How should you deal with bedbugs? - briefly
First, locate and contain the infestation by washing all linens in hot water, vacuuming cracks, and sealing entry points. Then, eradicate the pests using heat treatment, approved insecticide sprays, or a licensed pest‑control service.
How should you deal with bedbugs? - in detail
Bedbugs reveal themselves through small, reddish‑brown insects, dark spotting on fabrics, and occasional bite marks. Confirm their presence by examining seams, mattress tags, and cracks in furniture.
Remove and launder all infested textiles on the hottest setting the fabric tolerates; dry‑clean items that cannot be washed. Vacuum mattresses, box springs, bed frames, and surrounding floor areas, then immediately discard the vacuum bag or empty the canister into a sealed plastic bag.
Apply residual insecticide sprays or dusts labeled for bedbug control to crevices, baseboards, and the undersides of furniture. Follow label directions regarding concentration, re‑application intervals, and safety precautions. For severe infestations, engage a licensed pest‑management professional who can deploy professional‑grade products and integrated treatment plans.
Employ heat treatment by raising room temperature to 50 °C (122 °F) for a minimum of 90 minutes, ensuring heat penetrates all hiding places. Alternatively, use a high‑temperature steamer on fabrics and upholstery, or freeze portable items at –18 °C (0 °F) for several days.
Install passive monitors such as interceptor cups beneath each leg of the bed and check them weekly. Replace or clean monitors regularly, and conduct visual inspections after each treatment cycle to verify eradication.
Prevent recurrence by encasing mattresses and box springs in zippered, bedbug‑proof covers, reducing clutter that offers hiding spots, and inspecting second‑hand furniture before it enters the home. Maintain routine laundering of bedding and clothing, and seal cracks in walls or flooring that could serve as entry points.