Bed bugs in an apartment: how to get rid of them at home on your own? - briefly
Thoroughly vacuum and steam‑treat all infested areas, then apply a certified insecticide powder or spray to cracks, seams, and bedding, sealing any entry points and using interceptors to monitor for remaining insects.
Bed bugs in an apartment: how to get rid of them at home on your own? - in detail
Bed bugs are small, wing‑less insects that hide in seams, cracks, and upholstery, emerging at night to feed on human blood. Their presence is confirmed by live insects, rust‑colored spots on fabric, or a sweet, musty odor.
The first step in eradication is a thorough inspection. Remove bedding, curtains, and clothing, then examine mattress edges, box springs, headboards, baseboards, and furniture joints. Use a bright flashlight and a magnifying lens to spot adults (5–7 mm), nymphs, and eggs (1 mm). Mark infested areas with tape for later reference.
Preparation includes decluttering, washing all textiles in hot water (≥ 60 °C) and drying on high heat for at least 30 minutes. Vacuum carpets, floor seams, and upholstered furniture; immediately empty the vacuum canister into a sealed bag and discard it outdoors. Seal non‑washable items in airtight plastic bags for two weeks to starve the insects.
Effective home‑based treatments:
- Heat treatment: Raise room temperature to 50‑55 °C for several hours using portable heaters; heat penetrates hiding places and kills all life stages.
- Steam: Apply a high‑temperature steamer (≥ 100 °C) to seams, folds, and cracks; steam instantly exterminates bugs on contact.
- Diatomaceous earth: Sprinkle food‑grade powder in crevices, under furniture, and around baseboards; the abrasive particles desiccate insects as they crawl over it.
- Insecticidal sprays: Use EPA‑registered products containing pyrethroids or neonicotinoids, following label instructions precisely; apply to cracks, mattress tags, and furniture frames.
- Encasements: Fit zippered, bed‑bug‑proof covers on mattresses and box springs; keep them sealed for at least one year to prevent re‑infestation.
After treatment, conduct weekly inspections for four weeks. Re‑vacuum any detected insects and repeat steam or spray applications as needed. Maintain a clutter‑free environment, seal cracks in walls and flooring, and use interceptors under bed legs to monitor future activity.
Consistent application of these methods, combined with vigilant monitoring, eliminates infestations without professional intervention.