Some bugs are repelled by certain smells. For instance, it is possible to repel certain bugs by using lavender, tea tree oil, and peppermint. As a result, many consumers believe they can get rid of bedbugs by using certain smells too. Are bedbugs repelled by specific scents? Is it that easy? Ultimately, no smell will consistently and effectively repel bedbugs.
One of the most effective scents for repelling bedbugs is the pheromones released by baby bedbugs. These pheromones let male bedbugs know that there are baby bedbugs or nymphs nearby. This guarantees that the male bedbug doesn’t breed with the baby bedbug. While this scent keeps male bedbugs away, it doesn’t work for female bedbugs.
Some over-the-counter pest repellents contain these pheromones although they don’t stop both genders. Also, it should be noted that the US Department of Agriculture studied the effectiveness of essential oils for repelling bedbugs. The study proved that essential oils had an impact on bedbugs and their bodies.
The only downside is that these scents didn’t repel bedbugs. With that being said, it isn’t a good idea to use essential oils to repel bedbugs. Still, some of the most effective essential oils for this purpose include paraffin oil, blood orange oil, and silicone oil.
