How can I remove bedbugs from behind wallpaper? - briefly
Carefully peel back the wallpaper, vacuum the exposed wall and crevices, then apply a licensed residual insecticide or use concentrated steam to kill any remaining bugs; seal the area with fresh wallpaper or paint after treatment. Ensure all steps are repeated until no evidence of infestation is found.
How can I remove bedbugs from behind wallpaper? - in detail
Bedbugs hidden behind wall covering require a systematic approach that combines inspection, physical removal, chemical treatment, and preventive measures.
First, confirm the infestation. Use a flashlight and a magnifying lens to examine seams, edges, and the back side of the wallpaper. Look for live insects, shed skins, or small dark spots that indicate fecal matter. If signs are present, proceed with the following steps.
- Isolate the area – Seal doors, windows, and vents with plastic sheeting and tape to prevent insects from escaping or new ones from entering. Turn off HVAC systems or set them to recirculate air only.
- Remove the wallpaper – Soften the adhesive with a spray bottle of warm water mixed with a few drops of dish soap. Apply the solution to a small section, wait 10–15 minutes, then peel the paper away carefully. Use a putty knife to lift stubborn edges, taking care not to damage the underlying wall.
- Extract insects – As the paper is removed, collect any visible bedbugs and eggs with a disposable vacuum equipped with a HEPA filter. Immediately seal the vacuum bag or container in a zip‑lock bag and discard it in an outdoor trash bin.
- Treat the exposed wall – Apply a registered residual insecticide labeled for bedbug control directly to cracks, crevices, and the wall surface. Follow the product’s label for dosage, safety precautions, and re‑application intervals. For areas where chemicals are unsuitable (e.g., near children’s toys), use a steam‑cleaner set to at least 130 °C (266 °F) and pass the nozzle slowly over the surface to ensure penetration.
- Seal and reinstall – After the insecticide has dried (typically 24 hours), reinstall fresh wallpaper or an alternative wall covering. Use a high‑quality, non‑porous adhesive that will not trap insects. If re‑wallpapering is not desired, paint the wall with a bedbug‑resistant sealant that contains insecticidal properties.
- Monitor – Place interceptor traps beneath the baseboards and around the treated zone. Check them weekly for at least two months. If activity persists, repeat chemical treatment or consider professional heat‑treatment, which raises the room temperature to 50 °C (122 °F) for several hours to eradicate hidden stages.
Additional precautions:
- Wear disposable gloves, long sleeves, and a mask to avoid direct contact with insects and chemicals.
- Keep pets and children out of the work area until all treatments have cured.
- Dispose of all contaminated materials (paper, vacuum bags, cleaning cloths) in sealed bags to prevent secondary spread.
By following this structured protocol, the concealed bedbug population can be eliminated, the wall restored, and future infestations minimized.