How and with what should you fight domestic bedbugs? - briefly
Use a combination of thorough vacuuming, high‑temperature laundering, and targeted insecticide sprays or dusts approved for indoor use. Seal cracks, reduce clutter, and repeat treatments weekly until no insects are detected.
How and with what should you fight domestic bedbugs? - in detail
Effective eradication of bedbugs in a residence requires a systematic approach that combines thorough inspection, targeted treatment, and preventive measures.
Begin with a detailed survey of all sleeping areas, furniture, and adjacent walls. Use a bright flashlight and a magnifying lens to locate live insects, shed skins, and fecal spots. Document each infested zone to prioritize treatment.
Select appropriate control methods based on the severity of the infestation:
- Heat treatment – raise room temperature to 50 °C (122 °F) for a minimum of 90 minutes; heat penetrates cracks, seams, and fabric, killing all life stages.
- Steam application – direct steam at 100 °C (212 °F) onto mattresses, box springs, and upholstery; the brief exposure eliminates bugs and eggs without chemicals.
- Insecticide dusts – apply silica‑based or diatomaceous earth powders into crevices, baseboards, and hollow furniture legs; the abrasive particles desiccate insects on contact.
- Residual sprays – use EPA‑registered pyrethroid or neonicotinoid formulations on cracks, voids, and hard surfaces; follow label instructions for dosage and re‑application intervals.
- Encasements – place zippered mattress and box‑spring covers rated for bedbug protection; seal and leave in place for at least 12 months to trap any remaining organisms.
After treatment, implement ongoing safeguards:
- Wash all bedding, curtains, and removable fabrics in hot water (≥ 60 °C) and dry on high heat for at least 30 minutes.
- Vacuum floors, carpet edges, and upholstered items daily; discard the vacuum bag or empty the canister into a sealed bag outside the home.
- Reduce clutter that offers hiding places; store items in sealed plastic containers.
- Install interceptor cups under bed legs to monitor and capture traveling insects.
- Perform quarterly inspections, especially after travel or the arrival of second‑hand furniture.
If infestation persists after multiple cycles, consult a licensed pest‑management professional. Certified technicians can combine advanced techniques such as whole‑room fumigation or cryogenic treatment, ensuring complete elimination while complying with safety regulations.