How to chase away bedbugs? - briefly
Remove bedbugs by washing all bedding at high temperatures, vacuuming cracks and crevices, and applying a certified insecticide or steam treatment. Seal entry points and use mattress encasements to prevent re‑infestation.
How to chase away bedbugs? - in detail
Bedbugs thrive in cracks, seams and fabric folds; thorough detection precedes any eradication effort. Begin by examining mattress edges, box‑spring stitching, headboard joints and surrounding furniture. Use a bright flashlight and a fine‑toothed comb to reveal live insects, dark‑colored eggs and fresh excrement spots. Document every infested area to guide subsequent actions.
Physical removal relies on isolation and disposal.
- Encase mattress and pillows in zippered, bed‑bug‑proof covers; keep sealed for at least 90 days.
- Launder all bedding, curtains and removable fabric at 60 °C (140 °F) for a minimum of 30 minutes; tumble‑dry on high heat for 30 minutes.
- Vacuum carpets, floorboards and upholstery repeatedly; empty the vacuum bag into a sealed plastic bag and discard outdoors.
- Steam‑treat seams, frames and cracks with a device delivering ≥ 100 °C (212 °F) steam for 20‑seconds per spot.
Chemical control supplements physical methods. Apply a certified residual insecticide directly to cracks, baseboards and hiding places, following label instructions regarding concentration, safety equipment and re‑application intervals. For severe infestations, consider a professional‑grade aerosol fogger, ensuring proper ventilation and evacuation of occupants during treatment.
Preventive measures reduce reinfestation risk.
- Keep bed legs elevated on furniture risers; attach interceptors beneath each leg to trap migrating insects.
- Seal wall voids, baseboard gaps and furniture joints with caulk or expanding foam.
- Install protective encasements on all sleep surfaces and regularly inspect for new activity.
- Reduce clutter that offers additional harborage.
Ongoing monitoring confirms success. Place passive traps under bed legs and in adjacent rooms; replace them weekly and record captures. Conduct a second inspection after 30 days, repeating all steps if any signs persist. Continuous vigilance maintains a bed‑bug‑free environment.