How can you treat the bed for lice at home? - briefly
Wash all bedding, clothing, and washable items in water of at least 130 °F (54 °C) and dry them on the highest heat setting for 30 minutes. Vacuum the mattress, bed frame, and surrounding surfaces, then treat the mattress with an EPA‑registered lice spray or a thin layer of diatomaceous earth, leave it for several hours, and vacuum again.
How can you treat the bed for lice at home? - in detail
Treating the sleeping environment for lice requires a systematic approach that eliminates both live insects and their eggs from all bedding and surrounding surfaces.
First, strip the bed of all linens, pillowcases, blankets, and removable mattress covers. Wash each item in hot water (minimum 130 °F / 54 °C) for at least 10 minutes, then tumble‑dry on the highest heat setting for 20 minutes or longer. Heat destroys both nymphs and eggs; if the fabric cannot withstand high temperatures, seal the items in a plastic bag for two weeks, the period needed for lice to die without a host.
Second, clean the mattress and box spring. Use a household steamer set to produce steam above 212 °F (100 °C) and run it over the entire surface, paying special attention to seams, folds, and tufts. Follow with a thorough vacuuming, employing a hose attachment to reach crevices and the headboard. Dispose of the vacuum bag or empty the canister into a sealed bag and discard it outside the home.
Third, treat the surrounding area. Wash curtains, removable upholstery covers, and any fabric toys in hot water or place them in sealed bags for two weeks. Vacuum carpets, floorboards, and baseboards, then immediately empty the vacuum into a sealed bag. For hard surfaces, wipe down with a solution of 70 % isopropyl alcohol or a diluted bleach mixture (1 part bleach to 10 parts water), ensuring the area remains wet for at least five minutes before drying.
Fourth, protect the bed after cleaning. Install a zippered, lint‑free mattress encasement that fully encloses the mattress and box spring. The encasement should be certified to prevent insect penetration and remain in place for at least three months, covering the entire life cycle of any residual eggs.
Fifth, maintain vigilance. Perform a weekly inspection of the bedding and sleeping area for at least six weeks, looking for live lice or nits. If any are detected, repeat the washing and steaming steps promptly.
Optional supplementary measures include:
- Freezing non‑washable items (e.g., stuffed animals) in a freezer set to –4 °F (–20 °C) for 48 hours.
- Using a diatomaceous earth spray on carpet edges and floor seams, applied lightly and left undisturbed for 24 hours before vacuuming.
By following these actions—high‑temperature laundering, steam treatment, thorough vacuuming, chemical surface sanitation, and protective encasement—the bed can be rendered inhospitable to lice, eliminating the infestation without professional intervention.