Bedbugs in an apartment: how to get rid of them?

Bedbugs in an apartment: how to get rid of them? - briefly

Inspect all rooms, wash linens at ≥60 °C, vacuum seams and furniture, and encase mattresses in protective covers; then apply a licensed insecticide or professional heat treatment, seal cracks, and repeat monitoring weekly for at least a month.

Bedbugs in an apartment: how to get rid of them? - in detail

Infestations of Cimex lectularius in a rental unit require systematic action. First, confirm presence by locating live insects, shed exoskeletons, or dark spots of feces near mattress seams, baseboards, and furniture joints. Use a flashlight and a thin card to probe crevices; a small number of specimens indicate early stage, while widespread evidence signals a severe problem.

Next, isolate the affected area. Remove bedding, clothing, and curtains and place them in sealed plastic bags. Wash fabrics at ≥60 °C (140 °F) for at least 30 minutes; dry on high heat for a minimum of 30 minutes. For items that cannot tolerate heat, store in a freezer at –18 °C (0 °F) for at least four days.

Apply treatment methods in the following order:

1. Mechanical control
   • Vacuum all surfaces, discarding the bag immediately in an outdoor trash container.
   • Use a steamer (≥100 °C) on mattress edges, upholstery, and cracks; move slowly to ensure penetration.
2. Physical barriers
   • Install encasements on mattresses and box springs that are certified to be bug‑proof; seal seams with tape.
   • Place interceptors under bed legs to trap wandering insects.
3. Chemical control
   • Apply EPA‑registered residual sprays to baseboards, wall voids, and behind wall hangings; follow label dosage precisely.
   • Use aerosol dusts (silica gel or diatomaceous earth) in voids where sprays cannot reach; avoid excessive inhalation.
4. Heat treatment
   • Hire a professional service that raises room temperature to 50–55 °C (122–131 °F) for 4–6 hours, ensuring all hiding spots reach lethal levels.
5. Professional extermination
   • If DIY measures fail after two weeks, engage a licensed pest‑control operator; request a written plan detailing product types, application dates, and follow‑up inspections.

After treatment, conduct a post‑intervention inspection weekly for at least one month. Look for fresh fecal spots or live insects. Maintain cleanliness: reduce clutter, seal cracks, and repair damaged wall plaster. Regularly launder bedding and vacuum floors to prevent re‑establishment.

Preventive practices include:

• Inspect second‑hand furniture before introduction.
• Use protective covers on travel bags when staying in hotels.
• Schedule periodic professional monitoring in high‑risk buildings.

Consistent execution of these steps eliminates the pest and minimizes recurrence.