Bed bugs have appeared, how to fight them? - briefly
Inspect bedding, furniture, and surrounding areas; isolate contaminated items and apply a professional heat treatment or a residual insecticide approved for bed‑bug control, then vacuum thoroughly and seal cracks. Repeat the process after 7–10 days and monitor with interceptor traps to ensure complete eradication.
Bed bugs have appeared, how to fight them? - in detail
Bed bugs are small, wing‑less insects that feed on human blood, typically at night. Their presence is indicated by reddish‑brown spots on sheets, a sweet, musty odor, and visible bugs about the size of an apple seed. Early detection prevents large infestations.
Inspection should begin with a thorough examination of mattress seams, box springs, headboards, and furniture crevices. Use a bright flashlight and a fine‑toothed comb to separate insects from fabric. Record all locations where bugs or eggs are found.
Prevention measures include:
- Reducing clutter that offers hiding places.
- Washing and drying bedding at 60 °C (140 °F) for at least 30 minutes.
- Enclosing mattresses and box springs in zippered, impermeable covers.
- Sealing cracks in walls, baseboards, and furniture with caulk.
When an infestation is confirmed, combine chemical and non‑chemical tactics:
- Heat treatment – Raise room temperature to 50–55 °C (122–131 °F) for a minimum of four hours; heat penetrates fabrics and destroys all life stages.
- Cold treatment – Expose infested items to –18 °C (0 °F) for at least 72 hours; effective for smaller objects that can be frozen.
- Insecticide application – Use products labeled for bed‑bug control, applying them to seams, voids, and baseboards. Rotate active ingredients to avoid resistance.
- Vacuuming – Remove live bugs and eggs from surfaces, immediately emptying the vacuum bag into a sealed plastic container.
- Steam cleaning – Apply saturated steam (≥100 °C/212 °F) to upholstery, carpet edges, and bedding; steam kills bugs on contact.
Professional exterminators may employ desiccant powders, foggers, or specialized equipment. Their expertise ensures thorough coverage and proper disposal of contaminated materials.
After treatment, monitor the area with interceptors placed under each leg of the bed and furniture. Replace interceptors weekly and keep records of any captures. Repeat inspections for at least three months, as bed bugs can survive in dormant states for extended periods.
Consistent hygiene, regular monitoring, and prompt, integrated action are essential to eradicate the pest and prevent recurrence.