How can I protect myself from bedbugs at night? - briefly
Cover the mattress and box spring with a zippered, bedbug‑proof encasement, wash and heat‑dry all linens at 60 °C, and keep the bed away from walls and clutter to minimize hiding places.
How can I protect myself from bedbugs at night? - in detail
Use a mattress encasement that fully seals the sleeping surface, closing all seams with a zipper designed to trap insects. Replace the encasement annually, even if no bugs are seen, because eggs can survive inside damaged covers.
Inspect the bed each morning. Pull back sheets, examine seams, tufts, and the headboard for dark spots, shed skins, or live insects. A flashlight held at a low angle reveals hidden specimens.
Treat the sleeping area with a low‑toxicity insecticide labeled for bedbug control. Apply to cracks, crevices, and the underside of the bed frame, following the product’s safety instructions. Reapply according to the label schedule, typically every 2–4 weeks during an infestation.
Reduce clutter around the bed. Remove boxes, piles of clothing, and upholstered furniture that provide hiding places. Store clothing in sealed plastic bags or in a freezer at –18 °C for at least four days to kill any bugs present.
Wash all bedding, curtains, and removable fabrics in hot water (≥ 60 °C) and dry on high heat for a minimum of 30 minutes. Heat destroys both insects and eggs.
Place interceptors under each leg of the bed. These small dishes contain a smooth inner surface that directs bugs upward and a water‑filled outer rim that prevents re‑entry. Check and empty them nightly.
Seal cracks in walls, baseboards, and around electrical outlets with caulk. Bedbugs use these gaps to travel between rooms.
If the problem persists after several weeks of diligent self‑treatment, contact a licensed pest‑management professional. Certified technicians can apply heat‑treatment chambers or professional‑grade chemicals that are not available to consumers, ensuring thorough eradication.
Maintain a routine: weekly visual checks, monthly laundering of bedding, and periodic replacement of encasements. Consistent application of these measures prevents re‑infestation and protects the sleeper throughout the night.