What Can You Put on Your Skin to Stop Bed Bugs from Biting?

Our detailed guide on what you can use on your skin to stop bed bugs from biting you.

Having bed bugs is something that none of us wish to experience – and yet unfortunately it can happen. The truth of the matter is, that it has little to nothing to do with hygiene generally. They’re mainly picked up in overnight places by those who travel / stay away frequently, such as hotels, hostels, hospitals, and even other people’s homes. They attach themselves to your clothes / belongings and then find their way into your home.

One of the first indicators that you have bed bugs, is bites on the skin. Although not poisonous, these bites are itchy and irritating, and can sharp become infected if you scratch them. So how can you stop them from biting you if you’re in the midst of the eradication process?

Read on for our detailed guide on what you can put on your skin to stop bed bugs from biting.

Using Essential Oils

We’re delving right in today, with essential oils. These are without doubt one of the most effective and natural things you can put on your skin which is non – harmful, and will stop bed bugs from biting you.

The great thing about essential oils, is not only do they not include the harmful ingredients that pesticides do, but that they’re actually cheaper to get a hold of, generally speaking. Plus, they mostly smell good, and are healthy for your skin. What’s not to like?

Read on for more information on the essential oils which are most effective in preventing bed bug bites, and how is best to use them.

What Are Essential Oils?

First things first we’re going to be explaining in a little more depth what essential oils actually are.

Essential oil is basically, the oil taken from a plant. The oils are extracted from the plant of choice using a distillation process which aims to ensure the end product is concentrated, natural, and not at all altered.

The vast majority of essential oils are taken from the singular part of a plant, rather than being a combination, however a few are taken from all areas of the plant in question.

Some essential oils actually hold anti – bacterial properties, such as tea – tree oil and peppermint oil, for example.

Do All Essential Oils Get Rid of Bed Bugs?

Next up, we’re going to be taking a look at whether or not essential oils will actually get rid of bed bugs.

Many plants have potent scents which will repel certain insects – including bed bugs. However, only certain kinds will be effective in repelling bed bugs, and therefore it’s important to know which of these you should use on your skin to stop them from biting. This is a preferable method to using chemicals for many people.

Because of essential oils being natural, this makes them safe to use in the family home around kids and pets – even in the bedroom.

One thing we think is important to state, however, is that essential oils aren’t necessarily the most effective method of eradicating bed bugs. Sure, they’re fine to use on the skin to repel them and stop them from biting, but as a sole method of extermination, it’s unlikely that they’ll work alone.

Essential oils can, however, not only repel the bed bugs from your skin, but can also help in the treatment of bites too, as well as preventing future bites.

How Can I Use Essential Oils in my Attempt to Repel Bed Bugs?

Okay, so we’ve confirmed that essential oils can help in the treatment of bed bug bites, and is handy for helping to repel them also. But we haven’t really acknowledged how you should be using essential oils in order to repel the little critters.

The vast majority of essential oils you’ll find on the market, so long as they state so, will be entirely natural and extracted from the plant, for example, lavender, thyme and so on. because of this, they will be extremely potent and concentrated, and therefore it’s not advisable to put the oils directly onto your skin without diluting them.

Although they are natural products, they should be handled appropriately given their level of concentration.

We would recommend diluting the essential oil of your choice either with coconut oil, or virgin olive oil. This will create an oily / cream textured product which is easy to apply, and is less harsh on your skin.

This is especially important if you suffer from sensitive skin, because the high concentration levels of essential oils can cause this skin type to come out in rashes, spots, and even hives. It’s better to be safe than sorry!

 Thanks for reading!