How can you get rid of bedbugs in an old apartment? - briefly
Declutter the space, vacuum every surface, and launder all fabrics at ≥120 °F, then employ a certified heat‑treatment or EPA‑approved insecticide while sealing cracks and crevices. Repeat inspections and treatments weekly for at least 30 days to confirm eradication.
How can you get rid of bedbugs in an old apartment? - in detail
Eliminating bedbugs from a deteriorating rental unit requires systematic inspection, thorough preparation, and a combination of treatment methods.
Begin with a complete survey. Examine mattress seams, box springs, bed frames, headboards, and upholstered furniture. Use a flashlight and a magnifying glass to spot live insects, shed skins, or dark fecal spots. Mark every infested area with tape for later reference.
Prepare the space before applying any control measures. Remove all bedding, curtains, and clothing; launder on the hottest cycle the fabric can tolerate, then dry on high heat for at least 30 minutes. Vacuum carpets, floorboards, and cracks, discarding the vacuum bag or cleaning the canister immediately. Seal cracks, crevices, and gaps in baseboards, wall panels, and around pipes with caulk or expanding foam to limit hiding places.
Apply treatments in the following order:
- Heat treatment – raise room temperature to 120 °F (49 °C) for a minimum of four hours; heat penetrates furniture and wall voids, killing all life stages. Portable heaters and professional equipment can achieve uniform temperatures.
- Steam – direct steam at 212 °F (100 °C) onto seams, folds, and crevices of mattresses, sofas, and baseboards. Move the nozzle slowly to ensure heat absorption.
- Chemical insecticides – use EPA‑registered products labeled for bedbug control. Apply residual sprays to cracks, baseboards, and the underside of furniture. Follow label directions precisely; avoid over‑application that can lead to resistance.
- Desiccants – spread diatomaceous earth or silica gel in thin layers along baseboards, under furniture, and in wall voids. These powders abrade the insects’ exoskeletons, causing dehydration.
- Encasements – fit mattress and box‑spring covers rated for bedbug protection. Seal tightly to trap any remaining bugs, preventing further feeding.
After treatment, conduct a follow‑up inspection at 7‑day intervals. Re‑vacuum and re‑apply desiccants if live insects reappear. Maintain a clutter‑free environment; reduce floor coverings and eliminate unnecessary furniture that can harbor pests.
When infestation persists despite thorough DIY efforts, engage a licensed pest‑management professional. Certified technicians possess advanced heat‑treatment units, fumigation options, and integrated pest‑management plans that combine monitoring, targeted chemicals, and structural modifications.
Consistent monitoring, rigorous sanitation, and timely re‑treatment form the core of an effective eradication strategy for bedbugs in an aging apartment.