How can you get rid of bedbugs if they bite? - briefly
Use medical treatment—clean the wounds, apply antiseptic and an antihistamine or topical corticosteroid to reduce itching—while simultaneously eliminating the insects by washing bedding in hot water, vacuuming infested areas, applying a regulated insecticide, and encasing mattresses with bed‑bug‑proof covers.
How can you get rid of bedbugs if they bite? - in detail
Bedbugs that have already fed require a systematic approach to eradicate the infestation and prevent further bites. Begin with thorough inspection: examine seams, folds, and edges of mattresses, box springs, headboards, nightstands, and baseboards. Use a flashlight and a fine-toothed comb to detect live insects, shed skins, and dark spotting.
Once confirmed, isolate the affected sleeping area. Remove all bedding, linens, and clothing and place them in sealed plastic bags. Wash items in hot water (minimum 60 °C/140 °F) and dry on the highest heat setting for at least 30 minutes; heat kills all life stages.
Apply a multi‑step treatment plan:
- Mechanical removal – Vacuum carpets, upholstery, and cracks using a hose attachment. Immediately empty the vacuum canister into a sealed bag and discard it outdoors.
- Thermal method – Steam clean mattresses, furniture, and infested walls with a steamer delivering steam above 100 °C (212 °F) for several seconds per spot.
- Chemical control – Use EPA‑registered insecticide sprays or dusts labeled for bedbug control. Apply according to label directions, focusing on crevices, baseboards, and the undersides of furniture. Rotate products with different active ingredients to avoid resistance.
- Encasement – Install zippered mattress and box‑spring covers designed to trap insects inside. Keep encasements on for at least one year, checking weekly for signs of activity.
After initial treatment, monitor the area for several weeks. Place interceptors under each leg of the bed to capture crawling insects and assess the effectiveness of the eradication. Replace interceptors regularly.
If the problem persists or spreads beyond a single room, enlist a licensed pest‑management professional. Professionals can perform whole‑room heat treatment (raising ambient temperature to 50–55 °C/122–131 °F for several hours) or apply advanced fumigation techniques unavailable to consumers.
Finally, adopt preventive habits: reduce clutter, seal cracks in walls and flooring, and regularly inspect second‑hand furniture before bringing it indoors. Consistent vigilance limits the chance of re‑infestation after the initial outbreak.