How can you remove bed bugs from an apartment using home methods? - briefly
Wash all bedding, clothing, and removable fabrics in water at least 120 °F and dry on high heat, then vacuum mattresses, furniture, and surrounding areas, discarding the vacuum contents immediately. Apply diatomaceous earth or use a steam cleaner on cracks, seams, and infested surfaces, and protect the bed with an encasement to block further infestation.
How can you remove bed bugs from an apartment using home methods? - in detail
Eliminating bed‑bug infestations without professional chemicals relies on thorough preparation, targeted physical removal, and environmental control.
Begin with a systematic inspection. Strip bedding, curtains, and clothing; place each item in a sealed plastic bag. Use a bright flashlight to examine seams, mattress tufts, box‑spring folds, headboards, baseboards, and furniture joints. Mark confirmed hotspots with a small piece of tape.
Next, isolate and treat the affected areas:
- Heat treatment – Wash all washable fabrics in water hotter than 120 °F (49 °C) for at least 30 minutes; tumble‑dry on the highest heat setting for 30 minutes. Place non‑washable items in a portable dryer or a sealed bag inside a dryer for the same duration.
- Cold treatment – Seal items in airtight bags and store in a freezer at –4 °F (–20 °C) for a minimum of four days; this kills all life stages.
- Steam – Apply a high‑temperature steamer (minimum 212 °F / 100 °C) to mattress surfaces, cracks, and upholstery. Move the nozzle slowly to allow steam penetration for at least 10 seconds per spot.
- Vacuum – Use a vacuum equipped with a HEPA filter. Thoroughly vacuum mattresses, box springs, furniture crevices, and floor edges. Immediately empty the canister into a sealed bag and discard it outdoors.
- Diatomaceous earth – Lightly dust a food‑grade layer on floor seams, behind furniture, and in wall voids. Reapply after cleaning or if the powder becomes wet. The abrasive particles damage the insects’ exoskeletons, causing dehydration.
Seal all treated items in zip‑lock bags for several weeks to prevent re‑infestation. Reduce clutter to limit hiding places, and repair any cracks in walls or baseboards that could serve as entry points.
Maintain vigilance by performing weekly inspections for the next two months. Replace any compromised bedding or upholstery promptly. If the population persists after several cycles of the above measures, consider contacting a licensed pest‑control professional for an integrated approach.