They’re small, sneaky, and very stubborn. Bedbugs can show up in your home without warning—and once they settle in, it’s really hard to kick them out. Just hearing the word “bedbugs” can make people uncomfortable.
But here’s the good news: there’s a natural, cheap, and effective way to deal with them. It’s something your grandmother might’ve used. Want a hint? It’s a strong-smelling spice we usually think of during the holidays…
Yes, Bedbugs Are a Real Problem
Many people think bedbugs are only found in dirty places, but that’s not true. You can bring them home in a suitcase after a trip, in second-hand clothes, or even in used furniture. Once inside, they hide in mattresses, bed frames, baseboards—even behind electrical outlets.
They’re about the size of an apple seed (around 5mm), brown, oval-shaped, and mostly bite at night. Their bites can cause red, itchy bumps, and for some people, allergic reactions or skin infections.
Why Cloves Work So Well
Cloves aren’t just for cooking or making your house smell nice. They contain eugenol, a natural compound that bugs really hate. It’s known for chasing away and even killing certain pests like mosquitoes, moths, cockroaches—and yes, bedbugs.
Cloves act like a natural bug spray. The smell confuses them and keeps them away. Used the right way, it can even help get rid of them for good.
DIY Clove Spray to Fight Bedbugs
Here’s how to make a simple homemade spray:
You’ll need:
- 25 cl of water
- 1 tablespoon of clove essential oil
(or a concentrated infusion of whole cloves) - A clean spray bottle
Steps:
- Pour the water into your spray bottle.
- Add the clove oil, or if you don’t have it, make a clove tea by crushing about 10 cloves and boiling them in water for 10 minutes. Strain the liquid and use that instead.
- Shake the bottle well before each use.
- Spray it on mattresses, bed seams, baseboards, cracks, and the backs of furniture.
- Do this every day for a week and make sure to air out the room afterward.
Extra Tips for Better Results
- Vacuum the affected areas often and throw the vacuum bag away right after—outside in a sealed bag.
- Wash bedding and clothes in hot water (at least 60°C / 140°F).
- Keep rooms tidy. Bedbugs love to hide in clutter.
- Check your bags and second-hand items before bringing them inside.