How should you treat bedbugs in a bed? - briefly
Remove the mattress and box spring, seal them in certified pest‑proof encasements, and wash all bedding at ≥60 °C. Apply an EPA‑approved insecticide to the surrounding area and repeat the treatment after 7–10 days to ensure complete eradication.
How should you treat bedbugs in a bed? - in detail
Detecting an infestation requires visual confirmation of live insects, shed skins, or rust‑colored spots on sheets and mattress seams. Use a bright flashlight and a magnifying lens to examine seams, tufts, and headboards.
Once confirmed, isolate the affected sleeping surface. Strip the bed of all linens, pillowcases, and blankets. Place each item in a sealed bag and launder on the hottest cycle the fabric tolerates (≥ 60 °C / 140 °F) for at least 30 minutes. Dry on high heat for another 30 minutes. Immediately vacuum the mattress, box spring, and surrounding floor, focusing on crevices and stitching. Dispose of the vacuum bag or clean the canister with hot, soapy water.
Apply treatment methods in a layered approach:
- Heat: Raise mattress temperature to 50 °C (122 °F) for a minimum of 90 minutes using a portable heater or professional heat chamber. Heat kills all life stages.
- Steam: Direct a high‑temperature steamer (≥ 100 °C) at seams, corners, and fabric folds for 10‑15 seconds each. Steam penetrates deep layers without chemical residues.
- Insecticide: Use a registered, residual spray labeled for bedbug control. Apply to cracks, baseboards, and bed frame joints. Follow label dosage and safety instructions; wear protective gloves and mask.
- Encasement: Install a zippered, bed‑bug‑proof mattress and box‑spring cover. Seal tightly to trap any remaining insects and prevent re‑infestation.
- Desiccant: Sprinkle food‑grade diatomaceous earth along mattress edges, under the bed, and in cracks. Reapply after vacuuming; the powder abrades the insects’ exoskeletons, causing dehydration.
Monitor progress for at least four weeks. Place interceptors under each leg of the bed; these devices capture climbing insects and provide a clear indication of ongoing activity. Repeat vacuuming and steaming weekly until interceptors remain empty for two consecutive weeks.
Prevent future invasions by inspecting secondhand furniture before introduction, sealing cracks in walls and baseboards, and reducing clutter around the sleeping area. Regularly wash bedding on high heat and keep the bedroom temperature low (≤ 20 °C) when not in use, as cooler environments slow bedbug development.