5 aromatic plants to get rid of them

Vegetables that help naturally combat these annoying insects, which are increasingly abundant

The Bedbugs They expand everywhere and invade more and more spaces in Spain, and for longer: because of climate change, they last longer and longer, since they are insects that are killed by the cold.

As pointed out by the Dr. Patricia Guillem, professor of Epidemiology, Public Health and Preventive Medicine of the European University“bed bugs, like many other insects, decrease their activity when the cold arrives. Due to climate change, the fact that high temperatures continue in October encourages them to continue reproducing.”

Citizen complaints about the proliferation of this insect occur in almost all autonomous communities. Data from the Ministry of Health indicate that its presence increased 70% between 2019 and 2020, although more recent figures from pest control companies claim that between January and September of this year the increase has been 71% compared to the same period of the previous year.

There are many varieties of bed bugs, although the most common and annoying are those called bed bugs (Cimex lectularius), which usually appear at night and bite people, attracted by their body heat and aroma and by the carbon dioxide that is released when breathing. That is, like mosquitoes.

Plants against mosquitoes

Luckily, and as happens with these blood-sucking insects, there are five plants which, naturally, will help you finish them off. Or, at least, to keep them at bay.

The same thing happens with bed bugs. There are five natural plants with highly effective bed bug repellent and killer properties. These findings promise to offer an environmentally friendly and safe approach to combating growing bed bug infestations and infestations in homes and hotels.

A research team has identified five common plants that contain natural compounds capable of repelling or even killing bed bug infestations without the use of insecticides and others chemicals harmful to animals and plants:

1.Lavender

With its distinctive fragrance, lavender has been shown to effectively repel bed bugs, preventing them from infesting areas treated with lavender essential oil. From the Lamiaceae family, lavender is native to the western Mediterranean and in ancient Greece it was already used for healing, aromatic and relaxing purposes. Its high capacity for adaptation means that it can be harvested in places as diverse as Spain, France, Bulgaria, Argentina, Japan or India. Thanks to its intense and penetrating smell, it repels, in addition to bed bugs, flies and mosquitoes, moths and fleas.

2.Mint

As with lavender, mint is also an easy-to-grow plant in many countries with different climates. Coming from Europe, Asia and Africa, mint is one of the aromatic herbs that has always been used. In Egypt it was placed in the tombs of the pharaohs, the Greeks attributed it with aphrodisiac powers, the Romans used it to season their dishes and the Arabs infused it in tea. In addition to being anti-inflammatory and healing minor skin wounds, peppermint compounds act as a powerful repellent agent for bed bugs, keeping them away from areas impregnated with peppermint oil.

3.Eucalyptus

Native to Australia, it can especially be found in areas with warm climates and well-drained soils. However, today it has been introduced to many parts of the world, including regions of Europe (including Spain), America (North and South), Africa and parts of Asia. With a penetrating aroma, eucalyptus is known for its many beneficial properties, including its ability to repel insects. One of the reasons why eucalyptus is believed to be effective in repelling bed bugs is, indeed, its strong aroma. Most insects, including bed bugs, are sensitive to strong, pungent odors. However, it is important to note that its effectiveness may vary depending on the species of bed bug and specific environmental conditions.

4.Turmeric

Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is a herbaceous plant of the ginger family (Zingiberaceae) which is believed to be native to India and Southeast Asia. It is known for its root, which is used in cooking as a spice and as a component in traditional medicine. But it is also an effective natural repellent for bed bugs and other insects. Although their effectiveness may vary, these methods are considered safer than using stronger chemicals, although they may require frequent applications to maintain their repellent effect.

5.Rude

The rue (graveolens route) is a perennial plant that grows naturally in southern Europe and regions of northern Africa. However, today it is cultivated in various places around the world for its medicinal properties and its use in gardening. It is originally believed to have originated in the Balkans. It has been used throughout history by various cultures for medicinal and culinary purposes and as a natural insect repellent. As with mint, rue is effective in keeping away bed bugs and other insects because it repels them with its strong and unpleasant odor. Apparently, the smell of rue acts as a natural deterrent to these insects, keeping them away from areas where the grass is planted.