Bedbugs in an apartment: how can they be removed independently using folk remedies at home? - briefly
Apply high‑temperature steam to mattresses, furniture and baseboards, wash all fabrics at 60 °C, and dust diatomaceous earth or a baking‑soda‑essential‑oil blend into cracks, seams and hiding spots, then vacuum thoroughly. Repeat the process weekly for several weeks until no bugs or eggs are detected.
Bedbugs in an apartment: how can they be removed independently using folk remedies at home? - in detail
Bed bug infestations in a flat require a systematic approach when professional extermination is not an option. The following steps outline a comprehensive, do‑it‑yourself protocol using readily available household methods.
First, confirm the presence of insects by inspecting seams of mattresses, box springs, headboards, bed frames, upholstered furniture, and cracks in walls or baseboards. Look for live bugs (5–7 mm, reddish‑brown), shed skins, and dark spotting (fecal matter). Early detection limits spread and reduces the amount of treatment needed.
Second, reduce the population through physical disruption. Strip all bedding, curtains, and removable fabric coverings. Wash items in water hotter than 60 °C (140 °F) for at least 30 minutes; dry on the highest heat setting for a minimum of 30 minutes. For non‑washable items, place them in a sealed polyethylene bag and expose them to a portable heater or direct sunlight for several hours, ensuring temperatures exceed 50 °C (122 °F).
Third, apply desiccant or abrasive powders that damage the insect’s exoskeleton. Diatomaceous earth (food‑grade) can be dusted lightly along baseboards, under furniture legs, and in mattress seams. Leave the powder for 48–72 hours, then vacuum thoroughly. Baking soda works similarly but requires a thicker layer and longer exposure; it should be removed after 24 hours to prevent dust accumulation.
Fourth, use contact agents derived from essential oils. A solution of 10 % tea‑tree oil, 5 % lavender oil, and 85 % water can be sprayed onto infested surfaces. The oils act as neurotoxicants and repellents. Apply the mixture twice daily for a week, allowing it to dry between applications. Avoid oversaturation of fabrics to prevent staining.
Fifth, employ heat‑based equipment. A handheld steam cleaner set to 100 °C (212 °F) penetrates fabric layers and crevices, killing bugs and eggs on contact. Move the nozzle slowly (3–5 cm from surface) for at least 10 seconds per spot. Steam all mattress surfaces, headboards, and upholstered furniture.
Sixth, create a barrier to prevent re‑infestation. Install zippered mattress encasements that are certified bug‑proof; leave them on for at least three months. Seal cracks and gaps in walls, flooring, and around pipes with caulk or expanding foam. Place double‑sided tape around the legs of furniture to trap crawling insects.
Seventh, maintain vigilance after treatment. Conduct weekly visual checks for a month, repeat vacuuming of floors and upholstery, and re‑apply diatomaceous earth or essential‑oil spray if new activity is observed. Persistent monitoring prevents resurgence and confirms the effectiveness of the home‑based regimen.