Bedbugs in the apartment: what to do at home, how to get rid of bedbugs quickly? - briefly
Identify infested zones, launder all textiles at ≥60 °C, vacuum thoroughly, and apply a certified heat or pesticide treatment following label directions. Seal the mattress and box‑spring in protective encasements to block re‑infestation.
Bedbugs in the apartment: what to do at home, how to get rid of bedbugs quickly? - in detail
Bedbug infestations in a residential unit demand immediate, systematic action. Early detection prevents spread to adjacent rooms and furniture. Visual signs include small reddish‑brown insects, dark fecal spots on bedding, and itchy bites on exposed skin. Use a flashlight to examine seams of mattresses, box springs, headboards, and cracks in baseboards.
Inspection and containment
- Remove all bedding and wash at ≥ 60 °C; dry on high heat for at least 30 minutes.
- Seal infested textiles in airtight plastic bags before laundering.
- Vacuum carpets, floorboards, and upholstered furniture thoroughly; discard the vacuum bag or clean the canister immediately.
- Place double‑sided tape around the legs of beds and furniture to trap wandering insects.
- Install mattress encasements certified to block bedbugs, ensuring a zip closure without gaps.
Chemical and non‑chemical treatment options
- Apply a registered residual insecticide to cracks, crevices, and the undersides of furniture. Follow label instructions regarding concentration, re‑application interval, and safety precautions.
- Use a heat‑treatment device capable of raising surface temperatures to ≥ 50 °C for a minimum of 90 minutes; monitor with calibrated thermometers to confirm lethal exposure.
- Deploy portable steam generators on mattresses, sofa cushions, and wall voids; maintain steam temperature above 100 °C for several seconds per area.
- Consider diatomaceous earth applied thinly to floor edges and furniture legs; replace after each vacuuming cycle.
Cleaning and environmental management
- Launder all removable fabrics, curtains, and upholstery covers at high temperature; for items unable to withstand heat, store in a freezer set to – 18 °C for at least 72 hours.
- Declutter rooms to reduce hiding places; discard heavily infested furniture that cannot be treated effectively.
- Repair or seal wall cracks, baseboard gaps, and pipe penetrations to eliminate entry routes.
- Maintain low humidity levels; bedbugs thrive in humid environments.
Monitoring and follow‑up
- Install passive interceptors under each bed leg to capture migrating insects; inspect weekly and replace when filled.
- Conduct weekly visual inspections for at least two months, as eggs may hatch after initial treatment.
- Record findings in a log, noting locations, counts, and treatment dates to assess progress.
When professional assistance is required
- Persistent populations after multiple DIY cycles indicate the need for licensed pest‑control services.
- Professionals can provide advanced methods such as whole‑room heat chambers, fumigation, or specialized insect growth regulators.
- Ensure the contractor holds certification and follows integrated pest‑management principles to minimize chemical exposure.
Rapid elimination relies on coordinated inspection, targeted treatment, thorough cleaning, and ongoing monitoring. Adhering to these steps reduces infestation duration and prevents re‑colonization.