How can you get rid of bedbugs from an apartment? - briefly
Treat the infestation with thorough vacuuming, steam cleaning, and targeted insecticide applications, then encase mattresses and monitor with traps for several weeks. Dispose of heavily infested items, seal cracks, and engage a professional exterminator for guaranteed eradication.
How can you get rid of bedbugs from an apartment? - in detail
Detecting the presence of Cimex lectularius is the first step. Examine seams, mattress tags, box‑spring corners, headboards, baseboards, and cracks in walls. Look for live insects, dark‑colored exoskeletons, and small rust‑colored spots of feces. Use a flashlight and a magnifying lens to confirm infestations.
Prepare the unit for treatment. Remove all bedding, curtains, and clothing. Place washable items in sealed plastic bags and launder at 60 °C (140 °F) for at least 30 minutes; dry on high heat. Vacuum carpets, upholstery, and floor joints with a HEPA‑rated vacuum, immediately emptying the canister into a sealed bag. Seal cracks, crevices, and voids with caulk to limit movement.
Apply non‑chemical heat treatment when possible. Raise room temperature to 49–54 °C (120–130 °F) for a minimum of 90 minutes, ensuring heat penetrates furniture and wall voids. Use calibrated thermometers to verify target temperatures throughout the space. Heat eliminates all life stages without leaving residues.
If heat is impractical, employ steam. Direct a commercial steamer (minimum 100 °C/212 °F) at seams, folds, and hidden areas for at least 10 seconds per spot. Follow with thorough vacuuming to remove dead insects.
Chemical options include EPA‑registered insecticides formulated for bedbug control. Apply residual sprays to voids, baseboards, and behind wall panels, adhering to label directions for concentration and safety. Use dust formulations (silica gel or diatomaceous earth) in inaccessible crevices, avoiding direct contact with humans and pets.
Encapsulate mattresses and box springs with certified bedbug‑proof encasements. Keep encasements sealed for at least one year, checking for tears before installation.
Monitor progress with passive traps. Place interceptors under each leg of the bed and glue‑based monitors near suspected hideouts. Replace traps weekly and record captures to assess efficacy.
Repeat the entire cycle—inspection, preparation, treatment, monitoring—every 2–4 weeks for at least three months, as eggs may hatch after initial treatment. Maintain a clutter‑free environment to reduce harborages and prevent reinfestation.