How can an apartment be disinfected from bedbugs? - briefly
Thoroughly vacuum all surfaces, launder bedding at ≥60 °C, and apply a certified residual insecticide to cracks, baseboards, and furniture. Follow with steam treatment or heat exposure of 45–50 °C for at least 30 minutes to ensure complete eradication.
How can an apartment be disinfected from bedbugs? - in detail
Eliminating bed‑bug infestations from a residence requires a systematic approach that combines thorough cleaning, targeted chemical treatment, and preventive measures.
The first phase involves removing all clutter that can hide insects. All bedding, curtains, and clothing should be laundered at the highest heat setting the fabric allows; a minimum of 60 °C for at least 30 minutes ensures mortality of all life stages. Items that cannot be washed must be sealed in airtight bags for several weeks to deprive the pests of a food source.
The second phase focuses on treating surfaces and voids where the insects reside. Recommended steps:
- Vacuum every carpet, floor, and upholstered surface with a HEPA‑rated unit; immediately discard the vacuum bag or empty the canister into a sealed container.
- Apply a residual «insecticide» approved for indoor use to cracks, crevices, baseboards, and behind headboards. Follow manufacturer dosage instructions precisely to avoid over‑application.
- Use a portable «heat‑treatment» device to raise room temperature to 50–55 °C for a sustained period of 4–6 hours, covering all furniture and structural gaps.
- For items that cannot tolerate heat, employ a «cold‑freeze» procedure, lowering temperature to –18 °C for at least 72 hours.
The third phase establishes barriers to prevent re‑infestation. Install protective mattress and box‑spring encasements certified against bed‑bug penetration. Seal all entry points, such as gaps around pipes, electrical outlets, and baseboard joints, with caulk or expandable foam. Regularly inspect seams, seams of furniture, and luggage after travel; immediate laundering of any suspect fabric reduces the risk of introducing new insects.
Monitoring after treatment is essential. Place passive «sticky traps» near known harborages and replace them weekly for a month. If any live insects are detected, repeat the chemical application in the affected area within 7–10 days, adhering to the recommended re‑treatment interval.
Completing these actions in the prescribed order maximizes eradication efficacy and minimizes the likelihood of recurrence. Continuous vigilance and prompt response to any signs of activity sustain a pest‑free environment.