Bedbugs Hate This! How to Use Clove Oil to Naturally Drive Them Out of Your Home

No one likes the idea of sharing their bed with pests — especially not with bedbugs. These tiny, reddish-brown insects are notorious for hiding in mattresses, bed frames, furniture, and even behind wall fixtures. They come out at night, feast on human blood, and leave behind itchy welts that can disrupt sleep and peace of mind. And while chemical treatments exist, many people today are looking for safer, natural alternatives that don’t expose their family or pets to harmful toxins. That’s where clove oil comes in — a simple, natural solution that just might be your new secret weapon.

Clove oil is more than just a warm, spicy-scented essential oil used in holiday baking or dental care. It contains a powerful compound called eugenol, which has been shown to act as an insecticide and repellent. This makes it ideal for repelling and even killing bedbugs, without the harsh side effects of synthetic pesticides. Unlike sprays filled with questionable ingredients, clove oil offers a plant-based, environmentally friendly solution that’s safe when used properly — and deadly to pests.

In this post, you’ll discover why clove oil works so effectively, how to use it step-by-step to protect your home, and how this natural approach aligns perfectly with the health and environmental wisdom of Barbara O’Neill, who encourages chemical-free, nature-based solutions in everyday life.

Why Clove Oil Works Against Bedbugs

Clove oil comes from the dried flower buds of the Syzygium aromaticum tree and is highly concentrated in eugenol — a natural compound with potent insecticidal properties. Eugenol affects the nervous system of insects, disrupting their functions and leading to paralysis or death. It also disrupts the egg-laying process, making it harder for infestations to spread.

But what makes clove oil especially valuable is its strong scent. Bedbugs rely heavily on smell to locate their hosts (us), and the pungent aroma of clove oil can mask those human scents and create an environment they find hostile and irritating.

Research shows that clove oil:

• Repels bedbugs and other insects like ants, fleas, and mosquitoes

• Acts as a contact insecticide that can kill on contact

• Is safer for humans and pets when diluted properly

• Has natural antifungal and antibacterial properties, helping to clean and disinfect surfaces

It’s no wonder many natural health experts and green-cleaning advocates are turning to clove oil for pest control.

Signs You Might Have Bedbugs

Before you launch your clove oil defense, it’s important to know if you’re really dealing with bedbugs. Watch out for:

• Small reddish-brown bugs, especially in mattress seams or furniture cracks

• Tiny dark spots (droppings) on sheets or pillowcases

• Clusters of itchy bites, especially on exposed skin

• A musty odor, often noticeable in severe infestations

If you suspect an infestation, you’ll want to act fast — bedbugs reproduce quickly, and waiting too long can make natural control more difficult.

How to Use Clove Oil to Repel Bedbugs

Step 1: Choose a High-Quality Clove Oil
Look for 100% pure, organic clove essential oil with no added fillers. Quality matters, especially if you’re using it in sleeping areas.

Step 2: Make a Clove Oil Spray

Ingredients:

• 10–15 drops of clove essential oil

• 1 cup of water

• 1 tablespoon of rubbing alcohol (optional for faster drying)

• Spray bottle

Instructions:

1. Combine the ingredients in a clean spray bottle.

2. Shake well before each use.

3. Spray lightly on:

   • Mattress seams and tufts

   • Bed frames and headboards

   • Baseboards, behind picture frames

   • Cracks in furniture or walls

   • Luggage, carpets, and rugs

4. Repeat daily or every other day during active infestations.

Step 3: Use Clove Oil Soaked Cotton Balls for Small Areas

For more concentrated repelling power:

• Soak cotton balls in a mixture of 5 drops of clove oil + 1 teaspoon of carrier oil (like coconut or olive oil).

• Place them in corners of drawers, closets, under beds, or behind furniture.

• Replace weekly.

Step 4: Add Clove Oil to Your Laundry

If you’ve been dealing with bedbugs on bedding or clothes:

• Add 10–15 drops of clove oil to your washing machine, especially for hot washes.

• Combine with baking soda or vinegar for a natural disinfectant boost.

Step 5: Diffuse Clove Oil in the Bedroom

Using a diffuser to disperse the scent into the air can create an environment that bedbugs detest. Just add 4–5 drops of clove oil to water in a diffuser and run it for 30–60 minutes before bedtime.

Extra Tips for Success

• Vacuum daily, especially around beds and baseboards. Immediately empty the vacuum outside.

• Wash bedding frequently in hot water with clove oil.

• Use diatomaceous earth in cracks and crevices for extra natural insecticide support.

• Consider mixing clove oil with tea tree oil or peppermint oil for a stronger scent profile and broader repellent spectrum.

Safety Note

Clove oil is very strong. Always dilute it before applying to skin or spraying surfaces. Keep it away from pets, especially cats, as some essential oils can be toxic to them in high concentrations. Never use undiluted clove oil on skin or fabrics.

Barbara O’Neill’s Approach to Natural Pest Control

Barbara O’Neill often teaches that nature has already given us the tools to protect our homes and health — without turning to chemicals that harm the body and the earth. She stresses the importance of using natural antimicrobial and insecticidal plants, not just to repel bugs, but to create cleaner, healthier living environments.

She regularly encourages:

• Essential oils for home cleaning and personal care

• Avoiding commercial sprays filled with endocrine disruptors

• Keeping the home air and surfaces free of chemical toxins

In her words:
“The home should be a healing space — not a toxic one. Nature’s oils, herbs, and vinegar can do what chemicals do, only better and without harm.”

Using clove oil to repel bedbugs reflects this philosophy perfectly. It’s simple, natural, safe when used correctly, and incredibly effective.

Final Thoughts

Bedbugs are frustrating, embarrassing, and notoriously hard to eliminate — but you don’t have to fight them with poison. With a humble bottle of clove oil, a little consistency, and some basic cleaning, you can create a home environment that bedbugs won’t want to invade.

This approach doesn’t just eliminate the problem — it empowers you to take back control without relying on chemicals that can do more harm than good. As Barbara O’Neill would remind us, sometimes the most effective solutions are also the most natural.

So the next time you’re worried about uninvited pests, skip the store-bought foggers and grab a bottle of clove oil. Your nose will love it, your home will thank you — and the bedbugs will be gone.

Citation from Barbara O’Neill:

“There’s always a safer way. God gave us powerful tools in the form of plants — oils, herbs, roots — and we should be using them in our homes, not hiding from chemicals.”