How can you remove bedbugs from a person? - briefly
Wash the infested area with hot water and soap, then apply an approved topical insecticide or obtain prescription treatment such as permethrin cream. Launder all clothing and bedding at ≥ 60 °C to eradicate any remaining bugs.
How can you remove bedbugs from a person? - in detail
Bedbugs that have fed on a person must be eradicated promptly to prevent ongoing infestation and skin irritation. The removal process involves three coordinated actions: immediate personal decontamination, targeted topical treatment, and environmental control.
Personal decontamination
- Strip clothing, place items directly into a washing machine, use hot water (≥ 60 °C) and a high‑heat dryer cycle for at least 30 minutes.
- Shower with hot water; scrub skin with a mild antibacterial soap and a soft brush to dislodge any attached insects.
- Examine hair and body hair with a fine‑tooth comb, removing visible bugs and their eggs.
- Inspect and clean personal items (shoes, accessories) with a vacuum equipped with a HEPA filter; discard the vacuum bag afterward.
Topical and medical treatment
- Apply over‑the‑counter insect‑repellent lotions containing permethrin or pyrethrins to exposed skin, following label instructions.
- For persistent bites or allergic reactions, seek prescription‑strength antihistamines or corticosteroid creams to reduce inflammation.
- In severe cases, a healthcare professional may prescribe oral ivermectin or other systemic agents; these require medical supervision.
Environmental control
- Vacuum the entire living area, focusing on seams, cracks, and upholstered furniture; immediately seal vacuum contents in a plastic bag and discard.
- Steam‑treat mattresses, box springs, and furniture with temperatures above 50 °C for a minimum of 10 minutes to kill all life stages.
- Encase mattresses and pillows in zippered, bedbug‑proof covers; leave in place for at least 12 months.
- Apply residual insecticide sprays to baseboards, wall voids, and crevices, using products approved for indoor use.
- Repeat cleaning and inspection weekly for three weeks to capture any newly hatched insects.
Follow‑up monitoring includes daily skin checks for new bites and periodic re‑inspection of personal belongings and the home environment. Persistence in these steps eliminates the infestation and prevents re‑colonization.