How can I get rid of bedbugs in a house by myself? - briefly
Identify and isolate infested zones, launder all bedding and clothing at ≥ 60 °C, vacuum seams and crevices, then apply a licensed residual insecticide or employ heat treatment. Seal cracks, install mattress encasements, and repeat the treatment after 7‑10 days to eliminate newly emerged nymphs.
How can I get rid of bedbugs in a house by myself? - in detail
Bedbugs are small, nocturnal insects that hide in seams, mattress folds, and cracks near sleeping areas. Visible signs include rust‑colored spots on fabric, live insects, and itchy bite marks. Early identification prevents extensive infestation.
Before treatment, remove clutter that provides shelter. Wash all bedding, curtains, and clothing in hot water (minimum 60 °C) and dry on high heat for at least 30 minutes. Vacuum mattresses, box springs, furniture, and floor crevices thoroughly; discard the vacuum bag or empty the canister into a sealed bag outside the home.
Physical eradication relies on extreme temperatures. Expose infested items to steam above 100 °C for several minutes, ensuring penetration into seams. Portable heaters can raise room temperature to 50‑55 °C for 4‑6 hours, a range lethal to all life stages. For small objects, place them in a freezer at –18 °C for a minimum of 72 hours.
When chemical control is required, select products registered for indoor use against bedbugs, such as pyrethroid‑based sprays, desiccant dusts, or neonicotinoid formulations. Apply spray to cracks, baseboards, and the undersides of furniture, following label directions regarding concentration and safety precautions. Dusts should be puffed into voids where insects hide, avoiding direct contact with skin and inhalation.
After initial treatment, monitor the environment weekly. Use adhesive interceptors beneath bed legs and in furniture joints to capture moving insects. Repeat heat, steam, or chemical applications as necessary, typically at 7‑day intervals, until no new activity is detected for at least two weeks.
Prevent re‑infestation by encasing mattresses and box springs in zippered covers designed to trap insects. Keep luggage off the floor when traveling and inspect second‑hand furniture before introduction. Maintain regular vacuuming and promptly address any signs of resurgence.