Researchers have discovered that a cheap household product can kill bedbugs. Natural and non-toxic, it eliminates these horrible pests by dehydrating them in record time.
In recent years, bedbugs have become a real nightmare for French households. These tiny insects, almost invisible to the naked eye, cause enormous damage both physically and psychologically. Causing itching, insomnia and stress, they reproduce at an alarming rate.
Professional treatments are often expensive and require several interventions, without guaranteeing total elimination. In this context, even if the psychosis of 2023 has calmed down, many vacationers fear bringing them back with them when they return from vacation. Therefore, they are looking for effective, natural and above all economical solutions.
It turns out that one product in particular, which most of us already have in our cupboards, stands out: Sommières clay. Indeed, researchers from the Nice University Hospital and the Mediterranean Infection University Hospital Institute (IHU) in Marseille revealed in a study that this natural clay is formidable against bedbugs. “A simple three-minute exposure is enough to [les] kill”they assure.
Often used to remove stains from fabrics and absorb bad odours, this household cleaner, from the village of Sommières in the Gard, works by absorbing 80% of its weight in water, which gives it impressive disinfectant properties. Being both natural and non-toxic for the environment and human health, it represents an alternative of choice compared to the aggressive chemical products generally used in the fight against bedbugs. Because, for the moment, it is mandatory to resort to chemical methods – such as insecticides – or mechanical methods – washing at 60°, steam, brushing, vacuuming, etc. – to get rid of them.
Its method of use is disconcertingly simple: simply sprinkle the Sommières earth on the surfaces concerned, particularly the bed bases, leave to act for a few minutes, then vacuum or brush off the residue before resorting to mechanical procedures. All places that serve as a refuge for insects must be sprinkled, such as skirting boards, wooden slats and bed legs. Be careful, if you forget one, these critters will multiply!
Note that Sommières earth has a cross-effect, meaning that a contaminated bedbug also contaminates its fellow bugs and kills them. This study also proved the effectiveness of silicon dioxide and diatomaceous earth, but these products are dangerous to breathe.