How to destroy bedbug eggs at home? - briefly
Expose bedding and clothing to temperatures of at least 50 °C for 30 minutes (using a dryer, steam cleaner, or portable heater) or to ≤ ‑18 °C for several days; both heat and extreme cold reliably kill the eggs. Apply a residual insecticide approved for bed‑bug eggs, covering seams, cracks, and crevices thoroughly.
How to destroy bedbug eggs at home? - in detail
Eliminating bed‑bug eggs within a residence requires a combination of physical removal, chemical treatment, and environmental control.
First, isolate the infestation area. Strip bedding, curtains, and clothing; place each item in sealed plastic bags to prevent eggs from escaping. Wash fabrics in water at 60 °C (140 °F) for at least 30 minutes, then tumble‑dry on high heat for 30 minutes. Heat kills eggs that survive laundering.
Second, apply heat directly to infested surfaces. Use a portable steamer that produces steam at 100 °C (212 °F); hold the nozzle on seams, folds, and cracks for 10–15 seconds. The temperature penetrates to the depth where eggs are typically deposited.
Third, employ a residual insecticide labeled for egg control. Choose a product containing a neonicotinoid or pyrrole, following label instructions precisely. Apply to cracks, baseboards, mattress tags, and furniture joints. Ensure adequate ventilation during and after application.
Fourth, reduce humidity and clutter, which create favorable conditions for egg development. Maintain indoor relative humidity below 50 % and remove unnecessary items that provide hiding places.
Fifth, use a vacuum equipped with a HEPA filter. Vacuum mattresses, box springs, upholstery, and floor edges, then immediately seal the vacuum bag or empty the canister into a plastic bag and discard.
Summary of steps:
- Seal and launder all washable textiles at high temperature.
- Steam‑treat seams, folds, and crevices with ≥100 °C steam.
- Apply an EPA‑registered egg‑targeting insecticide to structural voids.
- Lower humidity, eliminate clutter, and maintain cleanliness.
- Vacuum thoroughly with HEPA filtration and dispose of collected material safely.
Repeated execution of these actions over a two‑week period, coinciding with the egg hatching cycle, ensures complete eradication. Monitoring with sticky traps or interceptors confirms success.