“…Don’t Let The Bed Bugs Bite" With Aromatherapy

"Night, night. Sleep tight. Don't let the bed bugs bite" is an old adage based on bugs that hide during the day in nooks and crannies in the bedroom and come out at night. At one time, the bed bug had been virtually eliminated in the United States, but have recently reappeared. The reappearance has been in hotels, dormitories, apartments, health care facilities, and private homes. The resurgence can be attributed to factors such as increased international travel, and the change in available pesticides.

Bed bugs were a widespread pest until mid-1940, when pesticides containing DDT and other broad-spectrum, long-lasting chemicals were introduced. These chemicals were highly effective against all kinds of pests and nearly eradicated the bed bug. However, the use of chemicals was stopped upon the discovery of the grave danger to humans. So, the bed bug continues to survive, and is carried around the world in luggage, clothing, furniture, etc.

Bed bugs feed on human blood. The bite of the bed bug can result in itchy wheals, bumps, or small scratches on the skin. They cannot fly nor do they carry disease. Nevertheless, bed bugs are nuisances that can be effectively dealt with through aromatherapy.

Washing bed linen with soap and hot water will kill bed bugs on contact. Adding a few drops of essential oil of eucalyptus will naturally disinfect the laundry. Essential oil of lavender is a natural repellent to bed bugs. Misting the mattress, pillows, and bed linen with the Lavender Linen Mist by DLC will repel bed bugs, as well as create a cleansed aromatic atmosphere perfect for sleeping.

Travel (domestic and international) is the primary means of proliferation of the bed bug. Therefore, the traveler is encouraged to mist all bed linen upon arrival to hotels, condos, and other forms of temporary housing. It is also advised to mist clothing and luggage prior to repacking for the trip home. In the event of a bite, apply a drop of lavender (or use the Lavender Linen Mist) directly on the affected area. This will disinfect and facilitate rapid healing.

Using the Lavender Linen Mist for repelling bed bugs and disinfecting temporary sleeping quarters is just one of the many ways to make aromatherapy a part of everyday living. Aromatherapy can positively affect day-to-day living, and allow for a "good night" without the "bed bugs bite."