These include the scent of fresh mint, rubbing alcohol, tea tree oil, lavender, and lemon juice. Not to mention, some of these items can also kill bed bugs and prevent them from laying eggs. I hope you've enjoyed this guide on what do bed bugs hate!

While bed bugs are notoriously resilient, they "hate" and tend to avoid non-porous, smooth materials and certain chemical compounds. They struggle to climb or grip onto surfaces like polished metal, glass, and high-quality plastic, which is why many travelers in 2026 use smooth plastic luggage instead of fabric suitcases. Regarding fabrics, they are less likely to hide in tightly woven "encasement" materials specifically designed to be "bed bug proof," as the weave is too dense for them to penetrate. Chemically, they are repelled by high concentrations of silica gel (desiccants), which dries out their exoskeletons, and certain botanical oils like peppermint, tea tree, and lavender, though these are deterrents rather than total solutions. They also "hate" extreme heat; any material heated above 120°F (49°C) will kill them and their eggs instantly. Using a metal luggage rack rather than placing your bag on a carpeted floor or upholstered chair is the best defense against bringing these hitchhikers home.