1. Mix the Solution: In a container, mix the mild liquid dish soap with 1 liter (4 cups) of water. Stir the mixture gently to avoid creating too many bubbles.

  2. Fill the Spray Bottle: Pour the soapy water solution into a spray bottle. Be sure the bottle is clean and free of any residues from previous uses.

  3. Apply to Affected Areas: Identify areas in your garden where bedbugs are present—this might include under leaves, near plant stems, or around garden furniture. Spray the soapy water generously onto these areas. Be sure to cover both the plants and any hiding spots where bedbugs might be.

  4. Wait for the Bedbugs to Float Away: The soapy water will cause bedbugs to float away by suffocating them and breaking down their exoskeletons. Within a few minutes, the bedbugs will start to die or be repelled from the treated areas.

  5. Repeat as Needed: Reapply the solution every few days until you no longer see any bedbugs in your garden.

Why It Works: The soap solution effectively suffocates the bedbugs and prevents them from returning to the treated areas. Additionally, the soap doesn't harm your plants, pets, or the environment, making it a safe and non-toxic solution.

2. Diatomaceous Earth (DE) Application

Diatomaceous Earth (DE) is a fine powder made from fossilized remains of diatoms (microscopic algae). When bedbugs come into contact with DE, the powder cuts through their exoskeletons and causes them to dehydrate, eventually leading to their demise. DE is a highly effective and natural way to eliminate bedbugs in your garden without using toxic chemicals.

What You Need:

  • Food-grade Diatomaceous Earth (make sure it’s food-grade to ensure it’s safe for plants and pets)
  • A fine mesh sifter or shaker
  • Gloves and a dust mask (optional, for personal protection)

Instructions:

  1. Sprinkle Diatomaceous Earth: Using a fine mesh sifter or shaker, lightly dust the affected areas of your garden with food-grade diatomaceous earth. Focus on places where bedbugs are hiding, such as under leaves, in the cracks of garden furniture, and around plant bases.

  2. Cover the Entire Area: Make sure to cover a wide area to ensure the bedbugs come into contact with the powder. DE works best when it’s spread evenly and lightly over surfaces where bedbugs may crawl.

  3. Wait for the Bedbugs to Float Away: After applying DE, the bedbugs will begin to move across the powder. As they crawl through it, the powder will cut through their exoskeletons and cause them to lose moisture, leading to dehydration and death.

  4. Reapply After Rain or Watering: Since DE is a powder, it can lose its effectiveness if it becomes wet. Be sure to reapply it after it rains or after watering your garden to maintain its efficacy.

Why It Works: Diatomaceous Earth is a natural, non-toxic powder that kills bedbugs by physically damaging their bodies. It’s an effective, eco-friendly alternative to chemical insecticides, and it won’t harm your plants or soil.

3. Essential Oils Repellent Spray

Certain essential oils have natural insect-repelling properties that can help keep bedbugs away from your garden. Essential oils like tea tree oil, lavender oil, and peppermint oil are particularly effective at repelling bedbugs due to their strong odors and insecticidal properties. When diluted with water, these oils can create a potent spray that bedbugs won’t want to approach.

What You Need:

  • 10-15 drops of essential oil (tea tree oil, lavender oil, peppermint oil, or eucalyptus oil)
  • 1 liter (4 cups) of water
  • A spray bottle

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Solution: Add 10-15 drops of your chosen essential oil (or a combination of oils) to 1 liter (4 cups) of water. Shake the bottle well to ensure the oil is evenly distributed throughout the water.

  2. Spray the Affected Areas: Spray the solution directly onto the plants, garden furniture, and areas where you’ve spotted bedbugs. Be sure to focus on areas where the bedbugs may be hiding, such as in cracks and crevices.

  3. Reapply as Needed: The strong scent of the essential oils will repel the bedbugs and encourage them to leave your garden. Reapply the essential oil spray every few days or after rainfall to maintain its effectiveness.

Why It Works: Essential oils are natural insect repellents that can keep bedbugs away from your garden without causing harm to plants, animals, or the environment. The strong odors of the oils interfere with the bedbugs' sensory receptors, causing them to flee the area.

4. Neem Oil Spray

Neem oil is another powerful natural insecticide that can help control bedbugs in your garden. It works by disrupting the bedbugs' hormonal processes, preventing them from feeding, reproducing, and eventually killing them. Neem oil is safe for plants and animals and doesn’t harm beneficial insects when used properly.

What You Need:

  • 1 tablespoon of neem oil (cold-pressed)
  • 1 liter (4 cups) of water
  • 1 teaspoon of mild liquid dish soap (to help emulsify the oil)
  • A spray bottle

Instructions:

  1. Mix the Neem Oil Solution: Combine 1 tablespoon of neem oil with 1 liter of water and 1 teaspoon of mild liquid dish soap in a spray bottle. Shake the mixture well to ensure it’s emulsified and evenly distributed.

  2. Spray the Affected Areas: Spray the neem oil solution directly onto the affected areas of your garden where bedbugs are present. Be sure to cover all potential hiding spots.

  3. Repeat as Necessary: Neem oil works gradually, so you may need to reapply the spray every 3-5 days until you see a reduction in the bedbug population.

Why It Works: Neem oil contains compounds that disrupt the pests' hormonal systems, preventing them from feeding and reproducing. Over time, this leads to the death of the bedbugs, and it also repels them from your garden.

Final Thoughts

Bedbugs in the garden can be a nuisance, but with the right natural methods, you can eliminate them without relying on harmful chemical insecticides. Using a combination of soapy water spray, diatomaceous earth, essential oils, and neem oil can help make the bedbugs float away immediately, protecting both your garden and the environment. By employing these non-toxic solutions, you’ll enjoy a pest-free garden and a healthier, more sustainable outdoor space.