How to clean an apartment from bed bugs? - briefly
Eliminate the pests by vacuuming all surfaces, applying high‑temperature steam, washing bedding and clothing at ≥ 60 °C, and sealing cracks before using an approved insecticide spray. Monitor with sticky traps and repeat the process until no live insects are observed.
How to clean an apartment from bed bugs? - in detail
A thorough approach to eradicating bed‑bug infestations in a residence requires systematic inspection, targeted treatment, and preventive measures.
Begin with a comprehensive assessment. Examine mattresses, box springs, bed frames, headboards, and surrounding furniture for live insects, shed skins, and dark‑colored fecal spots. Use a flashlight and a magnifying lens to detect small nymphs hidden in seams, folds, and crevices. Extend the search to baseboards, electrical outlets, picture frames, and wall cracks, as bugs often travel away from the primary host area.
Next, isolate and treat the identified zones.
- Heat treatment – Wash all bedding, curtains, and removable fabrics in hot water (≥ 60 °C) and dry on the highest setting for at least 30 minutes. Place non‑washable items in a portable dryer or use a professional steam cleaner, maintaining steam temperatures above 70 °C for several minutes.
- Chemical application – Apply a labeled insecticide containing pyrethroids, neonicotinoids, or desiccant dusts (e.g., diatomaceous earth) to cracks, crevices, and the undersides of furniture. Follow label instructions precisely, ensuring adequate ventilation and protective equipment.
- Encasement – Fit mattress and box‑spring encasements certified to block bed‑bug penetration. Seal all seams with tape to prevent escape.
After treatment, conduct a quarantine period of 2–3 weeks. During this time, monitor traps placed under bed legs and in suspected hideouts. Replace traps weekly and record captures to gauge progress.
Implement long‑term safeguards.
- Reduce clutter to eliminate hiding places.
- Seal baseboards, wall voids, and any gaps around pipes with caulk or expandable foam.
- Install interceptors on legs of beds and furniture to capture wandering insects.
- Perform routine inspections quarterly, especially after travel or the acquisition of second‑hand items.
If infestation persists after the initial cycle, repeat chemical treatment and consider professional heat‑based extermination, which raises ambient room temperature to lethal levels for all life stages. Documentation of each step, including dates, products used, and observed outcomes, supports systematic management and facilitates communication with pest‑control professionals when external assistance becomes necessary.