In this article, we will answer the question: How to use coconut oil as a bed bug repellent?
If you’ve ever dealt with the frustrating problem of bed bugs, you may have wondered if coconut oil can offer a solution. They are pesky insects that can cause itchy bites and disrupt your sleep. In recent years, coconut oil has gained popularity for its various uses and potential health benefits. Some people claim that coconut oil can repel or eliminate bed bugs.

In this article, we will explore the relationship between bed bugs and coconut oil to determine if it is a viable option for dealing with these unwelcome pests. Let’s dive in and separate fact from fiction when it comes to using coconut oil for pest control.

What is Coconut Oil?

Coconut oil is a versatile and popular oil derived from the meat or kernel of mature coconuts. It is extracted through a process of drying the coconut meat, known as copra, and then pressing or expelling the oil from it.

Coconut oil is widely used for cooking, baking, and frying, especially in tropical regions where coconuts are abundant. It has a distinct flavor and aroma that adds a pleasant tropical touch to various dishes. In recent years, coconut oil has gained popularity in health and wellness communities due to its potential health benefits.

Does Coconut oil attract Bed bugs?

No, coconut oil does not attract bed bugs. Heat primarily attracts these insects. And by carbon dioxide exhaled when we are sleeping, as well as the presence of exposed skin to feed on blood. They are not specifically drawn to coconut oil or any other type of oil.

Does Coconut Oil Keep Bed Bugs Away?

There is no scientific evidence or research to suggest that coconut oil is effective in repelling or deterring bed bugs. They are resilient pests that are not easily repelled by natural substances like coconut oil.

Vicks Vaporub is another home remedy that is talked about for its ability to repel bed bugs. If you’re interested, you can check our article on Vicks Vaporub and Bed Bugs.

Why do bed bugs not like Coconut oil?

They do not have a specific aversion to coconut oil. They are attracted to the warmth and carbon dioxide emitted by humans, as well as the presence of exposed skin, which they bite to feed on blood.

However, coconut oil could make it harder for them to walk pass or hold onto the skin when they bite.

How to use Coconut Oil as a Bed Bug Repellent

While coconut oil is not proven to be an effective bed bug repellent, if you still wish to try it as a potential deterrent, here’s how you could apply it:

• Obtain pure coconut oil: Look for a high-quality, pure coconut oil that does not contain any additional additives or fragrances.
• Apply a thin layer: Take a small amount of coconut oil and gently rub it onto your skin, focusing on areas that are typically exposed during sleep, such as arms, legs, and neck. Be sure to apply a thin, even layer and avoid applying excessive amounts.
• Reapply as needed: Coconut oil may wear off or the skin might absorb it over time. So, you may need to reapply it periodically, especially if you sweat or wash your skin.
• Monitor for effectiveness: Keep a close eye on your skin for any signs of bed bug bites or activity. If you continue to experience bites or notice signs of these insects despite using coconut oil. We recommend you to seek professional assistance for proper bed bug control.

Remember that using coconut oil as a bed bug repellent is not supported by scientific evidence or research.

Can Coconut oil get rid of bed bugs?

No, coconut oil is not an effective method for getting rid of bed bugs. Coconut oil does not have the necessary properties to kill or control bed bugs.
Relying only on home remedies or natural substances like coconut oil is unlikely to eliminate them completely and can result in the infestation spreading further.

Does Coconut Oil relieve Bed Bugs bites?

Coconut oil may provide temporary relief for the itching and irritation associated with bed bug bites, but it does not provide a long-term solution or actively treat the underlying bed bug infestation.

Coconut oil has moisturizing properties that can soothe dry or irritated skin, and its application to bites might help alleviate some discomfort. It can provide a barrier that helps protect the skin from further irritation and scratching.

Best repellent Oil for Bed Bugs

When it comes to repellent oils for bed bugs, it’s important to note that there is limited scientific evidence supporting the effectiveness of natural oils as stand-alone bed bug repellents.

However, some essential oils have shown potential repellent properties against these insects in certain studies. These oils include:

• Lavender oil: Known for its pleasant aroma and potential repellent properties, lavender oil may have some ability to deter them to a certain extent.
• Peppermint oil: With its strong scent, peppermint oil has the potential to repel them. However, its effectiveness can vary from person to person, and it’s important to be cautious as using high concentrations of peppermint oil may irritate the skin.
• Tea tree oil: In laboratory settings, tea tree oil has demonstrated repellent effects against these pests. However, it’s important to dilute tea tree oil properly and use it with care, as undiluted oil can cause skin irritation.
• Eucalyptus oil: Eucalyptus oil has a powerful scent that may discourage bed bugs. For better results, we recommend you to combine the use of eucalyptus oil with other pest control methods.

Other essentials that could be effective against bed bugs are Lemongrass, Oregano and Clove essential oils. (source)

Conclusion

In this article, we answered the question: How to use coconut oil as a bed bug repellent?
While coconut oil has many uses and potential benefits, it is not a proven solution for repelling or eliminating these insects. While coconut oil may provide temporary relief for bed bug bites, it does not address the underlying infestation. To get rid of these bloodsuckers we advise you to rely on proven DIY methods such as vacuuming, encasing your mattress, laundering on high heat, steaming or use of insecticide labeled for bed bugs.

If you want to know the best insecticides on the market. You can check our Buying Guide for Bed Bugs Insecticides.