How and with what to get rid of bedbugs at home? - briefly
Use vacuuming, hot laundering (≥120 °F), and a registered insecticide spray or dust, then encase mattresses and monitor regularly. Seal cracks, declutter, and repeat treatment after 7–10 days to eradicate emerging insects.
How and with what to get rid of bedbugs at home? - in detail
Bedbugs hide in seams, folds, and crevices of mattresses, box springs, headboards, furniture, and wall voids. Early identification relies on visual inspection of live insects, shed skins, and small dark spots of excrement. Confirm presence before treatment to avoid unnecessary measures.
Effective eradication combines several tactics:
- Heat treatment: Raise room temperature to 45‑50 °C (113‑122 °F) for several hours. Heat penetrates fabrics and cracks, killing all life stages. Portable heaters or professional equipment can maintain the required temperature.
- Steam application: Use a commercial-grade steamer (minimum 100 °C/212 °F) on mattresses, upholstery, and baseboards. Direct steam for at least 30 seconds per spot to ensure mortality.
- Vacuuming: Employ a high‑efficiency vacuum with a HEPA filter. Remove insects and eggs from seams, cracks, and carpet edges. Empty the canister into a sealed bag and discard outdoors.
- Encasement: Install zippered mattress and box‑spring covers rated for bedbug protection. Seal tightly; keep on for at least 12 months to starve any remaining insects.
- Chemical options: Apply EPA‑registered insecticide sprays or dusts labeled for bedbugs. Target cracks, baseboards, and voids. Follow label directions, wear protective gloves, and ensure adequate ventilation.
- Diatomaceous earth: Spread food‑grade powder in thin layers along baseboards, under furniture, and in wall voids. The abrasive particles desiccate insects upon contact.
- Cold treatment: Expose infested items to temperatures below –18 °C (0 °F) for a minimum of four days. Freezers large enough to hold bedding or clothing can be used.
A systematic protocol improves success:
- Declutter the environment; remove unnecessary items that could harbor insects.
- Wash all linens, clothing, and removable fabrics in hot water (≥ 60 °C/140 °F) and dry on high heat for at least 30 minutes.
- Apply steam or heat to all surfaces, then vacuum immediately.
- Treat cracks, crevices, and furniture with insecticide or dust, respecting safety precautions.
- Install encasements and monitor with interceptors placed under each leg of the bed.
- Repeat the entire process after 7‑10 days to capture newly hatched nymphs.
- Consider professional pest‑control services for large infestations or when structural voids are inaccessible.
Safety considerations: wear disposable gloves and masks when handling chemicals or dusts; ensure adequate ventilation; keep children and pets away from treated areas until residues have dried. Documentation of each step helps track progress and informs any required follow‑up treatments.