Bedbugs aren’t just an indoor nuisance—they can invade your garden as well, turning your outdoor space into a breeding ground for infestations. While many people associate these pests with mattresses and furniture, they can also hide in garden debris, soil, and outdoor furniture, making it essential to address the problem before it spreads.

Fortunately, you don’t need harsh chemicals to eliminate them. Salt is a simple, natural, and highly effective solution that can dehydrate and kill bedbugs quickly. In this guide, we’ll explore how salt works, the best application methods, and additional tips to keep these pests away for good.

Why Salt Works Against Bedbugs

Salt is a natural desiccant, which means it draws moisture out of bedbugs, causing them to dehydrate and die. Unlike chemical pesticides, salt offers several advantages:

• Safe for plants – It won’t harm most garden vegetation when used correctly.
• Non-toxic to pets and humans – No dangerous chemicals involved.
• Eco-friendly – Won’t pollute the soil or water supply.
• Budget-friendly – Easily available and affordable.

If you’re looking for a natural pest control method, salt is an excellent choice.

Video: How to get rid of bed bugs with salt

Best Types of Salt for Bedbug Control

Not all salts work the same way. Depending on your level of infestation, some types may be more effective than others.

1. Table Salt

• Fine-textured and easily absorbed.
• Works well for sprinkling in cracks, soil, and infested areas.
• Ideal for mild infestations.

2. Epsom Salt (Magnesium Sulfate)

• Dehydrates bedbugs while providing essential nutrients to plants.
• Can be mixed into a salt spray solution or applied directly to soil.
• Ideal for gardens that need a magnesium boost.

3. Rock Salt

• Coarser and more abrasive, making it effective for larger infestations.
• Slower to dissolve, providing longer-lasting protection.
• Best used as a barrier around garden beds and walkways.

Choose the salt type that best suits your garden’s needs.

How to Make a Salt Solution for Bedbug Control

For a fast-acting salt spray, follow this simple DIY method:

Ingredients:

• 2–3 tablespoons of salt (table salt, Epsom salt, or rock salt)
• 1 liter of warm water
• A spray bottle

Instructions:

1. Dissolve salt in warm water, stirring until fully mixed.
2. Pour the solution into a spray bottle.
3. Shake well before each use.

This DIY salt spray is an effective way to eliminate bedbugs from outdoor spaces.

How to Apply Salt to Your Garden

Using salt correctly ensures maximum effectiveness while keeping your garden healthy.

1. Spray Method

• Apply the salt solution directly to plant stems, leaves, and soil where bedbugs hide.
• Target areas near garden furniture, wooden structures, and compost piles.
• Reapply every few days or after rainfall for continued protection.

2. Sprinkle Method

• Spread dry salt around plant bases and garden pathways.
• Create a protective barrier around flower beds and entry points.
• Use rock salt for longer-lasting results.

For the best protection, combine both methods to eliminate existing infestations and prevent new ones.

Additional Tips to Keep Bedbugs Away

Salt is powerful, but pairing it with other preventative measures will ensure long-term protection.

1. Keep Your Garden Clean

• Remove dead leaves, wood piles, and garden debris where bedbugs hide.
• Trim plants and mow the lawn regularly.

2. Use Essential Oils for Extra Pest Control

• Add a few drops of tea tree, lavender, or peppermint oil to your salt spray for enhanced effectiveness.
• These natural oils repel bedbugs and other garden pests.

3. Encourage Natural Predators

• Introduce ladybugs, spiders, and lacewings, which control bedbug populations naturally.
• Plant flowers like marigolds and chrysanthemums, which attract beneficial insects.

4. Expose Infested Outdoor Furniture to Sunlight

• Bedbugs can hide in patio cushions and wooden benches.
• Leaving them in direct sunlight for several hours can kill bedbugs and their eggs.

By combining these techniques, you create a hostile environment for bedbugs and keep your garden pest-free.

Why Choose Salt Over Chemical Pesticides?

While chemical pesticides can eliminate bedbugs, they often come with risks:

• Toxic to pets and children – Many chemical sprays are harmful if inhaled or ingested.
• Kills beneficial insects – Pesticides can harm helpful bugs like bees and butterflies.
• Harms soil and water – Chemicals can seep into the ground, causing long-term damage.

The Advantages of Using Salt:

Affordable – A cost-effective solution found in every household.
Eco-friendly – Won’t harm plants, pets, or soil when used in moderation.
Fast-acting – Dehydrates bedbugs on contact, working quickly to eliminate infestations.
Versatile – Can be used as a spray, dry powder, or protective barrier.

By choosing salt over pesticides, you’re protecting your home, family, and environment.

Final Thoughts: Enjoy a Bedbug-Free Garden!

Bedbugs in the garden can be a frustrating and unexpected problem, but salt provides a simple, natural, and effective solution. By using a DIY salt spray, sprinkling salt as a barrier, and implementing additional preventative steps, you can eliminate bedbugs without harsh chemicals.

Are you ready to banish bedbugs for good? Try salt today and enjoy a clean, pest-free garden where you can relax and unwind!