How can I extract bed bugs from the house using home methods? - briefly
Vacuum all seams, mattress edges, and furniture, then immediately discard the bag in a sealed container; follow with steam or a portable heater to raise surfaces above 50 °C for at least 30 minutes. Seal cracks, launder bedding on the hottest setting, and place adhesive or pitfall traps to catch any survivors.
How can I extract bed bugs from the house using home methods? - in detail
Eliminate bed‑bug infestations with readily available household tools and systematic procedures.
Begin with thorough inspection. Use a bright flashlight and a magnifying glass to examine seams, folds, and crevices of mattresses, box springs, headboards, nightstands, and baseboards. Spotting live insects, shed skins, or dark spotting (fecal droplets) confirms presence.
Isolate the affected area. Strip the bed of all linens, pillowcases, and blankets. Place each item in a sealed plastic bag to prevent dispersal.
Apply heat treatment. Transfer the sealed fabrics to a dryer on the highest setting for at least 30 minutes; temperatures above 50 °C (122 °F) kill all life stages. For larger items that cannot be laundered, use a portable steamer, directing steam at a distance of 1–2 cm for 10–15 seconds per spot, especially along seams and stitching.
Implement cold treatment where heat is impractical. Seal infested objects in airtight bags and place them in a freezer set to –18 °C (0 °F) for a minimum of four days.
Vacuum aggressively. Use a vacuum equipped with a HEPA filter; suction all cracks, upholstery, and carpet edges. Immediately empty the canister into a sealed bag and discard it outside the dwelling.
Create a physical barrier. Encase mattresses and box springs in zippered, bed‑bug‑proof covers that remain closed for at least one year. This traps any remaining insects and prevents new colonization.
Deploy interceptors. Place passive glue traps under each leg of the bed and furniture. These devices capture wandering bugs, allowing ongoing monitoring of population levels.
Maintain sanitation. Reduce clutter to eliminate hiding places. Wash all removable fabrics in hot water (≥ 60 °C or 140 °F) and dry on high heat.
Repeat the cycle. Conduct inspections weekly for the first month, then biweekly for two additional months. Continue using interceptors and vacuuming until no new evidence appears.
If repeated efforts fail to eradicate the problem, professional treatment may become necessary.