How can household bedbugs be eradicated from a sofa? - briefly
Remove cushions, vacuum every seam and crevice, then discard the vacuum bag or clean the canister immediately. Treat the upholstery and frame with a registered insecticide spray or apply heat above 120 °F (49 °C) and encase the sofa in a sealed plastic cover for several weeks to eliminate any surviving pests.
How can household bedbugs be eradicated from a sofa? - in detail
Inspect the affected couch thoroughly. Use a bright light and a magnifying glass to locate live insects, shed skins, and dark‑red spots of excrement. Pay special attention to seams, cushions, folds, and the underside of the frame.
Remove all removable covers and cushion covers. Wash them in water hotter than 60 °C (140 °F) for at least 30 minutes. Dry on the highest heat setting for a minimum of 30 minutes; heat kills all life stages.
Vacuum the entire sofa, including crevices, arms, and the underside. Empty the vacuum bag or canister into a sealed plastic bag and discard it outdoors. Repeat vacuuming after 48 hours to capture newly hatched nymphs.
Apply steam directly to the fabric and frame. Maintain a temperature of at least 100 °C (212 °F) for 10 seconds at each spot. Steam penetrates deep into seams and eliminates hidden bugs and eggs.
If heat treatment is feasible, place the couch in a portable heating chamber or use a professional heat‑kill service. Raise the temperature to 50–55 °C (122–131 °F) and maintain it for 4–6 hours; this duration ensures mortality of all stages.
For chemical control, select a residual insecticide labeled for indoor use on upholstery. Follow label directions precisely: apply a thin, even coat to all surfaces, avoiding excess that could damage the fabric. Re‑apply after 2–3 weeks if monitoring shows continued activity.
Encasement is an optional barrier. Fit a zippered, bedbug‑proof cover over the entire sofa. Keep the cover sealed for at least one year; any bugs trapped inside will die without a blood meal.
Monitor progress with sticky traps placed near the sofa legs and on the floor. Replace traps weekly and record captures. Continue inspection and treatment cycles for at least three months, as the life cycle can extend up to 100 days.
If infestations persist despite thorough DIY measures, enlist a licensed pest‑management professional. They can employ advanced methods such as desiccant dusts, fumigation, or whole‑room heat treatment, ensuring complete eradication.