Does Cedar Repel Bed Bugs? A Natural Deterrent or More?

Does Cedar Repel Bed Bugs is a question that has piqued the interest of many, especially those looking for natural methods of pest control. Cedar, a strong and stable wood, has been widely used for both indoor and outdoor furniture, not just for its aesthetic appeal, but also for its reported ability to ward off various pests. But does cedar repel bed bugs specifically? This article delves into the properties of cedar that may serve as a deterrent to bed bugs, as well as whether or not cedar has the ability to kill these pests.

Does Cedar Repel Bed Bugs?

Cedar has long been touted for its repellent properties against a variety of pests, with bed bugs being one of them. The natural oils contained within cedar wood are unpleasant to bed bugs and many other pests, which makes them avoid areas or objects made from this particular wood.

These oils give off a distinctive scent that, to most humans, smells like freshly cut wood with almost a menthol, minty scent mixed in. While this scent may be pleasing to us, bugs, including bed bugs, find it repugnant and it deters them from dwelling in or near cedar objects.

Cedar wood expels phenols along with acids, and together they perform as a natural pesticide. When these substances enter the respiratory tract and blood system of pests, they cause damage. This is part of what makes cedar effective at repelling not just bed bugs, but also moths, roaches, ticks, and other bugs.

This property of cedar makes it an ideal choice for indoor furniture, especially for items like hope chests and blanket chests. With cedar’s natural ability to keep bugs at bay, it’s safe to store heirloom items inside a cedar chest like handmade quilts, blankets, clothing, and keepsakes.

Does Cedar Kill Bed Bugs?

While cedar wood and its oils can repel bed bugs, they do not necessarily kill these pests. The oil in red cedar wood is not lethal to bed bugs, but its unpleasant smell can serve as a deterrent.

However, certain cedar oil mixtures are used as natural remedies to exterminate pests like flying insects, roaches, termites, and bed bugs. These mixtures can be found readily online and are considered a non-toxic and safe way to deal with bed bugs and other pests. In addition to cedar oil, other essential oils like clove, peppermint, lavender, eucalyptus, and tea tree oil have bug repelling scents. However, some people can experience sensitivity to essential oils, so it’s recommended to check the ingredients of any oil mixture you decide to use for pest control.

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In conclusion, while cedar wood does not always kill bed bugs, it does serve as a natural repellent. Cedar oil mixtures can potentially kill bed bugs and other pests, but more research may be needed to confirm their effectiveness. As always, if you are dealing with a serious bed bug infestation, it is recommended to seek professional pest control assistance.

What other pests does cedar repel?

Along with bed bugs, cedar is also known to repel moths, roaches, ticks, and other bugs.

Can cedar oil be used to kill bed bugs?

Certain cedar oil mixtures are used as natural remedies to exterminate pests like bed bugs. However, more research may be needed to confirm their effectiveness.

Can cedar be used to store items safely from bed bugs?

Yes, due to cedar’s natural ability to repel bugs, it’s safe to store heirloom items inside a cedar chest like handmade quilts, blankets, clothing, and keepsakes.

Are there other natural remedies for bed bugs?

Yes, other essential oils like clove, peppermint, lavender, eucalyptus, and tea tree oil also have bug repelling scents and are sometimes used as part of a natural approach to pest control.