How can I fight bedbugs in my apartment at home? - briefly
Thoroughly clean the area, apply heat (e.g., steam or high‑temperature washing) to infested items, and use a labeled bed‑bug insecticide on cracks, seams, and furniture. Seal entry points, encase mattresses, and set monitoring traps to detect and prevent any resurgence.
How can I fight bedbugs in my apartment at home? - in detail
Bedbugs thrive in cracks, seams, and clutter. Begin by isolating infested areas: strip beds, wash all linens, curtains, and clothing in hot water (minimum 60 °C) and dry on high heat for at least 30 minutes. Vacuum mattresses, box springs, upholstered furniture, and floor edges, then immediately discard the vacuum bag or clean the canister with hot, soapy water.
Inspect every piece of furniture. Use a flashlight to examine seams, folds, and hidden crevices. Mark confirmed spots with a piece of tape to track treatment progress.
Non‑chemical measures
- Encase mattresses and box springs in zippered, bedbug‑proof covers; keep them on for at least one year.
- Reduce clutter to eliminate hiding places.
- Place interceptors under each leg of the bed; replace them weekly.
- Steam‑clean surfaces at 100 °C for 10–15 seconds; steam penetrates fabric and wood without chemicals.
Chemical options
- Apply a residual insecticide labeled for bedbug control to cracks, baseboards, and furniture joints. Follow label dosage precisely; over‑application can cause resistance.
- Use a dust insecticide (e.g., silica‑based) in voids where spray cannot reach.
- For fabric, treat with a spray formulated for textiles, then wash again after the recommended exposure time.
Integrated approach
- Remove all items that cannot be treated; store sealed in plastic bags.
- Treat the environment with a combination of heat, steam, and insecticide.
- Re‑inspect after 7 days; repeat treatment if live insects are observed.
- Maintain a regular cleaning schedule and monitor with interceptors for at least six months.
If infestations persist after two thorough cycles, enlist a licensed pest‑management professional. They can perform whole‑room heat treatment (≥50 °C for 4 hours) or apply advanced insecticides unavailable to consumers. Continuous monitoring and strict sanitation are essential to prevent re‑infestation.