Native Americans (or indigenous Americans or Red Indians as they were known) had a spiritual approach to almost everything in life. They respected Nature and their medicine men had extensive knowledge about plants and herbs that they used as medicines. They first started using herbs for health when they saw animals dying after eating certain poisonous species of plants. That is when they realized the importance of plants and were known to collect every unknown plant in order to study it in detail. Bed bugs have been reported in as early as 1200s. Even Shakespeare is known to have referenced them in his play (Such bugs and goblins in my Life!-Hamlet!). It is evident that the native or indigenous Americans must have used some natural remedies for bug control. Let us take a look at some of these remedies which perhaps will make a comeback as an alternative to harmful chemicals.
Kerosene
Reports from 1930s have shown that Southerners used kerosene to kill bed bugs. This is a dangerous remedy as it can cause fire hazards. Oil of kerosene applied to skin repels[i] bed bugs and mosquitoes.
Garlic
Winnebago Indians used fresh garlic juice to ease bee stings. Native Americans also used this herb to expel pinworms, tapeworms and hookworms. Early settlers munched on garlic cloves to rid their system of intestinal worms. Men who went on tribal hunts also used garlic juice to ease scorpion stings. All these uses have been documented in Garlic: Nature’s Natural Companion By Emily Thacker. While there is no mention of the use of garlic by native Indians for bed bugs, it is probably one of the old home remedies for bed bugs used by them. In olden times, when there was no DDT available native Indians must have made use of this natural bug repellent around their huts. Garlic can be used in multiple ways as natural home remedies to get rid of bed bugs. Impregnate clips with garlic oil and place it around the bed. You can also apply garlic oil on the skin to repel bed bugs and keep them from biting.
Feverfew
This herb contains pyrethrins which are compounds that are effective in repelling mosquitoes, bed bugs, ticks, fleas etc. Native Indians used feverfew for many medicinal purposes:
- For fighting inflammation
- Women used the herb to induce delayed menstruation and also to aid difficult childbirth
- Externally, they used it for treating insect bites
To use feverfew to repel bugs, plant it in your kitchen garden. Drinking feverfew tea can repel mosquitoes and keep bed bugs from biting you.
Catnip
Several tribes have used Catnip[ii] for coughs, colds, fevers, colic and pneumonia. It has sedative and diuretic properties. Mohegans used the tea to relieve infant colic. Catnip plants can deter aphids, ants and other pests in your gardens. Studies have now shown that this herb repels mosquitoes more effectively than DEET[iii]. So effective are catnip’s insect repellent properties that Iowa State University Research Foundation has obtained a patent for catnip mosquito and bug repellent compound.Here are two popular recipes using catnip for bug repellence:
Mosquito and bug repellent spray
- 2 cups catnip leaves
- 3-4 cups rice vinegar
To make: Rinse the herb and dry it completely in the sun. Crush the leaves and place them in a clean jar with lid. Cover the leaves completely with vinegar. Seal the jar and store it in a cool, dark and dry place for 2 weeks. Strain the mixture and store the liquid in the refrigerator. You need to use it within 6 months.
To use: Pour into a spray bottle. Spray it all over exposed skin or near the bed and mattresses to repel bed bugs. Home remedies for bed bugs with vinegar are safe for use on babies and toddlers.
Catnip and Rosemary bug chasing oil
Rosemary was another popular herb used by native Indians. They used it for treating headaches, enhance memory, and to treat stomach disorders and colds. It was particularly indicated by medicine men to treat skin issues, eczema, insect bites etc. Here is a great way to get rid of bed bugs with rosemary and catnip:
- 2 cups catnip leaves
- 1 cup rosemary cut into 6” strips
- 2 cups grapeseed oil
To make: Crush the leaves and cover with enough oil. Place the mixture in a jar and store it for 2 weeks in a cool, dry place. Shake the jar every day.Strain the oil in a clean container. Refrigerate for up to 8 months.
To use: Apply to exposed parts of the skin to prevent bug bites.
Wormwood
Wormwood oil can be used to repel bed bugs[iv]. Spray the oil on handkerchiefs or muslin cloths and place around the bed.
Quicksilver
An ounce of quicksilver/mercury beaten with two egg whites and applied using a feather was considered the surest bed bug poison[v].
Yarrow and Echinacea
Native Americans used these herbs to make into a poultice to treat snake bites, mosquito bites, bee stings etc. Yarrow flowers were beneficial for treating open wounds.
Apart from these herbs, you can use many other old home remedies for bed bugs such as cinnamon for bed bugs, and baking soda and salt for bed bugs. Sprinkle these spices to mask the human smells which attract bed bugs to you at night. You can also use these natural home remedies to get rid of bed bugs along with other integrated pest management options./
Check out other effective chemical and natural bed bug control techniques.
[i] An Antebellum Plantation Household: Including the South Carolina Low Country …
By Anne Sinkler Whaley LeClercq
[ii] Secrets of Native American Herbal Remedies: A Comprehensive Guide to the …
By Anthony J. Cichoke
[iii] What Can i Do with My Herbs?: how to Grow, Use, and Enjoy These Versatile Plants
By Judy Barrett
[iv] An Antebellum Plantation Household: Including the South Carolina Low Country …
By Anne Sinkler Whaley LeClercq
[v] An Antebellum Plantation Household: Including the South Carolina Low Country …
By Anne Sinkler Whaley LeClercq
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