Bed bugs: how to get rid of them quickly at home? - briefly
Treat the infestation by vacuuming mattresses, seams, and furniture, washing all linens at ≥ 60 °C, then applying a certified insecticide spray or professional heat treatment to cracks and crevices, and repeat the process after 7‑10 days to eliminate any newly hatched bugs.
Bed bugs: how to get rid of them quickly at home? - in detail
Bed‑bug infestations spread quickly, so immediate action is essential. Begin by confirming the presence of insects: look for live bugs about the size of an apple seed, dark‑brown or reddish‑black, and for tiny, rust‑colored spots (fecal stains) on sheets, mattress seams, and headboards. Inspect cracks, baseboards, electrical outlets, and furniture joints, where the insects hide during the day.
- Contain the area – Remove all bedding, curtains, and clothing from the infested room. Place each item in a sealed plastic bag before transport to the laundry.
- Heat treatment – Wash fabrics in water hotter than 60 °C (140 °F) for at least 30 minutes, then dry on the highest heat setting for a minimum of 30 minutes. Heat kills all life stages of the pest.
- Cold treatment – For items that cannot be laundered, seal them in a freezer at –18 °C (0 °F) for at least four days; this temperature is lethal to the insects.
- Vacuuming – Use a vacuum equipped with a HEPA filter to remove bugs and eggs from mattresses, box springs, furniture, and floor seams. Immediately dispose of the vacuum bag or empty the canister into a sealed bag and discard it outdoors.
- Encasement – Install zippered mattress and box‑spring covers rated for pest protection. Keep the encasements on for at least one year to ensure any surviving bugs starve.
- Chemical control – Apply a residual insecticide labeled for bed‑bug use to cracks, baseboards, and voids where the insects hide. Follow the product’s safety instructions, wear protective gloves, and keep the area ventilated.
- Diatomaceous earth – Sprinkle food‑grade diatomaceous powder along bed frames, under furniture, and in crevices. The abrasive particles damage the insects’ exoskeletons, leading to dehydration.
- Steam – Use a handheld steamer producing temperatures above 100 °C (212 °F) on mattress seams, headboards, and upholstered furniture. Steam penetrates fabric layers and kills bugs on contact.
- Clutter reduction – Remove unnecessary items from the bedroom and storage areas. Decluttering eliminates potential hiding places and simplifies treatment.
- Monitoring – Place interceptor traps under each leg of the bed and furniture. Check traps weekly; a decline in captured insects indicates progress.
- Professional assistance – If the infestation persists after two weeks of aggressive DIY measures, contact a licensed pest‑control service. Professionals can apply heat chambers, fumigation, or advanced insecticide formulations unavailable to consumers.
Consistent execution of these steps, combined with ongoing monitoring, typically eradicates the problem within a few weeks. Maintaining a clean, low‑clutter environment and regular inspection prevents re‑infestation.