These powerful natural ingredients are effective, safe, and budget-friendly. Plus, you can easily buy food-grade diatomaceous earth online or purchase clove oil to use at home.
🦟 Why Diatomaceous Earth and Cloves Work Against Bed Bugs
1. Diatomaceous Earth Dehydrates and Kills on Contact
Diatomaceous earth (DE) is a fine powder made from fossilized algae. When bed bugs crawl over it, the microscopic particles pierce their exoskeleton and absorb oils, causing dehydration and death within hours to days.
Food‑grade DE is about 90% effective when applied correctly and remains active as long as it’s dry. This means it keeps working even after you’ve applied it.
2. Cloves Contain Eugenol – A Natural Insecticide
Cloves are rich in eugenol, a natural compound that disrupts an insect’s nervous system, killing bed bugs on contact. Its strong scent also acts as a repellent, keeping new bugs at bay.
Clove essential oil spray has been shown to kill and deter bed bugs, offering both elimination and prevention.
3. Both Remedies Are Safe to Use Around People and Pets
Unlike harsh chemical pesticides, food‑grade DE and clove oil are non-toxic when used properly. DE is even edible—though we don’t recommend eating it—making it safe for homes with kids and pets.
Clove spray can be applied around sleeping areas or on furniture without harmful residue, offering peace of mind for sensitive households.
4. Offers Long-Term Protection Against Reinfestation
DE remains active as long as it stays dry, creating an ongoing barrier against bed bugs. Clove’s lingering aroma continues to repel pests, making your home less inviting over time.
With just occasional reapplication, you can maintain a bug-free environment for months.
5. Cost-Effective and Easy to Access
Professional extermination can cost hundreds or thousands. In comparison, a pound of food-grade DE costs under $15, and a small bottle of clove oil is about $10. Both supplies last through multiple treatments.
This DIY method is both affordable and effective—comparable to many commercial solutions.
🛠️ How to Use Diatomaceous Earth and Cloves to Control Bed Bugs
Step 1: Deep Clean Your Space
Wash all bedding, curtains, and clothes in hot water (120 °F or above). Dry them on high heat to kill bed bugs instantly. Then vacuum your mattress, furniture, carpets, and cracks thoroughly.
Step 2: Apply Diatomaceous Earth
Using a duster or fine sieve, lightly dust food‑grade DE in key areas:
- Mattress seams and bed frame edges
- Under and around furniture
- Inside wall cracks, baseboards, and outlets
Leave DE undisturbed for 48–72 hours, then vacuum completely. Repeat weekly for 4–6 weeks.
Step 3: Make a Clove Oil Spray
Mix 10–15 drops of clove oil with 1 cup of water in a spray bottle. Shake well and apply onto bedding frames, furniture edges, and hiding spots.
For extra protection, place whole cloves in bed frame corners, drawers, and beneath furniture to repel new bugs.
Step 4: Monitor and Reapply as Needed
Continue DE and clove spray applications weekly until there are no signs of bed bugs. Then maintain with clove oil periodically to prevent re‑infestations.
⚠️ Cautions and Precautions
- Use only food‑grade diatomaceous earth—not pool-grade, which can irritate lungs.
- Avoid inhaling DE dust—wear a mask during application.
- Always dilute clove oil; it’s potent and can irritate skin.
- Keep clove oil away from pregnant women, young children, and pets—they may react to strong scents.
This method is generally safe when used responsibly, but always patch-test or consult a professional if unsure.
🧪 Where to Buy Supplies
You can buy food-grade diatomaceous earth online on trusted wellness sites or marketplaces. Similarly, high-quality clove essential oil is available from reputable vendors. Purchasing these products ensures you are using safe, effective ingredients.
✅ Final Thoughts
Chemicals aren’t the only answer to bed bug infestations. Combining food-grade diatomaceous earth with clove oil offers a safe, natural, and cost-effective solution that’s accessible to anyone.
With proper application and consistency, you can eliminate bed bugs and prevent future outbreaks—all while avoiding harsh toxins. Ready to reclaim your space? Get your DE and clove oil and start your natural extermination today.