Bedbugs have appeared in the house, how to fight them?

Bedbugs have appeared in the house, how to fight them? - briefly

Inspect all sleeping areas, wash linens at 60 °C, vacuum seams and cracks, then apply a certified insecticide or heat‑treatment (≥ 50 °C) to eradicate remaining bugs. Seal infested items in plastic bags and monitor with sticky traps for several weeks to confirm elimination.

Bedbugs have appeared in the house, how to fight them? - in detail

A residential infestation of bed bugs requires a systematic approach that combines detection, containment, treatment, and prevention.

First, confirm the presence of the insects. Look for live specimens, shed skins, or dark spots (fecal stains) on mattresses, box springs, bed frames, and nearby furniture. Use a bright flashlight to inspect seams, folds, and crevices where the insects hide during the day.

Second, isolate the affected area. Strip the bed of all linens and wash them in hot water (minimum 60 °C) for at least 30 minutes, then tumble‑dry on high heat for 30 minutes. Place the clean bedding in sealed plastic bags until the treatment is complete. Encase mattresses and box springs in zippered, bed‑bug‑proof covers that remain on for at least one year.

Third, apply chemical and non‑chemical controls:

  • Insecticide sprays: Choose products labeled for bed‑bug control, containing active ingredients such as pyrethroids, neonicotinoids, or desiccants. Apply to all identified harborages, following label directions precisely.
  • Dust formulations: Use silica‑gel or diatomaceous earth in cracks, baseboard gaps, and voids. These substances abrade the insects’ exoskeletons, leading to dehydration.
  • Heat treatment: Raise room temperature to 50 °C (122 °F) for a minimum of 90 minutes, ensuring heat penetrates furniture, wall voids, and luggage. Professional equipment provides uniform heating and temperature monitoring.
  • Cold treatment: Expose infested items to –18 °C (0 °F) for at least four days; this method is effective for clothing, shoes, and small objects that cannot be heated.

Fourth, conduct thorough cleaning. Vacuum carpets, floor seams, and upholstery using a high‑efficiency filter. Immediately dispose of vacuum bags in sealed plastic bags. Steam‑clean fabric surfaces at temperatures above 100 °C (212 °F) to kill hidden insects and eggs.

Fifth, monitor progress. Install passive interceptors beneath bed legs and furniture legs to capture wandering bugs. Replace interceptors weekly and record captures to assess treatment efficacy. Repeat inspections and targeted applications every 7‑10 days for at least three weeks, as bed‑bug life cycles can span several weeks.

Finally, implement preventive measures to avoid re‑infestation:

  • Inspect second‑hand furniture before bringing it indoors.
  • Reduce clutter that provides hiding places.
  • Maintain regular vacuuming and laundering of bedding.
  • Seal cracks in walls, baseboards, and around pipes with caulk.
  • When traveling, keep luggage off beds, examine hotel bedding, and wash all clothing on return.

By following this comprehensive protocol—identification, isolation, integrated treatment, diligent monitoring, and preventive housekeeping—residents can eradicate the pests and minimize the risk of recurrence.