How to clean bedbugs? - briefly
Remove bedding, curtains, and clothing and wash them in hot water (≥120 °F) before drying on the highest heat setting. Vacuum all surfaces, steam‑treat cracks, and apply a labeled insecticide or professional treatment to hidden infestations.
How to clean bedbugs? - in detail
Eliminating bed‑bug infestations requires a systematic approach that combines thorough inspection, mechanical removal, thermal treatment, and chemical control where necessary.
Begin with a comprehensive survey of all sleeping areas, upholstered furniture, and nearby cracks or crevices. Use a bright flashlight and a magnifying lens to locate live insects, shed skins, and dark‑colored spots of feces. Mark each infested spot for targeted treatment.
Remove and isolate all removable items. Wash bedding, curtains, and clothing in hot water (minimum 60 °C / 140 °F) for at least 30 minutes, then tumble‑dry on the highest heat setting for 30 minutes. For items that cannot be laundered, place them in sealed plastic bags for 2 weeks to starve the pests.
Vacuum every surface, paying special attention to seams, folds, and the undersides of mattresses and box springs. Empty the vacuum canister into a sealed bag and discard it outdoors. Follow vacuuming with a high‑temperature steam treatment (above 100 °C / 212 °F) on all fabric and hard surfaces; steam penetrates deep into seams and kills both insects and eggs within seconds.
If heat alone is insufficient, apply a registered insecticide formulated for bed‑bug control. Follow the product label precisely: spray cracks, baseboards, and crevices, avoid over‑application, and allow the recommended drying time before re‑occupying the area. Rotate chemical classes in subsequent applications to prevent resistance.
Seal all entry points by caulking gaps around walls, baseboards, and electrical outlets. Install protective mattress encasements that are certified to block insects, ensuring a tight seal around the edges. Reduce clutter to eliminate hiding places and maintain a regular cleaning schedule to detect any resurgence early.
Repeat the inspection and treatment cycle weekly for at least four weeks, then monthly for three additional months. Document findings and actions to track progress and verify complete eradication.