How did I get rid of bedbugs? - briefly
I sealed infested belongings in airtight bags, treated surfaces with a professional insecticide, and applied high‑temperature steam to mattresses, furniture, and cracks, followed by thorough vacuuming and disposal of the vacuum contents. Subsequent inspections over several weeks confirmed that the infestation was eradicated.
How did I get rid of bedbugs? - in detail
I discovered the infestation after noticing tiny reddish spots on my sheets and feeling occasional bites. The following steps eliminated the problem completely.
First, I isolated the bedroom. All bedding, curtains, and removable fabrics were laundered at the highest temperature the material could tolerate (≥ 60 °C) and dried on high heat for at least 30 minutes. Items that could not be washed were sealed in airtight plastic bags for two weeks, a period sufficient to kill dormant insects.
Second, I removed clutter that could serve as hiding places. Every piece of furniture was moved away from walls, and all cracks, seams, and crevices were vacuumed thoroughly. The vacuum cleaner was equipped with a HEPA filter; the bag was discarded immediately after use.
Third, I applied a two‑phase chemical treatment:
- Contact spray – an EPA‑registered pyrethroid formulation was sprayed directly onto mattress seams, box‑spring edges, bed frame joints, and baseboard gaps. The product label required a 8‑hour drying period before re‑entry.
- Residual powder – diatomaceous earth, food‑grade, was dusted into wall voids, under furniture, and along baseboards. It remains active for several weeks, dehydrating any insects that come into contact with it.
Fourth, I installed encasements on the mattress and box spring. The covers are sealed with zipper locks, preventing any surviving bugs from re‑infesting the sleeping surface.
Fifth, I set up monitoring devices. Sticky interceptor cups were placed under each leg of the bed and on nearby furniture. These traps captured any remaining insects and provided data on the effectiveness of the treatment.
Finally, I conducted weekly inspections for four weeks. Each inspection involved:
- Visual check of all previously treated areas.
- Replacement of interceptor cups with fresh ones.
- Re‑vacuuming any newly discovered debris.
After the fourth week, no live bedbugs were observed, and the interceptor cups remained empty for two consecutive months. At that point, the infestation was declared eradicated. Regular housekeeping practices—maintaining low humidity, washing linens weekly, and keeping clutter to a minimum—are now part of the routine to prevent recurrence.