Will neem oil kill bed bugs?

Answer 1

No it wont kill but to some extent would keep the bugs away. No it wont kill but to some extent would keep the bugs away.

I believe studies show that parts of the neem tree are antifungal, antiseptic, repellent to insects, and also disruptive of insect reproduction...among other things. So neem freshly applied (oil, leaves) will repel and may help kill them off.

Keep in mind though, that repelling bedbugs should be used along with methods to contain and kill them, or they will scatter and infest a wider area, and maybe eventually return.

Foodgrade, freshwater diatomaceous earth is available at some garden supply stores and is an effective dessicant for all insects. It kills them gradually (2-12 days) by degrading their exoskeletons. Most insects will walk through a very light dusting but avoid a thick layer; so an unbroken thick layer can be used for windows, doorways, and the perimeters of rooms, plus inside any opening (electrical etc) or crack in walls or floors.

Get the right kind of d.e. (freshwater, foodgrade); other kinds are hazardous. Note there are products that contain ingredients you do not need (i.e. pesticides that don't even work on bed bugs.) And don't breathe d.e.

Heat, freeze, and/or thoroughly clean (rubbing alcohol, mineral oil, bleach) all the nooks and crannies of everything you can in your home, then bag whatever clean items you can (laundry, toys, etc.) airtight for as long as you can stand it. The difficulty is that eggs take awhile to hatch, and bugs may hide anywhere and live for at least a year if not longer and come out to reinfest. D.e. should keep working if it's still sitting there dry.

Parts of the neem tree have been widely used for many health applications in India for centuries. Here are some claims: http://www.nutri-info.com/shop/superfoods/neemleaves-info.htm Neem oil does have a strong smell, but it's not too noticeable after a short time, or if mixed with other herbal oils. Some people do seem to be sensitive/allergic to neem.