Bedbugs in an apartment: what to do, how to eliminate them, photos? - briefly
«Inspect bedding, furniture seams, and wall cracks; wash fabrics at ≥ 60 °C, vacuum thoroughly, and seal entry points». «Apply a certified insecticide or professional heat treatment (≥ 45 °C for several hours), then verify elimination with close‑up photographs of previously infested spots».
Bedbugs in an apartment: what to do, how to eliminate them, photos? - in detail
Bed bugs (Cimex lectularius) thrive in warm, humid environments and often establish colonies in seams of mattresses, box‑spring frames, headboards, and cracks of furniture. Adult insects measure 4–5 mm, reddish‑brown, and become visible after a blood meal. Nymphs are smaller, translucent, and may be overlooked without close inspection.
Detection begins with visual inspection of bedding, upholstery, and baseboards. Use a bright flashlight and a magnifying lens to locate live bugs, shed exoskeletons, or dark spotting (fecal stains). Place double‑sided adhesive tape around suspected harborage zones; captured specimens confirm infestation.
Immediate actions include:
- Strip all linens, wash at ≥ 60 °C, and dry on high heat for at least 30 minutes.
- Vacuum mattresses, carpets, and furniture thoroughly; immediately empty the vacuum bag into a sealed plastic container and discard.
- Encase mattresses and box springs in certified bed‑bug‑proof covers; leave in place for a minimum of one year.
Chemical control options consist of licensed pyrethroid‑based sprays, desiccant dusts (silica gel, diatomaceous earth), and aerosol foggers applied to cracks, crevices, and baseboards. Follow label instructions precisely; avoid over‑application to prevent resistance development.
Non‑chemical methods include:
- Steam treatment at ≥ 100 °C for 10 seconds on infested surfaces.
- Cryotherapy using portable freeze units set to – 50 °C for 20 minutes.
- Heat treatment of entire rooms, raising ambient temperature to 50–55 °C for 4–6 hours, monitored with calibrated thermometers.
When infestation persists after multiple self‑treatments, engage a licensed pest‑management professional. Certified exterminators employ integrated pest‑management (IPM) strategies, combining thorough inspection, targeted insecticide application, and post‑treatment monitoring with passive traps.
Prevention relies on routine housekeeping: regularly launder bedding, reduce clutter, seal entry points around walls and baseboards, and inspect second‑hand furniture before introduction. Install interceptors under bed legs to capture migrating bugs and provide early warning of re‑infestation.
Photographic documentation assists in verification and communication with professionals. High‑resolution images should capture:
- Close‑up of live adults on fabric, showing the characteristic oval shape and rust‑colored abdomen.
- Shed exoskeletons on seams or mattress edges.
- Fecal spots, appearing as tiny dark specks on sheets or walls.
Store images in a dated folder for reference during treatment evaluation and for potential use in insurance claims.