How can you drive bedbugs out of an apartment? - briefly
Apply high‑temperature washing, steam cleaning, and targeted insecticide sprays to all sleeping areas and furniture. Seal cracks, install «bed‑bug interceptors», and enlist a licensed pest‑control professional for heat‑treatment or fumigation.
How can you drive bedbugs out of an apartment? - in detail
Effective elimination of a bed‑bug infestation requires a systematic approach that combines detection, isolation, treatment, and prevention.
The first step is thorough inspection. Examine seams of mattresses, box springs, bed frames, headboards, nightstands, and cracks in walls or baseboards. Use a flashlight and a magnifying lens to locate live insects, shed skins, and dark‑colored spots of excrement.
Once confirmed, isolate the problem area. Remove all bedding and wash at ≥ 60 °C; dry on high heat for at least 30 minutes. Encase mattresses and box springs in certified encasements that remain sealed for a minimum of one year. Seal infested clothing, linens, and fabrics in double‑layer plastic bags; store bags in a freezer at ≤ ‑18 °C for at least four days.
Next, apply treatment methods.
- Chemical control – Apply EPA‑registered insecticides labeled for bed‑bugs to cracks, crevices, and hiding places. Rotate products with different active ingredients to prevent resistance.
- Heat treatment – Raise ambient temperature in the affected rooms to 50–55 °C for a minimum of 90 minutes, ensuring all items reach the target temperature. Professional equipment provides uniform heating and monitoring.
- Steam application – Use a high‑temperature steamer (≥ 100 °C) on upholstery, curtains, and hard‑to‑reach surfaces; steam penetrates fabric fibers and kills insects on contact.
After treatment, conduct systematic monitoring. Place interceptor traps beneath each leg of furniture; replace traps weekly and record captures. Continue inspections for at least six weeks, as bed‑bug eggs may hatch after the initial treatment cycle.
Prevent re‑infestation by maintaining strict housekeeping practices. Reduce clutter, seal cracks in walls and baseboards, and install door sweeps. Regularly launder bedding and vacuum carpets with a HEPA‑rated filter.
Integrated pest‑management principles state that «combining chemical, thermal, and mechanical tactics yields the highest success rate». Consistent application of these steps eliminates the pest population and minimizes the likelihood of recurrence.