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Vol 3 | Issue 1 | Jan – Mar 2024                                                                                       Indian J Pharm Drug Studies | 1  

Review Article 

A review of plants and essential oils effective as natural remedies against 

bedbugs 

Nihal Bhirich1, Ghita Salime Meknassi1, Mohamed Yafout2, Hicham Elhorr2, Amal Ait Haj Said2, Brahim 

Mojemmi1 

From, 1Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Mohammed V University, Rabat, 2Laboratory of 

Drug Sciences, Biomedical Research, and Biotechnology, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hassan II University of Casablanca, 

Morocco. 

ABSTRACT 

Called Cimex lectularius and Cimex hemipterus, the bedbug has made its return to daily life in many developed countries since the 

1990s, although it had practically disappeared since the 1950s. The resurgence of bedbug infestations can be explained partly by the 

evolution of the lifestyle and by the mode of consumption favoring second-hand purchasing. One of the main factors behind their 

resurgence is the excessive use of synthetic insecticides with similar modes of action, which has led to the development of insecticide 

resistance. The application of synthetic insecticides indoors or in the environment is a public health concern due to the toxic effects 

that can result from prolonged exposure to these chemicals. It is for this reason that there is an increased demand from the public for 

the use of effective “green” products for urban pest control. Natural insecticides, including EOs are considered safe due to their low 

toxicity to humans and animals. Thanks to a search in ethnobotanical studies, we identified a list of 10 plants used in the fight against 

bedbugs: Lavandula latifolia spica, Corymbia citriodora, Syzygium aromaticum (L), Cymbopogon winterianus jowitt, Thymus 

vulgaris, Chrysanthemum cinerariaefolium, Phaseolus vulgaris, Oreganum vulgare L., Tagetes paluta L. and Cinnamomum 

camphora. The study of the literature that we subsequently carried out showed that these plants/essential oils/components act 

according to 4 mechanisms, namely: topical, neurological, mechanical or fumigant effects. We therefore conclude that the use of 

preparations of natural origin has the advantage of avoiding the toxic and polluting harm of substances of chemical and synthetic 

origin and that it is desirable to continue research and investigation of the composition details of its plants and essential oils. 

Keywords: Cimex Lectularius, Cimex Hemipterus, Bed Bugs, Plants, Essential Oils, Green Product, Natural Insecticides. 

he bed bug has made a comeback in daily life in many 

developed countries since the 1990s, although it had 

practically disappeared since the 1950s. The increase 

in bedbug infestations is partly explained by changes 

in lifestyle and consumption patterns favoring second-hand 

purchases [1]. One of the main factors behind their resurgence 

is the excessive use of synthetic insecticides with similar 

modes of action, which has led to the development of 

insecticide resistance [2-5]. Called Cimex lectularius L. and 

Cimex hemipterus, the bedbug belongs to the Cimicidae 

family, exclusively hematophagous throughout its life, it has 

always cohabited with humans. It is an insect that has been 

known for thousands of years, specimens found in Egyptian 

tombs bear witness to this. Without functional wings, brown to 

reddish in color. It can measure 5 to 8 mm as an adult, its body 

is flattened dorso-ventrally, with a rounded shape [6,7].  

Access this article online 

Received – 20th Dec 2023 

Initial Review – 10th Feb 2024 

Accepted – 12th Feb 2024 Quick Response Code 

After a blood meal, fertilized female bed bugs lay, 

throughout their adult life, around five eggs per day in a place 

protected from light. At room temperature, the eggs hatch into 

first instar larvae in approximately 7 to 15 days. Insects pass 

through four larval stages and one nymphal stage, each 

requiring a blood meal before they can progress to the next 

stage, the fifth instar molting into an adult. The lifespan of bed 

bugs is approximately 12 months in total. They are nocturnal, 

photophobic and gather during the day in aggregates located 

near the resting sites of human beings, sheltered from light 

[1]. The bedbug must feed every three to fifteen days on 

average; this duration varies depending on the digestion time, 

egg laying and temperature and humidity conditions and the 

availability of the host. Certain populations of bed bugs have 

been shown to be highly resistant to various chemicals 

including neonicotinoids and to possess reduced sensitivity to 

pyrrole compounds [4,5].  

__________________________________________________ 

Correspondence to: Mohamed Yafout, Pharm D, 19, Rue 

Tarik Ibnou Ziad B.P. 9154, Casablanca, MAROC, Laboratory 

of Drug Sciences, Biomedical Research, and Biotechnology, 

Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hassan II University of 

Casablanca, Morocco. Email: yafoutm@yahoo.fr 

T 

mailto:yafoutm@yahoo.fr


Bhirich et al.                                                                                                       Plants and essential oils against bedbugs 

Vol 3 | Issue 1 | Jan – Mar 2024                                                                                       Indian J Pharm Drug Studies | 2  

An amino acid substitution mutation, F348Y (or F331Y in 

standard numbering), occurring at an acyl binding site of the 

AChE paralog gene ( p-Ace ), was identified among AChEi -

resistant colonies of common bedbugs [8]. The difficulty of 

eliminating resistant bed bug populations requires pest 

management that uses both chemical and non-chemical or 

alternative treatments [9-11]. Substances of natural origin such 

as plant essential oils, which are secondary metabolites 

derived from the outer glandular cells of the leaves and stems 

of aromatic plants [12], are one of the treatment alternatives 

used to combat bedbugs. And many other urban and 

agricultural insect pests [13–20]. 

Review of plants and essential oils (EO) used against 

bedbugs 

The application of synthetic insecticides indoors or in the 

environment is a public health concern due to the toxic effects 

that may result from prolonged exposure to these chemicals 

[21–23]. It is for this reason that there is an increased demand 

from the public for the use of effective “green” products for 

urban pest control. Natural insecticides including EOs are 

considered safe due to their low toxicity to humans and 

animals [12-13]. Theses EOs is marketed under a lot of brand 

names as: Sereni-d® (Bouclier® punaise de lit), EcoWidow® 

(BED BUG REPELLENT®), ANBE® (BED BUG spray®), 

Ready Steady Defend® (BED BUG KILLER® spray) and 

other. In this context, EOs of plant origin in particular have 

emerged as an interesting option in the fight against harmful 

insects [24-25]. To identify plants and EOs used to treat 

bedbugs, we searched scientific article or book databases as 

well as Google Scholar for publications containing 

ethnobotanical data on plants and EOs. used to treat these 

parasites. This research allowed us to establish a list of the ten 

most cited plants or EOs and their constituents (Table 1). 

Table 1: List of identified plants and essential oils used against bedbugs: 

Plant / source of HE Botanical family English common name Active molecule 

Lavandula latifolia spica Lamiaceae Aspic lavender Linalool 

Corymbia citriodora Myrtaceae Lemon eucalyptus Eucalyptol Geraniol 

Syzygium aromaticum (L) Myrtaceae Clove Eugenol 

Cymbopogon winterianus jowitt Poaceae Java lemongrass Citronellol 

Thymus vulgaris Lamiaceae Thyme Thymol 

Chrysanthemum cinerariaefolium Asteraceae Pyrethrum flowers Pyrethrin 
Phaseolus vulgaris Fabaceae Common bean - 

Oreganum vulgare L. Lamiaceae Wild oregano Carvacrol 

Tagetes paluta L. Asteraceae French marigold Terthyenyl 

Cinnamonum camphora Lauraceae Camphor tree Camphor, monoterpene 
 
Lavandula latifolia spica: Spike Lavender is a shrub with a 

woody, square stem from the Lamiaceae family that can reach 

80cm high. Its stems branch into forks and its narrow, linear 

leaves can reach 10cm. Its spike-shaped inflorescences have 

small purple flowers with a shape characteristic of lamiaceae 

[26]. The extraction of lavender essential oil is done by steam 

distillation, the resulting oil is very light yellow, almost 

colorless [27], its composition is not constant, this variation is 

probably due to various conditions including environment, 

genotype, geographic origin, drying location, temperature and 

extraction method. EO is rich in linalool (25-50%), 1,8-

cineole (20-35%) and camphor (8-20%) [28,29]. Lavender 

owes its repellent activity and mortality rate to its predominant 

component Linalool which provides neuro-excitatory effects 

on the nervous system of bedbugs [30]. 

Corymbia citriodora: Also called Eucalyptus citriodora, is a 

species of the genus Corymbia. It is a large tree 50 meters 

high whose foliage gives off a lemony smell. Its bark is 

fibrous, gray or gray brown coming off in long ribbons. The 

small branches are green in color. The leaves are green, 

concolorous, narrow, lanceolate, pointed and measure 7 to 15 

centimeters long and 0.7 to 1.5 centimeters wide. They give 

off a peppermint smell when kneaded. The EO is extracted 

from the leaves and branches, which has medicinal properties 

thanks to the known active ingredients: Aldehydes 

(citronellal), eucalyptol (3%), Alcohols: citronellol, geraniol 

[31]. Eucalyptus essential oil is composed of an average of 

70% Citronellol, effective against insects and against bedbugs 

[32]. 

Syzygium aromaticum (L): The clove or clove tree is a large 

tree with a light gray trunk 12 to 15 meters high which can 

reach up to 20 meters high. It has an erect and pyramidal port. 

Its foliage is aromatic, leathery, evergreen, dark green and 

glazed with a lighter underside. Its leaves are opposite, entire, 

elliptical. It is a tree native to the Moluccas Islands in the 

Indonesian archipelago. The nails are actually flower buds. 

Green in color then red once ripe, the nails take on their pretty 

brown color during the drying phase, which takes place in the 

open air for a month [33]. The biochemical composition is 

likely to change depending on the production conditions and 

the quality of the oil. However, we can rely on this 

composition to evaluate the quality of an oil: Main chemical 

compound: Phenols 70 to 85% (Eugenol) [34]. Clove essential 

oil appears to exhibit insecticidal activity against bedbugs. 

However, its application requires direct spraying on the insect, 

which can prove difficult in practice [16]. 

Cymbopogon Winterianus Jowitt: Java Lemongrass is a 

genus of herbaceous plants of Asian species, many crops of 

which have been introduced throughout the world. Java 



Bhirich et al.                                                                                                       Plants and essential oils against bedbugs 

Vol 3 | Issue 1 | Jan – Mar 2024                                                                                       Indian J Pharm Drug Studies | 3  

lemongrass is robust, aromatic, and persistent. A tuft of erect 

leaves arises from a short rhizome and can reach a height of 2 

meters. It is widely cultivated in Java and South-East Asia. 

The fresh aerial parts, from which Java Lemongrass essential 

oil is extracted, are rich in terpene aldehydes (35 to 65%): 

citronellal Alcohols (30 to 40%): geraniol, citronellol and 

Esters (10%): citronellal acetate [35]. A recent study 

demonstrated the toxic effects of lemongrass against various 

insects including bedbugs. The authors reported that some 

compounds contained in this plant have strong activity as 

membrane channel activating cations. They observed that this 

effect is similar to the mode of action of pyrethrin [36]. 

Thymus vulgaris: Native to the Mediterranean basin, Thymus 

vulgaris L. is an aromatic shrub with branched stems, which 

can reach 40 cm in height. It has small leaves curved on the 

edges, dark green in color, and which are covered with hairs 

and glands (called trichomes). The trichomes contain the 

essential oil mainly composed of monoterpenes. The color of 

its small flowers varies from white to purple to pink. Thymus 

vulgaris is characterized by floral and therefore chemical 

polymorphism as well [37]. The essential oil of T. vulgaris has 

a high content of oxygenated monoterpenes (56.53%) and low 

contents of monoterpene hydrocarbons (28.69%), 

sesquiterpene hydrocarbons (5.04%) and oxygenated 

sesquiterpenes (1.84%) [4]. The predominant compound 

among the components of essential oils is thymol (51.34%) 

[38]. Maximum mortality and repellency of up to 100% have 

been reported for Thymus vulgaris in previous studies [30]. 

Chrysanthenum Cinerariafolium: Perennial flower native to 

mountainous regions of Europe, with the appearance of a large 

daisy. The term "pyrethrum" is the powder produced from the 

flowers harvested and air-dried to avoid fermentation and loss 

of pyrethrin. The dried flowers are crushed and extracted with 

hexane or other suitable solvent, the plant undissolved and the 

material is filtered and the solvent is flashed to leave a crude 

oleoresin which generally contains about 30% pyrethrins: 

pyrethrins I and II, cinerins I and II, jasmoline I and II [39]. 

Pyrethrins act by contact or ingestion on the nervous system 

of bedbugs. It is the most economically important natural 

insecticide, comprising a group of six closely related 

monoterpene esters. Industrial production is based on the 

extraction of Chrysanthemum flower heads cinerariaefolium 

(Pyrethrum) [40]. These alkaloids are toxic to the central 

nervous system of insects, but also to that of cold-blooded 

animals. Their toxicity for humans is much lower. These 

biodegradable natural products are quickly inactivated by 

light, their effectiveness is therefore quite limited and also 

cause resistance [41]. Pyrethrum is still found today in organic 

insecticides in the form of dry powder or combined with other 

components such as lavender essential oil [41]. 

Phaseolus vulgaris: The bean is an herbaceous, annual plant, 

which can take several types of growth depending on the 

variety. There are two large groups, climbing beans (called 

pole beans), with a twining habit. The bean has a non-

dominant main root which is very quickly supplemented by 

lateral roots. The roots can reach a depth of one meter if the 

soil is suitable [42]. In the past, common bean leaves were 

used by dropping them in infested areas to capture bed bugs 

after using them the leaves were destroyed or burned. This 

capturing power was analyzed, by microscopy, it revealed the 

presence of tiny sharp needles on the surface capable of 

piercing the integument of the legs of bedbugs, and these are 

the trichomes). The imprisonment and death of bedbugs is 

therefore purely physical [43]. 

Origanum vulgaris: A perennial herbaceous plant that 

measures 30 to 80 cm high, with fragrant foliage and flowers 

when crushed. It is thus recognizable by its odor and its 

phenolic, spicy and hot flavor [44]. It grows from sea level to 

4000 m altitude, mainly on limestone substrates and flowers 

from May to October. The aerial parts die during the bad 

season, and the plant can therefore start again from renewal 

buds [45]. It is a plant that is often slightly reddish-purple and 

is covered with hairs. Oregano is a plant with erect stems, 

generally hairy, sometimes glabrous. They have leaves with 

entire or toothed edges. Oregano essential oil contains 

carvacrol (61.9%), which is the majority component followed 

by p- cymene (25.2%) and g- terpinene (2.24%) [46]. This 

39% oil gives 99% bed bug repellency in the petri dish test, it 

has been used against 4th and 5th instar nymphs and bed bug 

adults using a rabbit and human host [47]. 

Tagetes patula L: Marigold is an annual or perennial plant. Its 

stems are erect, glabrous, or hispid, with opposite branches 

erect in the upper part. Leaves all stem opposite, External 

flowers feminine or absent with short yellow, white or orange 

ligule, tubular internal flowers. In the essential oil of T. patula, 

21 compounds were identified, and α- terthienyl (43.1%), 

pentatriacontane (23.9%) and 2-ethyl-l-dodecanol (7.9%) %) 

are the main constituents [48]. The phytochemical constitution 

of the essential oil attests to a rich composition of 

monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, and secondary metabolites 

closely linked to the insecticidal potential [49]. Most reports 

indicate that these compounds exhibit inhibitory effects, 

growth retardation, maturation damage, reduction of 

reproductive capacity, appetite suppression or direct toxicity 

[49]. Thus, we find that its essential oil is reported in studies 

giving maximum mortality and repellency of up to 100% [30]. 

Cinnamonum camphora: Also called camphor, it is a tree that 

can reach 15 to 40 meters high, although it rarely exceeds 20 

meters in Europe. Its longevity is of the order of a thousand 

years [50]. The trunk is branched at the base, and has rough, 

chapped bark. The fragrant camphor tree (Cinnamomum 

camphora) and its products, such as camphor essential oil, 

have been coveted since ancient times. Having a rich history 

of traditional use, it was particularly used as a fumigant [51]. 



Bhirich et al.                                                                                                       Plants and essential oils against bedbugs 

Vol 3 | Issue 1 | Jan – Mar 2024                                                                                       Indian J Pharm Drug Studies | 4  

Camphor essential oil is extracted from the bark of the 

camphor tree. The distillation of this bark gives an essence. 

This is sublimated a certain number of times, to obtain a very 

aromatic white crystallized product: crystallized camphor. The 

latter must be mixed with other vegetable oils to be able to use 

it. The benefits of camphor essential oil are mainly explained 

by its high content of camphor, monoterpenes, and terpene 

oxides [52]. Indeed, camphor essential oil owes its action to 

monoterpenes which give it toxic effects (fumigants and 

contact toxicity), repellent, anti-feedant, ovicidal and 

sterilizing effects against bedbugs [53]. 

 
Figure 1: Chemical structures of certain molecules 

DISCUSSION 

The analysis of the data that we collected concerning the 

plants and EOs most cited for their effectiveness studied 

against bedbugs allowed us to classify their effects into four 

main mechanisms of action summarized in (Table 2). We 

subsequently discuss each of these mechanisms. 

Topical toxicity: According to the studies that we have cited 

for oregano and thyme, it clearly appears that their common 

mechanism of action is exerted by topical activity due to the 

most predominant components, namely carvacrol and thymol, 

which have two properties major [13.54]: 

- Saturated compounds (carbon-carbon single bonds outside 

the benzene cycle) 

- Presence of functional hydroxyl groups, on the benzene ring 

These structural properties allowed thymol and carvacrol, after 

undergoing slight detoxification, to quickly penetrate through 

the cuticle and interact effectively with their target sites 

[13,54,55]. Lipophilicity of essential oil compounds is another 

important property that plays a role in penetration through the 

insect cuticle [50]. Therefore, the plant essential oils of thyme 

(Thymus vulgaris L.) and oregano (Origanum vulgare L.), 

which contain large amounts of thymol and carvacrol, 

respectively, can be included in the formulation of natural 

insecticide products. Eucalyptol and eugenol also in one study 

showed topical toxicity towards bedbugs, but with resistance 

for adult males [56]. 

Physical toxicity: Artichoke leaves have tiny hairs that attach 

to the exoskeleton of bed bugs. A bean leaf barrier therefore 

traps bedbugs, which eventually die. Researchers are trying to 

reproduce by synthesis this type of trap naturally present in 

bean leaves but have not succeeded in reproducing its 

effectiveness [43]. If researchers could synthesize a 

comparable leaf, it could be an effective alternative biological 

tool to use in combination with other techniques. 

Neurological toxicity: We can differentiate between two 

types: 

1. A neuro-inhibition is exerted by the essential oils of plants 

(oregano, thyme, clove) due to the action at the level of 

possible target sites for the components: thymol, eugenol 

and carvacrol, respectively on gamma -amino butyric acid 

(GABA), octopamine / tyramine and nicotinic 

acetylcholine (nACh) receptors [57-58]. 

2. Neuroexcitation has been reported in studies for EOs from 

lavender, pyrethrum flower and camphor plants containing 

linalool, pyrethrum derivatives and camphor respectively 

[18]. 

Linalool produced neuroexcitatory effects on the nervous 

system of bedbugs. Studies report that linalool acts as a 

reversible competitive inhibitor of the acetylcholinesterase 

enzyme [59]. Synthetic pyrethroid derivatives modify the 

gating characteristics of potential-sensitive sodium channels 

which result in a delay in their closure and thus cause a 



Bhirich et al.                                                                                                       Plants and essential oils against bedbugs 

Vol 3 | Issue 1 | Jan – Mar 2024                                                                                       Indian J Pharm Drug Studies | 5  

neuroexcitatory effect on the insect nervous system [60]. The 

same effect was noticed in lemongrass [36]. Camphor has 

been shown to inhibit catecholamine secretion by blocking 

acetylcholinesterase nACHR in bovine adrenal chromaffin 

cells [61]. Finally, molecular modeling studies suggest that the 

main compounds in the essential oils of Tagetes patula L. such 

as terthyenyl competitively inhibit acetylcholinesterase of C. 

lectularius [19]. 

Toxicity by fumigation: A study on the constituents of 

essential oils of plants: thyme, oregano, lavender, camphor 

shows that thymol was the most powerful, followed by 

carvacrol, linalool and camphor [17]. Indeed, thymol was 

more potent as a fumigant than any other essential oil 

constituent tested in this study. Therefore, thymol or thymol-

containing essential oils have the potential to be used as 

fumigants to control bedbugs in the field. The behavior of 

adult females, which lay eggs in isolated places, justifies the 

adoption of a more practical approach such as fumigating or 

fogging bedbug-infested objects by enclosing them in plastic 

bags with paper or a cloth impregnated with essential oils 

containing thymol [17,18]. 

Camphor has great potential for development as an alternative 

green commercial insect repellent to replace harmful synthetic 

agents currently in use [62]. Monoterpenes exert toxic 

(fumigant and contact toxicity), repellent, antifeedant, ovicidal 

and sterilizing effects against bedbugs [53]. A synergistic 

interaction between these monoterpenoids has been 

demonstrated by previous studies [63], which may provide 

information on the oily constituents that can be formulated 

together in botanical insecticide products, such as increased 

cuticular penetration and also great alteration of the nerve 

triggering activity [64]. 

Table 2: Summary of mechanisms of action of plants or HE used to eliminate bedbugs. 

Mechanism of action of bedbug toxicity Plant or HE Active molecule References 

Topical Oreganum vulgare L. 

Thymus vulgaris 

Corymbia citriodora 

Carvacrol 

Thymol 

Eucalyptol, Geraniol 

47,13,54,55 

13,30,54,55 

31 

Mechanics (physics) Phaseolus vulgaris - 43 

Neurological 

Neuro-inhibitory 

 

Oreganum vulgare L.  

Thymus vulgaris 

Syzygium aromaticum (L) 

Carvacrol 

Thymol 

Eugenol 

57.58 

30,57,58 

16,57,58 

Neuro-excitatory Lavandula latifolia spica 

Chrysanthenum Cinerariafolium 
Cinnamomum camphora 

Tagetes patula L. 

Cymbopogon winterianus jowitt 

Linalool 

Pyrethrin 
Camphor 

Alpha- terthyenyl 

Citronellol 

18,30,59 

40,18,60 
18,53,61 

30,49,19 

31.36 

Fumigant Thymus vulgaris 

Oreganum vulgare L. 

Lavandula latifolia spica 

Cinnamomum camphora 

Cymbopogon winterianus jowitt 

Thymol 

Carvacrol 

Linalool 

Camphor, monoterpene 

Citronellol 

18,17,30 

17 

17.30 

17,51,53,62 

31.17 
 
CONCLUSION 

This present review summarizes the current knowledge 

available on the toxic potential: neurological, physical, 

fumigant and topical of the plants and EOs most studied for 

their effects against bed bugs. The studies indexed on the 

Scopus database, and which we have included in this review 

provide relevant scientific data which make it possible to 

elucidate the precise mechanism of action of the action 

observed against the bed bugs of these plants or HE. The 

major interest of our development is therefore to guide the 

research and development of effective insecticides of natural 

origin against these harmful insects. The use of preparations of 

natural origin has the advantage of avoiding the toxic and 

polluting harm of substances of chemical and synthetic origin. 

It is also desirable to continue research and investigation of 

the precise composition of its plants and EOs in order to 

extract and possibly purify the active molecules at the origin 

of their mechanisms of action. 

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How to cite this article: Nihal Bhirich, Ghita Salime 

Meknassi, Mohamed Yafout, Hicham Elhorr, Amal Ait 

Haj Said, Brahim Mojemmi. A review of plants and 

essential oils effective as natural remedies against 

bedbugs. Indian J Pharm Drug Studies. 2024; 3(3):1-7.  

Funding: None;               Conflicts of Interest: None Stated 

 

https://hal.science/tel-01894678

