Bedbugs in an apartment: what to do and how to get rid of them at home? - briefly
Thoroughly examine mattresses, box springs, bed frames, and nearby furniture, seal removed items in plastic, and wash all linens and clothing at temperatures above 60 °C. Apply a registered insecticide or professional‑grade heat treatment to all cracks and seams, then repeat inspection and treatment weekly until no live insects remain.
Bedbugs in an apartment: what to do and how to get rid of them at home? - in detail
Bedbug presence in a dwelling is confirmed by spotting live insects, dark‑colored exoskeletons, or tiny blood stains on sheets. Early detection prevents spread to adjacent rooms and furniture.
- Isolate the infested area. Remove bedding, curtains, and clothing; place each item in sealed plastic bags to stop insects from escaping.
- Wash all fabrics at 60 °C (140 °F) or higher; dry on the hottest setting for at least 30 minutes. Non‑washable items should be vacuumed thoroughly, then sealed in airtight containers for several weeks.
- Vacuum carpets, mattress seams, baseboards, and cracks. Immediately discard the vacuum bag or empty the canister into a sealed bag and dispose of it outdoors.
- Apply a residual insecticide labeled for bedbugs to cracks, crevices, and the undersides of furniture. Follow label instructions regarding concentration, application method, and safety precautions.
- Use heat treatment where possible: steam cleaners set above 100 °C (212 °F) can kill bugs and eggs on mattresses, sofas, and luggage. Portable heat chambers can treat small items such as books or electronics.
- Deploy interceptors under each leg of the bed and furniture. Trapped insects indicate ongoing activity and help locate hidden colonies.
- Consider silica‑based dusts for voids and wall voids; the abrasive particles desiccate the insects upon contact.
- After chemical or heat treatments, repeat vacuuming and laundering weekly for at least four weeks to capture any survivors.
Prevention measures include:
- Installing mattress encasements that seal seams.
- Reducing clutter to eliminate hiding places.
- Inspecting second‑hand furniture before bringing it inside.
- Regularly checking seams of mattresses, box springs, and upholstered furniture for signs of activity.
If infestation persists after multiple cycles of treatment, professional pest‑control services equipped with advanced heat, fumigation, or desiccant technologies should be engaged.