How can you fight bedbugs at a summer house? - briefly
Inspect bedding, furniture, and seams; wash or heat‑treat contaminated items and apply a certified insecticide or professional heat treatment to affected areas. Seal cracks, use mattress encasements, and enlist a licensed exterminator if the problem continues.
How can you fight bedbugs at a summer house? - in detail
A thorough approach to eliminating bed‑bugs in a seasonal cottage requires inspection, containment, treatment, and ongoing prevention.
Begin with a meticulous survey of all sleeping areas. Remove bedding, examine seams, mattress corners, box‑spring folds, and headboards for live insects, shed skins, or dark spots. Use a bright flashlight and a magnifying lens to detect small specimens. Extend the search to upholstered chairs, sofas, curtains, and cracks in walls or floorboards. Document any findings with photographs for reference.
Isolate infested items to prevent spread. Place removable furniture, mattresses, and box springs in sealed plastic bags or tarpaulins. Transfer them to a garage or outdoor area away from the house. For items that cannot be moved, encase them in certified bed‑bug‑proof covers that zip tightly and remain sealed for at least 90 days.
Apply appropriate treatments. Options include:
- Heat: Raise the temperature of rooms, furniture, or luggage to 50 °C (122 °F) for a minimum of 30 minutes. Portable heaters or professional heat‑treatment services can achieve this level.
- Cold: Expose small objects to –18 °C (0 °F) for at least 72 hours using a deep freezer.
- Insecticide dusts: Sprinkle silica‑based or diatomaceous‑earth dust into wall voids, under baseboards, and inside furniture crevices. Follow label instructions and wear protective equipment.
- Aerosol sprays: Use EPA‑registered bed‑bug sprays on surfaces that cannot be heated or frozen. Apply directly to hiding spots, avoiding over‑spraying of occupied areas.
After treatment, clean the environment thoroughly. Vacuum carpets, rugs, and upholstery, then discard the vacuum bag or empty the canister into a sealed container. Wash all linens, curtains, and removable fabrics in hot water (≥ 60 °C) and dry on high heat for at least 30 minutes.
Implement preventive measures to reduce the risk of reinfestation. Store clothing and linens in airtight containers. Install bed‑bug interceptors under each leg of beds and sofas to capture migrating insects. Seal gaps around windows, doors, and utility penetrations with caulk or expanding foam. Limit the introduction of external items by inspecting luggage, outdoor gear, and second‑hand furniture before bringing them inside.
Schedule regular follow‑up inspections every two weeks during the active season. Record any new evidence and repeat targeted treatments promptly. Maintaining a disciplined routine of monitoring, barrier installation, and environmental control will keep the cottage free of bed‑bugs throughout the summer months.