How should I use dust against bed bugs? - briefly
«Apply a fine, food‑grade dust such as diatomaceous earth to mattress seams, box‑spring crevices, baseboard cracks, and other hiding places, then leave it undisturbed for 48–72 hours before vacuuming». «Repeat the treatment after a week to target newly hatched insects».
How should I use dust against bed bugs? - in detail
Dust formulations for bed‑bug control include silica‑gel granules, diatomaceous earth and pyrethroid‑based powders. Each product acts by abrading the insect’s exoskeleton or delivering a toxic dose upon contact. Selection depends on infestation severity, surface type and safety considerations.
Before treatment, locate active sites by inspecting seams, mattress edges, baseboards and furniture cracks. Remove clutter, vacuum thoroughly and discard the vacuum bag in a sealed container. This preparation reduces hiding places and enhances dust penetration.
Application procedure:
- Apply a thin, even layer of dust to all identified harborages using a hand‑held duster or a low‑pressure powder dispenser.
- Target seams, folds, crevices, under bed frames and behind headboards.
- Avoid excessive accumulation; a fine coating ensures contact without clumping.
- For upholstered furniture, insert the dispenser tip into fabric folds and press lightly to deposit dust.
- After placement, leave the area undisturbed for at least 48 hours to allow the particles to act on hidden insects.
Safety measures:
- Wear a disposable respirator, gloves and eye protection to prevent inhalation and skin irritation.
- Ensure adequate ventilation; close off treated rooms for the duration of the exposure period.
- Keep dust away from children, pets and food preparation surfaces.
Post‑treatment monitoring involves weekly visual inspections and repeat vacuuming of treated zones. Reapply dust if live insects are observed after two weeks, focusing on previously missed cracks. Persistent infestations may require integration with heat treatment or professional pesticide application.