How do you kill bedbugs at home? - briefly
Use high‑heat methods (wash bedding at ≥120 °F, steam‑clean mattresses, cracks, and furniture) together with a labeled indoor residual insecticide, sealing seams and vacuuming thoroughly. Dispose of heavily infested items in sealed bags and repeat the treatment weekly for three to four cycles to ensure complete eradication.
How do you kill bedbugs at home? - in detail
Eliminating bed‑bug infestations within a residence requires a systematic approach that combines thorough cleaning, targeted chemical or non‑chemical treatments, and preventive measures.
Begin with inspection. Identify all harborages—mattresses, box springs, bed frames, headboards, seams of upholstered furniture, cracks in walls, baseboards, and behind picture frames. Use a flashlight and a magnifying glass to locate live insects, shed skins, and dark‑colored fecal spots.
Prepare the environment. Remove bedding, curtains, and clothing; launder at 60 °C (140 °F) or higher for at least 30 minutes, then dry on high heat. Vacuum carpets, rugs, and upholstery slowly, concentrating on seams and crevices; immediately seal the vacuum bag or empty the canister into a sealed plastic bag and discard. Steam‑treat mattresses, box springs, and furniture using a portable steamer that reaches 100 °C (212 °F) for a minimum of 10 seconds per spot; the heat kills insects at all life stages.
Apply insecticide. Choose a product labeled for indoor bed‑bug control, containing a synthetic pyrethroid, neonicotinoid, or desiccant dust (e.g., silica gel). Follow label directions precisely: spray cracks, crevices, and the undersides of furniture, avoiding direct contact with skin or food surfaces. For dust, apply a thin layer in voids where spray cannot penetrate. Repeat applications after 7–10 days to target newly hatched nymphs.
Consider non‑chemical alternatives. Encase mattresses and box springs in certified, zippered covers that trap insects and prevent re‑infestation; leave encasements on for at least one year. Use interceptors under each leg of the bed to monitor and capture wandering bugs. Deploy passive heat chambers or professional heat‑treatment services that raise room temperature to 50 °C (122 °F) for several hours, ensuring thorough penetration.
Maintain vigilance. Conduct weekly visual checks for at least three months. Seal cracks, repair damaged wallpaper, and reduce clutter that provides hiding places. Replace damaged furniture or upholstery that cannot be effectively treated.
By integrating inspection, sanitation, heat, appropriate insecticide, and ongoing monitoring, a homeowner can eradicate bed‑bug populations and prevent recurrence.