Get Rid of Bed Bugs Naturally with Eucalyptus Oil

17 April 2026

How to Get Rid of Bed Bugs Naturally with Eucalyptus Oil (6 Proven DIY Methods)

Say Goodbye to Bed Bugs with Eucalyptus Oil

Bed bugs are a nightmare, tiny, persistent, and incredibly difficult to eliminate. Once they settle in, they spread quickly and disrupt your sleep.

The good news? You don’t always need to jump straight to harsh chemicals.

Eucalyptus oil has long been used as a plant-based insect deterrent and can play a helpful role in managing bed bugs when used correctly. It’s also widely used to help repel other common household pests, including mice, fleas, and ticks, making it a versatile natural solution for the home.

At Emu Ridge, we’ve been producing eucalyptus oil for generations. Our oil is steam-distilled on Kangaroo Island from Eucalyptus cneorifolia, known for its naturally high eucalyptol content – the key compound responsible for its effectiveness. More about our tree here!

In this guide, we’ll show you practical ways to use it, along with simple tips to get the best results. BUY EUCALYPTUS OIL HERE

Quick Answer: Does Eucalyptus Oil Work on Bed Bugs?

Yes, eucalyptus oil can help repel and kill bed bugs on direct contact. Its active compound, eucalyptol (1,8-cineole), affects their nervous system.

For best results, use it alongside heat, cleaning, and physical removal. The same approach can also be applied when dealing with pests like mice, fleas, and ticks, where eucalyptus oil works best as part of a broader treatment plan.

Why It Helps

Eucalyptus oil works in a few key ways:

Interferes with movement and feeding
Repels bed bugs from treated areas
Helps keep surfaces clean with its antimicrobial properties

If you’re looking for a natural bed bug killer or a simple bed bug home remedy, eucalyptus oil is a useful addition to your overall approach.
Beyond bed bugs, eucalyptus oil is also commonly used to help manage rodents like mice and parasites such as fleas and ticks, especially in natural pest control routines.

6 Simple Ways to Use Eucalyptus Oil

1. Vinegar Spray

For mattresses, bed frames, and cracks.

2. Alcohol Spray

For visible bugs (use with care – flammable)

3. Carpet Powder (Baking Soda)

For rugs and soft surfaces

4. Essential Oil Spray

For ongoing prevention

5. Diatomaceous Earth Mix

For longer-lasting control in hidden areas

6. Steam Treatment

The most effective method – heat eliminates all life stages

👉 Full instructions are below.

Get Better Results (Practical Tips)

Vacuum thoroughly first (dispose of contents outside)
Focus on bed legs, joints, and hidden gaps
Use heat where possible, wash bedding at 60°C+ and dry on high heat to kill bed bugs and their eggs
After travel, treat luggage and wash clothes immediately
Eucalyptus oil is also great for any kind of insect bite see more here.

👉 For heavy infestations, professional treatment may be needed.

Extra Uses Around the Home

Bite relief: Dab eucalyptus oil onto your bite to help soothe irritation
Laundry: Add a few drops to a teaspoon to your wash & it does so much more!
Cleaning: Use diluted oil for wiping surfaces
Pest control: Helps deter a range of common pests including fleas, ticks, and mice when used as part of a natural routine

Six DIY Bed Bug Remedies Using Eucalyptus Oil

1. Eucalyptus & Vinegar Bed Bug Spray

Ingredients:

1 cup white vinegar
1 cup water
10 drops eucalyptus oil
1 tsp dish soap

Instructions:
Mix in a spray bottle and apply to mattress seams, bed frames, skirting boards, and cracks. Allow to dry and repeat every few days.

2. Eucalyptus & Rubbing Alcohol Spray

Ingredients:

1 cup rubbing alcohol (70%+) you can buy this from chemists or vodka
½ cup water
15 drops Emu Ridge eucalyptus oil

Instructions:
Spray directly onto visible bed bugs and hard surfaces. Allow to evaporate fully.

⚠️ Alcohol is Flammable – use with care.

3. Eucalyptus & Baking Soda Carpet Treatment

Ingredients:

1 cup baking soda
10 drops Emu Ridge eucalyptus oil

Instructions:
Sprinkle over carpets and rugs, leave for at least 30 minutes (longer if possible), then vacuum thoroughly.

4. Essential Oil Bed Bug Repellent Spray

Ingredients:

½ cup water
½ cup witch hazel
10 drops Emu Ridge eucalyptus oil
5 drops lavender oil
5 drops tea tree oil

Instructions:
Shake well and lightly spray bedding, curtains, and upholstery every few days.

5. Eucalyptus & Diatomaceous Earth

Ingredients:

1 cup food-grade diatomaceous earth
10 drops Emu Ridge eucalyptus oil

Instructions:
Apply lightly along bed frames, cracks, and skirting boards. Leave for 24-48 hours before vacuuming.

6. Eucalyptus Steam Treatment

Ingredients:

1 litre water
10 drops Emu Ridge eucalyptus oil

Instructions:
Use in a steam cleaner over mattresses, carpets, and furniture. Ensure heat reaches at least 60°C.

Prevention

Wash bedding regularly on hot cycles
Vacuum mattresses and furniture
Inspect luggage after travel
Use eucalyptus oil periodically as a deterrent

Why Choose Emu Ridge

We produce 100% pure Kangaroo Island Eucalyptus Oil, steam-distilled for high eucalyptol content.

👉 Reliable, consistent, and ideal for everyday household use.

Eucalyptus Oil vs Chemical Treatments

Chemical sprays can be effective but often contain harsher ingredients that aren’t ideal for regular household use.

Eucalyptus oil offers a more natural alternative for ongoing control, prevention, and lighter infestations, especially when combined with heat and cleaning.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does eucalyptus oil really work on bed bugs?

It can repel and kill on contact, but works best when combined with heat, cleaning, and physical removal. Using multiple methods together gives more reliable results than relying on one treatment alone.

What’s the fastest natural way to kill bed bugs?

Heat is the most effective method. Washing bedding above 60°C and using steam cleaning will kill all life stages, including eggs, making it the quickest way to control an infestation.

Can I use eucalyptus oil on bedding?

Yes, when properly diluted. Spray lightly and allow it to dry completely before use. Always test on a small area first to avoid staining or irritation.

Related Natural Pest Guides

If you’re dealing with more than just bed bugs, eucalyptus oil can also help with other common household pests:

How to keep mice away naturally using eucalyptus oil
How to repel fleas and ticks naturally with eucalyptus oil

Get Started Naturally

With the right combination of cleaning, heat, and eucalyptus oil, you can take control of bed bugs without relying solely on harsh chemicals.

👉 Shop Emu Ridge Eucalyptus Oil and start your natural pest control routine today.

Reviews

Reviews on our website for our insect deterrent available online here.. Our Natural Insect Deterrent is great for sensitive skin. It has beautiful Australian made essential oils, Eucalyptus, Lavender, Tea Tree and Lemon Mrytle oil which isn’t over-powering to yourself, in fact it smells great, but not to insects! Just spray over exposed skin and enjoy a natural insect free outdoors.

“Discovered Emu Ridge Insect Deterrent thru a friend on a camping trip. One use and we were sold on this great product, it works extremely well at deterring those pesky bugs, smells wonderful, feels great on your skin, easy to apply and lasts!!! Cant recommend it highly enough, in fact all of us are now fans of Emu Ridge. Love it!” – Kay W

“I am really impressed with your products. EMU RIDGE Insect Deterrent beats any similarly advertised product. It is comfortably effective against all flying life, a non intrusive spray product. This will remain my favourite.” – Sarah