How can you get rid of bedbugs using a home method? - briefly
Use high heat—wash bedding and clothing at 60 °C (140 °F), steam mattresses, and vacuum seams and cracks thoroughly. Seal untreated items in airtight containers with diatomaceous earth to desiccate any remaining insects.
How can you get rid of bedbugs using a home method? - in detail
Eliminating bedbugs with household techniques requires a systematic approach that combines thorough cleaning, targeted treatments, and ongoing monitoring.
First, isolate the infestation. Strip the bed of all linens, pillowcases, and blankets. Place each item in a sealed plastic bag to prevent insects from escaping. Wash fabrics in hot water (minimum 60 °C or 140 °F) and dry on the highest heat setting for at least 30 minutes; heat kills all life stages.
Next, treat the sleeping area. Vacuum the mattress, box spring, bed frame, and surrounding floor. Use a brush attachment to dislodge eggs and insects from seams and crevices. Immediately empty the vacuum bag or canister into a sealed bag and discard it outdoors.
Apply a heat‑based method to the mattress. If a portable steamer is available, pass the steam slowly over all surfaces, focusing on folds, seams, and tufts. Steam temperatures above 50 °C (122 °F) penetrate deep enough to destroy hidden bugs. Allow the mattress to dry completely before reinstalling bedding.
For non‑heat options, use a low‑toxicity insecticide formulated for indoor use, such as a silica‑based powder or diatomaceous earth. Lightly dust the powder on the mattress, headboard, baseboards, and any cracks. The abrasive particles abrade the insect’s exoskeleton, leading to dehydration. Reapply after each vacuuming cycle.
Seal all potential entry points. Install tightly fitting mattress encasements labeled “bedbug proof” to trap any survivors inside and prevent new ones from entering. Repair torn wallpaper, loose floorboards, and gaps around plumbing fixtures.
Maintain vigilance. Perform weekly inspections of the mattress, bedding, and furniture. Use a flashlight to scan for live insects or shed skins. Repeat vacuuming, steaming, and powder application as needed until no evidence remains for at least two weeks.
Finally, reduce future risk by laundering all clothing and bedding after travel, inspecting secondhand furniture before bringing it indoors, and keeping clutter to a minimum, which limits hiding places for the pests.