How should you treat walls before applying wallpaper to deal with bedbugs? - briefly
«Begin by vacuuming all cracks and crevices, then wash the walls with hot soapy water and a pest‑safe disinfectant, ensuring the surface is completely dry.»
«Apply a residual insecticide formulated for bedbugs, allow the manufacturer‑specified cure period, and only then hang the wallpaper.»
How should you treat walls before applying wallpaper to deal with bedbugs? - in detail
Before covering a surface with wallpaper, a thorough preparation eliminates the risk of transporting bed‑bug infestations to the newly finished room.
Begin with a complete visual inspection. Look for live insects, shed skins, and fecal spots along baseboards, corners, and behind trim. Use a flashlight to reveal hidden activity.
Next, remove all existing wall coverings, loose paint, and wallpaper. Scrape the surface until a solid substrate is exposed. Dispose of debris in sealed bags to prevent accidental spread.
Clean the exposed wall with a high‑temperature steam‑cleaner. Steam at a minimum of 130 °C for at least 10 seconds per spot; the heat kills all life stages. Follow with a vacuum equipped with a HEPA filter to capture dead insects and eggs.
Apply an approved residual insecticide that is safe for interior walls. Choose a product labeled for bed‑bug control, dilute according to manufacturer instructions, and spray evenly across the entire surface, paying special attention to cracks, seams, and joints. Allow the chemical to dry completely, typically 24 hours, before proceeding.
Seal any gaps or openings that could serve as harborage. Use a high‑quality acrylic caulk to fill cracks around baseboards, electrical outlets, and molding. Smooth the caulk, let it cure, then wipe the area with a damp cloth to remove residue.
After sealing, ensure the wall is completely dry. Measure moisture with a hygrometer; target relative humidity below 50 %. If moisture remains, employ dehumidifiers or increase ventilation until the substrate is dry.
Finally, apply a primer designed for wallpaper adhesion. The primer creates a uniform surface, enhances glue performance, and adds an additional barrier against potential reinfestation. Follow the primer’s drying time before hanging wallpaper.
By following inspection, removal, heat treatment, chemical application, sealing, drying, and priming, the wall becomes inhospitable to bed‑bugs, allowing wallpaper installation without compromising pest‑control efforts.