In his horrific bedbugs experience, my son tried in vain to kill or repel them
with a standard traveller's insect-repellent. These usually contain synthetic
pyrethroids, but have been so widely used that many bugs are now resistant to
them.

An old-fashioned natural alternative [and said to be effective against bedbugs]
to pyrethroids is "Neem Oil".

Neem Oil is extracted from the seeds and leaves of the Neem tree [found in India
and reputed to be the world's oldest tree]. Neem oil is highly-valued for its
insect-repelling properties [also its cosmetic benefits to skin]. It can be
obtained nowadays in a convenient and easy to use 50ml pump-spray bottle:
http://www.Amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/B000ZPD6QK/sunflowerheal-21

In India, the tree is variously known as "Divine Tree," "Heal All," "Nature's
Drugstore," "Village Pharmacy" and "Panacea for all diseases." Neem twigs have
been used for centuries for brushing teeth in India, Bangladesh and Pakistan
[one of the earliest forms of dental care!].

Products made from neem have proven medicinal properties, being anthelmintic,
antifungal, antidiabetic, antibacterial, antiviral, anti-fertility, and
sedative. In Ayurvedic Medicine it is prescribed as a cream for skin problems...
http://www.Amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/B001HZ56BU/sunflowerheal-21

In Ayurvedic Medicine Neem is also used as a "pacifier" of excessive Pitta
[fire] energy. Pitta (dosha) is regarded as one of the three dosha (human
constitutional types). If you want to check
whether yourself, or a loved one, needs a bit of "Pitta Pacifying" for their
excessive anger or passion, check here:
http://www.holisticonline.com/ayurveda/ayv-pitta-characteristics.htm
[Alternatively get them or yourself some anger management training:
http://www.sunflower-health.com/courses/anger.htm]

For "Pitta Pacifying" purposes, pure Neem Oil is available as an aromatherapy
product:
http://www.Amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/B001HZ56BU/sunflowerheal-21