How can I get rid of household bedbugs in an apartment independently, quickly, with folk remedies? - briefly
Apply high‑temperature steam and vacuum sealed cracks, seams, and mattress edges, then spray a diluted solution of strong essential oils (e.g., tea tree, lavender, peppermint) onto treated areas, launder all bedding at ≥ 60 °C, and store infested items in airtight bags to prevent re‑infestation.
How can I get rid of household bedbugs in an apartment independently, quickly, with folk remedies? - in detail
Eliminating bedbugs from a rented flat requires systematic inspection, rapid eradication, and ongoing prevention using readily available household items.
Begin by locating all active sites. Check seams of mattresses, box‑spring frames, headboards, nightstands, and cracks in walls or baseboards. Use a bright flashlight and a fine‑toothed comb to expose insects and shed skins. Mark each infested area with masking tape for later reference.
Immediately isolate contaminated textiles. Wash all bedding, curtains, and removable fabrics in water at ≥ 60 °C for at least 30 minutes; dry on high heat for a minimum of 20 minutes. Place non‑washable items in sealed polyethylene bags for two weeks to starve the pests.
Apply heat‑based treatments where possible. Steam cleaners set to ≥ 100 °C effectively penetrate fabric folds and crevices; pass the nozzle slowly over each marked spot for 10–15 seconds. For exposed flat surfaces, use a portable heater or hair dryer to raise temperatures above 45 °C for 30 minutes, which disrupts the bugs’ life cycle.
Employ the following folk remedies, each with a specific action:
- Diatomaceous earth (food grade). Sprinkle a thin layer (≈ 1 mm) along baseboards, under furniture legs, and inside mattress seams. The abrasive particles abrade the insects’ exoskeleton, causing dehydration. Leave in place for 48 hours, then vacuum thoroughly.
- Isopropyl alcohol (70 % or higher). Saturate a cloth and wipe directly on visible bugs and their hiding places. Alcohol dissolves the protective wax coating, leading to rapid mortality. Reapply after each vacuuming session.
- Tea tree oil (5 % solution). Mix 10 ml of oil with 200 ml of water, add a few drops of dish soap, and spray onto infested zones. The oil’s terpinen‑4‑ol acts as a repellent and irritant. Avoid excessive moisture on electronics.
- Baking soda. Lightly dust onto cracks and crevices; it absorbs moisture from the insects’ bodies, accelerating desiccation. Repeat weekly until no new activity appears.
- Neem oil (2 % solution). Combine with water and spray onto upholstery. Neem’s azadirachtin interferes with feeding and reproduction.
After each treatment, vacuum all carpets, rugs, and upholstered furniture with a HEPA‑rated filter. Empty the vacuum bag into a sealed bag and discard outside the building. Replace mattress encasements with zippered covers rated for bedbug protection.
Seal entry points to prevent re‑infestation. Apply caulk to gaps around pipes, electrical outlets, and window frames. Install slipcovers on furniture legs and attach double‑sided tape around bed frames to trap wandering insects.
Monitor progress for at least four weeks. Use passive traps such as corrugated cardboard placed under bed legs; replace weekly and count captured bugs. If counts cease for two consecutive weeks, consider the eradication successful; otherwise repeat the above steps.
Consistent application of heat, desiccants, and botanical extracts, combined with thorough cleaning and structural sealing, yields rapid, self‑managed control of bedbug populations in an apartment.