How to defeat bedbugs, according to Pikabu? - briefly
Pikabu advises a systematic approach: wash all bedding and clothing at 60 °C, vacuum and steam‑clean infested areas, apply a registered bed‑bug insecticide, and install mattress encasements. Seal cracks, eliminate clutter, and repeat the cycle weekly until the insects disappear.
How to defeat bedbugs, according to Pikabu? - in detail
Bedbugs can be eliminated by combining thorough inspection, targeted treatment, and preventive measures. The approach described by users on the popular Russian forum emphasizes practicality and cost‑effectiveness.
First, locate all infestations. Remove bedding, curtains, and clothing; place them in sealed plastic bags and wash at 60 °C (140 °F) for at least 30 minutes. Use a bright flashlight and a hand‑held mirror to examine seams, mattress tufts, box‑spring folds, bed frames, headboards, and nearby furniture. Mark confirmed sites with a colored sticker to avoid overlooking any area.
Second, apply chemical controls. Recommended products include:
- Pyrethroid‑based sprays (e.g., deltamethrin, permethrin). Apply directly to cracks, crevices, and the underside of furniture, following label dosage.
- Silicone‑based aerosol for hard‑to‑reach spaces; it kills on contact and leaves a residual effect for several weeks.
- Insect growth regulator (IGR) such as methoprene to prevent nymph development.
Apply each product in a well‑ventilated room, wear protective gloves and a mask, and allow the treated surfaces to dry completely before re‑entering.
Third, incorporate non‑chemical tactics:
- Heat treatment: Rent a portable heater capable of maintaining 50 °C (122 °F) for at least 90 minutes in the infested area. Heat penetrates hiding spots and kills all life stages.
- Steam: Use a high‑temperature steamer (≥ 120 °C) on mattress seams, upholstery, and baseboards. Move the nozzle slowly to ensure sufficient exposure.
- Vacuuming: Employ a vacuum with a HEPA filter, focusing on seams, cracks, and floor edges. Empty the canister into a sealed bag and discard outdoors.
Fourth, isolate and destroy infested items that cannot be cleaned. Seal them in double‑layered bags and expose to sunlight for several days, or discard them in a sealed container.
Finally, prevent reinfestation:
- Encase mattresses and box springs in zippered, bedbug‑proof covers.
- Reduce clutter to limit hiding places.
- Inspect second‑hand furniture before bringing it indoors.
- Perform monthly visual checks, especially after travel.
A coordinated cycle of inspection, treatment, and monitoring, repeated every two weeks for at least six weeks, eliminates the population and prevents resurgence.