Bed lice: how to get rid of them at home? - briefly
Wash all sheets, pillowcases, and clothing in water at least 60 °C, then dry on the highest heat setting; vacuum mattresses, box springs, and surrounding furniture, discarding the vacuum bag afterward. Apply a residual indoor‑approved insecticide to cracks and seams, and repeat the treatment after seven days to intercept emerging lice.
Bed lice: how to get rid of them at home? - in detail
Bed lice are small, wing‑less insects that hide in seams, folds and crevices of bedding, furniture and clothing. Adult specimens measure 4–5 mm, are reddish‑brown after feeding and leave tiny dark spots resembling pepper grains. Nymphs appear lighter and become darker with each molt. Early detection relies on visual inspection of mattress edges, box‑spring corners, headboards and upholstery, looking for live insects, molted skins or faint blood stains.
Immediate actions focus on removing insects and preventing spread. The infested area should be isolated: remove all linens, curtains and clothing from the bedroom and place them in sealed plastic bags. Wash items in hot water (≥ 60 °C) for at least 30 minutes, then tumble‑dry on high heat for a minimum of 20 minutes. Items that cannot be laundered may be sealed in airtight bags for two weeks, a period sufficient to kill dormant stages.
Thorough cleaning of the environment follows. Steps include:
- Vacuum mattress surfaces, box springs, bed frames, baseboards and upholstered furniture; discard vacuum bags or empty canisters into sealed bags.
- Steam‑clean seams and cracks with a handheld steamer delivering temperatures above 100 °C; maintain steam contact for 10–15 seconds per spot.
- Apply a high‑temperature dryer sheet or portable heater to carpets and rugs for at least 30 minutes, ensuring even heat distribution.
- Replace or encase mattresses and pillows with certified insect‑proof covers, sealing all seams with tape.
Chemical treatments provide additional control. Over‑the‑counter insecticides containing pyrethroids (e.g., permethrin) or neonicotinoids (e.g., imidacloprid) may be sprayed on hard‑to‑reach areas, following label instructions precisely. For resistant populations, products combining silica gel dust with a residual spray improve efficacy; dust should be applied thinly to cracks, voids and under furniture legs. Use protective gloves and masks to avoid direct exposure.
Natural alternatives offer non‑chemical options. Diatomaceous earth, a fine fossilized algae powder, dehydrates insects when applied to infested zones; a thin layer of food‑grade grade should be sprinkled, left for 48 hours, then vacuumed. Essential oil blends containing tea tree, lavender or eucalyptus exhibit repellent properties; dilute 1 % in water and spray onto bedding surfaces, reapplying every 48 hours. Heat‑based methods such as portable heating chambers can treat luggage, shoes and small items by raising internal temperatures to 50 °C for several hours.
Prevention minimizes re‑infestation risk. Regularly inspect sleeping areas, especially after travel or when acquiring second‑hand furniture. Keep bedroom clutter to a minimum, reducing hiding places. Use fitted sheets and pillowcases that can be laundered frequently. Seal cracks in walls, baseboards and furniture with caulk. Maintain a schedule of vacuuming and steam cleaning at least monthly during high‑risk periods. By integrating inspection, thorough sanitation, targeted chemical or natural treatments and ongoing preventive measures, a household can eradicate bed lice without professional intervention.