How can I remove bedbugs from the apartment at home by myself and correctly? - briefly
Use a high‑temperature steam cleaner on mattresses, furniture seams, and cracks, then vacuum thoroughly and encase all bedding in zip‑close covers; apply a certified indoor insecticide spray to remaining infested areas and repeat the treatment after seven days to eliminate any survivors.
How can I remove bedbugs from the apartment at home by myself and correctly? - in detail
Eliminating bed‑bugs without professional assistance requires a systematic approach that targets every life stage of the insect. Begin with a thorough inspection to locate infestations. Use a flashlight and a magnifying glass to examine seams of mattresses, box‑spring corners, headboards, bed frames, upholstered furniture, baseboards, and cracks in walls. Mark confirmed spots with colored stickers to guide treatment.
Preparation
- Remove all bedding, curtains, and washable fabrics; place them in sealed plastic bags.
- Launder items on the hottest cycle the fabric tolerates (minimum 60 °C/140 °F) and dry on high heat for at least 30 minutes.
- Vacuum all surfaces, including mattress tops, furniture, carpets, and floor crevices. Immediately empty the vacuum canister into a sealed bag and discard it outdoors.
- Declutter the room to reduce hiding places; store items in airtight containers.
Chemical Measures
- Choose a certified residual aerosol or spray containing pyrethroids, neonicotinoids, or desiccant dust (e.g., diatomaceous earth). Follow label instructions precisely regarding dosage and ventilation.
- Apply spray to the undersides of mattresses, box‑spring frames, bed rails, and any cracks or crevices identified during inspection.
- Treat baseboards, wall junctions, and furniture legs with dust, ensuring even distribution without creating airborne clouds.
Physical Measures
- Encase mattresses and box springs in zippered, bed‑bug‑proof covers; leave them on for at least 12 months to starve any remaining insects.
- Place sticky traps under each leg of the bed and furniture to monitor activity and capture wandering bugs.
- Use a portable steamer (minimum 100 °C/212 °F) on fabrics, upholstery, and hard surfaces. Move the nozzle slowly to maintain heat long enough to kill eggs and nymphs.
Follow‑up
- Repeat vacuuming and steaming weekly for three weeks, then biweekly for the next month.
- Re‑inspect all previously marked areas; any new sightings require immediate retreat with the same chemical or physical method.
- Maintain a low‑humidity environment (below 50 %) by using dehumidifiers, as moisture favors bed‑bug development.
Preventive Practices
- Inspect second‑hand furniture before bringing it indoors; treat suspect items with heat or dust.
- Install door sweeps and seal gaps around windows and baseboards to limit entry points.
- Keep luggage off the floor when traveling; inspect and wash clothing immediately upon return.
By executing these steps in a disciplined sequence—inspection, sanitation, chemical or physical treatment, and rigorous monitoring—homeowners can achieve complete eradication of bed‑bugs without external assistance.