How can bedbugs be fought at home? - briefly
Eliminate infestations by laundering bedding at ≥60 °C, vacuuming all seams and cracks, and applying a certified residual insecticide or localized heat treatment to affected areas. Repeat the process after 7–10 days to intercept emerging nymphs.
How can bedbugs be fought at home? - in detail
Bedbug infestations require a systematic approach that combines detection, sanitation, physical barriers, and targeted treatments.
Begin with thorough inspection. Examine seams, folds, and tufts of mattresses, box‑spring edges, headboards, nightstands, and upholstery. Use a flashlight and a fine‑toothed comb to reveal live insects, dark‑brown exoskeletons, or tiny white eggs. Mark confirmed locations with tape to track progress.
Sanitize the environment. Wash all bedding, curtains, and removable fabrics in hot water (≥ 60 °C) and dry on high heat for at least 30 minutes. For non‑washable items, place them in a sealed plastic bag and expose to a portable heater or a professional steam‑cleaning service. Vacuum carpets, cracks, and crevices with a HEPA‑filter vacuum; empty the canister into a sealed bag and discard outdoors.
Create physical obstacles. Encase mattresses and box springs in zippered, insect‑proof covers that remain sealed for a minimum of one year. Install interceptors under each leg of the bed to trap wandering bugs. Seal cracks in walls, baseboards, and furniture using caulk to eliminate harborages.
Apply chemical or non‑chemical treatments where necessary.
- Heat treatment – Raise room temperature to 50 °C (122 °F) for 90 minutes using professional equipment; this kills all life stages.
- Cold treatment – Expose infested items to –18 °C (0 °F) for at least four days; effective for small objects.
- Residual insecticides – Apply EPA‑registered products to baseboards, crevices, and furniture frames, following label instructions precisely.
- Dust formulations – Use silica‑based or diatomaceous earth powders in voids; they abrade the exoskeleton, leading to dehydration.
Monitor continuously. After treatment, repeat inspections weekly for at least six weeks, focusing on previously marked spots. Maintain low clutter to reduce hiding places and keep bedding elevated off the floor. If infestations persist despite these measures, enlist a licensed pest‑control professional for integrated pest‑management strategies.