Bedbugs have appeared in the apartment, what should be done? - briefly
Inspect all bedding, furniture, and cracks; isolate contaminated items, wash fabrics at ≥60 °C, and vacuum thoroughly. Apply a licensed insecticide or engage a certified pest‑control service for comprehensive eradication.
Bedbugs have appeared in the apartment, what should be done? - in detail
Discovering live insects or small reddish spots on bedding signals an infestation that requires swift, systematic action. Confirm the presence by inspecting seams, mattress edges, furniture crevices, and wall baseboards for adult insects, shed skins, or dark‑colored fecal spots.
First actions:
- Remove all bedding, curtains, and removable fabrics; place them in sealed plastic bags.
- Wash textiles in hot water (minimum 60 °C / 140 °F) and dry on high heat for at least 30 minutes.
- Vacuum mattress, box spring, upholstered furniture, and floor surfaces thoroughly; discard the vacuum bag or empty the canister into a sealed bag outside the dwelling.
- Isolate infested items by wrapping them in airtight plastic to prevent further spread.
Containment measures:
- Seal cracks, gaps around baseboards, and openings near pipes with caulk or expanding foam.
- Install bed encasements designed to trap insects on mattresses and box springs; keep them on for at least one year.
- Reduce clutter that offers hiding places; store belongings in sealed containers.
Chemical and non‑chemical treatment options:
- Apply a registered residual insecticide to cracks, crevices, and furniture legs, following label instructions precisely.
- Use a steam cleaner (≥100 °C / 212 °F) on fabric surfaces, carpet edges, and furniture frames; steam penetrates hiding spots and kills all life stages instantly.
- Consider diatomaceous earth or silica gel dust in voids; these desiccants damage the insects’ exoskeletons without chemical residue.
Professional intervention:
- Contact a licensed pest‑control service experienced with this species; request an integrated pest‑management plan that combines inspection, targeted chemicals, and follow‑up visits.
- Ensure the provider supplies a written work order, safety data sheets, and post‑treatment monitoring instructions.
Monitoring and prevention after treatment:
- Place interceptor traps beneath each leg of the bed and furniture; check weekly and replace as needed.
- Maintain regular vacuuming and laundering of linens at high temperatures.
- Inspect new second‑hand furniture before introduction; treat or discard if signs of infestation appear.
- Keep bedroom humidity below 50 % and temperature moderate; these conditions discourage reproduction.
By following these steps—identification, immediate containment, thorough cleaning, targeted treatment, professional assistance, and ongoing monitoring—an infestation can be eliminated and the risk of recurrence minimized.