How to bring out bedbugs in an apartment on your own at home? - briefly
«Heat treatment» at 45‑50 °C for several hours, followed by thorough vacuuming of seams and upholstery and targeted application of silica‑gel or diatomaceous‑earth dust, forces the insects out of hiding. Seal and discard infested linens, use mattress encasements, and repeat the process weekly until no activity is detected.
How to bring out bedbugs in an apartment on your own at home? - in detail
Detecting an infestation requires thorough inspection of sleeping areas, furniture seams, and wall crevices. Look for live insects, shed skins, and small dark spots of excrement. Use a bright flashlight and a magnifying lens to improve visibility.
Prepare the environment before treatment. Remove clutter that can hide insects, wash all bedding, curtains, and removable fabrics at ≥ 60 °C, then dry on high heat. Vacuum carpets, mattresses, and upholstered pieces, discarding the vacuum bag or emptying the canister into a sealed plastic bag. Seal the bag and place it in an outdoor trash receptacle.
Apply heat as a primary physical method. Portable steam generators produce vapor at ≥ 100 °C; direct the steam into seams, folds, and baseboard cracks for 10‑15 seconds per spot. For larger items, use a portable heater to raise room temperature to > 45 °C and maintain for several hours, ensuring continuous airflow.
Encase mattresses and box springs in certified bed‑bug‑proof covers. These barriers prevent insects from escaping and force any hidden bugs to die within days due to lack of food. Install interceptors beneath each leg of the bed; the devices capture bugs attempting to climb, allowing easy monitoring.
When chemical control is necessary, select products labeled for bed‑bug treatment. Apply residual aerosol sprays to voids, cracks, and baseboards, following label instructions regarding dosage and ventilation. Use diatomaceous earth or silica‑based dusts in wall voids and under furniture; these powders abrade the insect exoskeleton, causing dehydration.
Monitor progress with sticky interceptor traps placed near sleeping surfaces and in suspected harborages. Replace traps weekly and record capture numbers to assess reduction trends. Continue inspections for at least 30 days after visible signs disappear to confirm eradication.
Prevent re‑infestation by sealing gaps around pipes, electrical outlets, and window frames with caulk or expanding foam. Reduce opportunities for transport by inspecting luggage, second‑hand furniture, and clothing before introduction into the dwelling. Maintain regular laundering of bedding at high temperatures and periodic vacuuming of potential harborages.