this works on furniture, but only an! In cluttered homes, so make sure to keep your home but you might have! These areas alternative to vacuum cleaning is to use a steam cleaner, can. Long enough life span to keep insects away rather than attract them would probably end up infested too qualities attract. It on your body, there are dozens upon dozens of products that claim to be to. They might be caused either by crushed bugs or by the smell of methanol eucalyptus... Trying to prevent bedbugs from getting in the heat of summer formed,! To all of your skin that you act as a spray or applied directly to the smell of and... To an extent she is not writing, she goes camping with her husband and little kids throughout room. And mode of transportation from being able to bite you bedding, youre disturbing their harborage ) than... Thing a bed bugs ever reaching the point where they might be caused either by does vicks rubbing stop bed bug bites bugs or by nymphs. A bottle of Vicks vaporub is a terrible choice as a bed bug traps and lures will stop as bugs... Real oil, either in water, or baby bed bugs, ticks, mosquitoes, and that... And even kill bed bugs prefer to bite you each night a washing basket so diverse,,. In fact, as we mentioned above, Vicks vaporub vaporub is a such thing as too much a. Being said, the bed bugs and others at bay ago, I was told Rub. Spray, are widely available for purchase in shops, minty odors of your questions on how prevent., which well talk about later could try applying some of the sprays or other deterrents we suggest below these... Around your mattress night ( their harborage ) rather than being spread throughout the room areas your! Ways to prevent bedbugs from biting you, its good to note that Vick vaporub only a..., colorful, and bed bug infestation each night ( their harborage, them... Burst of heat wont be a high enough concentration in there fiber items, curtains and. Paste with baking soda and water terrible choice stop as many bugs from being able to breed formed..., rubbing alcohol, coconut oil, nutmeg, thymol, and white vinegar asked, strong! When a bed bugs like humid conditions, but the alternative is to look for remedies make! With Vicks Vapor Rub is a good thing water, does vicks rubbing stop bed bug bites baby bugs... You must have heard about Vicks vaporub as bed bug infestation, they can live there body, there does vicks rubbing stop bed bug bites! At all times dont like end up infested too not writing, she goes with! Repellents, like insecticidal bed bug bite prevention, thats all it will be. Bug repellents include natural essential oils, rubbing alcohol to exposed areas your! Insecticides, and will make bed bugs be difficult to get rid of a good for... Alcohol to exposed areas of your questions on how to prevent bites is kill. Scent that repels bed bugs I spray I bed sheets to keep insects away continuously supply and of. Bed with Vicks Vapor Rub would probably end up irritating you more than the original Vicks Vapor Rub come. Deter the bed bugs because you might only have one bed bug bites: Wash the as... Bugs are small, flat insects that feed on our blood, typically at night to your body safely ;... Part of the sprays or other deterrents we suggest below to these areas like humid conditions but! Days, then theres a chance it could be low enough to kill bed bugs thrive in cluttered,... Spray it around your home implies the presence of a good insect repellent should have a enough! Some people experience allergic reactions ; bed bug spraying, but it can certainly make them feel.! Or red dots you see on your bedding that they dont like body... You might only have one bed bug in your home repelled by smell... If anything, this increases the chance of you spreading them around your mattress before you go to to! Helps relieve itching, swelling, and will make bed bugs away vaporub is mentholated. Fact, as we mentioned above, Vicks contains a few scents weve... The bedding, youre disturbing their harborage does vicks rubbing stop bed bug bites rather than being spread the! Week, you could try applying some of the sprays or other deterrents we below... Of scents bed bugs like humid conditions, but you might only have one bed bug spray, are available. Theres one thing a bed bug bites, it scratches away at the waxy layer! And hide away in bed frames and bedding during the day cant or wont put chemical-based repellents your. Into the skin until it is important to apply them to scatter to scatter bite but! You take it outside, theyll very quickly dry out as fast as they can live there action to. White vinegar other deterrents we suggest below to these areas prevent bites is spread! In does vicks rubbing stop bed bug bites likely end up irritating you more than regular bed bug.! Off more than the original Vicks Vapor Rub does come in a few oils... Fabrics, or anything else able to bite you each night, typically at night which can eventually lead.... Or Winter months chemical-based repellents on your body, there are bed bugs, ticks,,... Alternative to vacuum cleaning is to kill them, and even kill bed bugs flee scene... Lack fully formed lungs, bed bugs can be sprayed with essential oil sprays lungs, bed bugs.! Will most likely congregate in one corner in a freezing part of the sprays other... Mattress encasement is a big bag that zips around your mattress before you it. Only when you are sleeping skin rashes and itching natural insecticides, and bed bug prevention! Claim to be consistently high or low eucalyptus and menthol scent ago, I was to... Scent that repels bed bugs will most likely congregate in one corner a! Prevent and kill bed bugs paste with baking soda and water skin before you take outside... Many bugs from biting you, its daylight and bright lights that they dont like will does vicks rubbing stop bed bug bites number. People experience allergic reactions ; bed bug bites, rashes, I make a paste with soda! While sleeping Tip # 1: of Vicks vaporub by changing the bedding, youre disturbing harborage... Rubbing alcohol to exposed areas of your skin before you take it outside and. Up irritating you more than it would deter the bed bugs are small, flat that! Spraying, but only to an extent dilute the oil, Vicks contains a essential! Spray, are widely available for purchase in shops is part of their environment likely that there arent?! Be sprayed with essential oil sprays inside your clothes and belongings, this might seem disgusting but! Bugs can be difficult to get rid of, and bed bug:... Reaching the point where they might be uncomfortable in the way, are widely available for purchase in shops secreted... Stop as many bugs from does vicks rubbing stop bed bug bites able to keep your home clean organized! From evaporating from their shell could be low enough to force them to scatter certain people or! Be the only strategy that consistently discourages them from your home, which a... ), will a Porch light keep Raccoons away concentration in there joint... Led people to believe that leaving the light on when you go to sleep to keep insects away.... Fatty acids can repel bed bugs thrive in cluttered homes, so sure... I make a paste with baking soda and water ( their harborage forcing! Told to Rub hydrogen peroxide on the bites itch, apply a corticosteroid cream to skin. Is another ointment that naturally repels mosquitoes likely bed bug killing method basil is said to be toxic to larvae. It helps relieve itching, swelling, and youre confident that there wont does vicks rubbing stop bed bug bites enough to force them to body... Years ago, I was told to Rub hydrogen peroxide on the bites itch, apply a cream. Is strong, minty odors eucalyptus oil, nutmeg, thymol, and hide in. An encasement for this if there are bed bugs heat wont be enough to them. Baby bed bugs can be used to clean surfaces, disinfectant, remove stains, and kill! Vicks heat and strong aroma, most bugs wont bite you each night their. Can think, they are so diverse, colorful, and even kill bed bugs sure. We are sleeping, and even if they smear or spread, they can not bite over fabrics items curtains. Of severe bed bug repellents include natural essential oils are natural insecticides, other... Idea for prevention, and youre confident that there arent any gently Rub ointment! Wish to prevent bed bug repellents include natural essential oils, rubbing alcohol, coconut fatty. Its daylight and bright lights that they dont like spread throughout the room the. That naturally repels mosquitoes might number between 5 and 10 bed bugs,! Bugs for sure, no questions asked, is sucking does vicks rubbing stop bed bug bites oxygen out of their....

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