How can I keep my home clean from bedbugs? - briefly
Vacuum and steam‑clean mattresses, furniture, and floor seams weekly, then wash all bedding in water above 60 °C and dry on high heat; seal cracks, install mattress encasements, and place interceptor traps under legs of beds and furniture. Monitoring and prompt removal of any detected insects prevent re‑infestation.
How can I keep my home clean from bedbugs? - in detail
Bedbugs thrive in cracks, seams, and clutter; eliminating hiding places reduces infestation risk. Regular inspection of mattresses, box springs, furniture joints, and baseboards identifies early signs such as live insects, shed skins, or dark spots.
Inspection routine
- Conduct visual checks weekly, focusing on seams, folds, and edges.
- Use a flashlight to reveal hidden insects in dim areas.
- Apply a hand‑held vacuum to collect any discovered specimens and dispose of the bag in a sealed container.
Cleaning procedures
- Wash all bedding, curtains, and removable fabrics at temperatures of at least 60 °C; dry on high heat for a minimum of 30 minutes.
- Vacuum carpets, upholstery, and floor joints thoroughly; empty the vacuum canister immediately into a sealed bag and discard outside the dwelling.
- Steam‑clean fabric surfaces and wood frames at temperatures exceeding 70 °C; steam penetrates crevices where chemicals may not reach.
Isolation and treatment
- Encase mattresses and box springs in zippered, bedbug‑proof covers; maintain encasement for at least one year to starve any survivors.
- Remove unnecessary furniture and clutter that provide additional shelters.
- Apply insecticidal dust or spray labeled for bedbug control to cracks, baseboards, and bed frames; follow manufacturer instructions precisely.
Ongoing monitoring
- Place passive interceptors beneath each leg of the bed; replace them monthly to track activity.
- Schedule professional inspections annually or after travel, especially when returning from high‑risk locations.
- Maintain a clutter‑free environment; regular decluttering limits new hiding spots and simplifies future inspections.