How can you fight bedbugs if they have appeared at home? - briefly
Begin with thorough vacuuming of mattresses, furniture, and crevices, then wash all bedding and clothing in hot water and seal them in plastic bags. Follow with application of a professional‑grade insecticide or enlist a licensed exterminator to treat the infestation and prevent reappearance.
How can you fight bedbugs if they have appeared at home? - in detail
Bedbug infestations require immediate, systematic action. First, confirm the presence of insects by inspecting seams of mattresses, box springs, headboards, furniture joints, and cracks in walls. Look for live bugs, shed exoskeletons, and dark spotting of feces.
Next, isolate the affected area. Remove bedding and wash all linens, curtains, and clothing in hot water (≥ 60 °C) and dry on high heat for at least 30 minutes. Place items that cannot be laundered in sealed plastic bags for a minimum of two weeks to starve the insects.
Proceed with a thorough cleaning regimen. Vacuum carpets, floorboards, and upholstered furniture, focusing on crevices and seams. After vacuuming, discard the bag or clean the canister immediately to prevent re‑introduction.
Apply treatment methods in the following order:
- Physical measures – Use a high‑temperature steam cleaner (≥ 100 °C) on mattresses, bed frames, and upholstery. Follow with a cold‑treatment freezer (‑20 °C) for small items, maintaining the temperature for at least 72 hours.
- Chemical controls – Select EPA‑registered insecticides labeled for bedbug use. Options include:
- Pyrethroid‑based sprays for surface application on cracks and voids.
- Silica‑based dusts for insertion into wall voids, baseboards, and furniture joints.
- Neonicotinoid or insect growth regulator formulations for resistant populations.
Apply according to label directions, ensuring adequate coverage while avoiding direct contact with humans and pets.
- Encasement – Install zippered mattress and box‑spring covers certified to trap insects. Keep encasements on for at least one year, inspecting regularly for breaches.
If the infestation persists after initial measures, engage a licensed pest‑management professional. Professionals can deploy heat‑treatment chambers (≥ 50 °C sustained for 4–6 hours) or controlled‑release desiccant foggers, which penetrate hidden spaces more effectively than consumer‑grade products.
Finally, implement preventive practices. Reduce clutter, seal cracks in walls and flooring, and maintain regular inspection cycles. Use interceptors beneath bed legs to monitor activity and capture wandering insects. Consistent vigilance prevents re‑establishment and limits the need for extensive remedial actions.