How to destroy bedbugs in a house yourself? - briefly
Use hot laundering (≥ 60 °C) for all bedding and clothing, then vacuum, steam‑treat, and apply a residual insecticide dust to cracks, seams, and furniture; repeat the process after 7‑10 days to eradicate newly hatched insects.Use hot laundering (≥ 60 °C) for all bedding and clothing, then vacuum, steam‑treat, and apply a residual insecticide dust to cracks, seams, and furniture; repeat the process after 7‑10 days to eradicate newly hatched insects.
How to destroy bedbugs in a house yourself? - in detail
Eliminating bedbugs from a residence requires systematic preparation, targeted treatment, and preventive measures.
Begin with thorough inspection. Identify all infested areas by examining seams of mattresses, box springs, headboards, nightstands, and cracks in walls or flooring. Use a flashlight and magnifying lens to locate live insects, shed skins, and dark spots of excrement.
Isolate the problem zone. Remove bedding and wash at ≥60 °C for at least 30 minutes; dry on high heat. Place laundered items in sealed plastic bags until treatment is complete.
Apply chemical controls. Choose products approved for indoor use, such as pyrethroid sprays, aerosol dusts containing silica gel, or liquid insecticides containing neonicotinoids. Follow label directions precisely: spray directly onto crevices, baseboards, and the undersides of furniture; avoid excessive overspray to protect occupants.
Integrate non‑chemical methods.
- Heat treatment – raise room temperature to 50–55 °C for a minimum of four hours; confirm with calibrated thermometers.
- Cold treatment – expose small items to –18 °C for at least 72 hours using a commercial freezer.
- Vacuum – use a HEPA‑rated vacuum to remove insects and eggs from surfaces; discard the bag or empty canister into a sealed container immediately.
- Mattress encasement – fit zippered, bedbug‑proof covers on mattresses and box springs; keep encasements on for at least one year.
Seal entry points. Apply caulk to gaps around pipes, baseboards, and electrical outlets. Install door sweeps on exterior doors to block ingress.
Monitor progress. Deploy passive traps, such as interceptors under bed legs, and active sticky traps in suspected zones. Replace traps weekly and record captures to assess efficacy.
Repeat the entire cycle every 7–10 days for three to four iterations, as bedbug eggs hatch within 5–10 days. After the final treatment, conduct a comprehensive inspection to verify the absence of live insects and signs of activity.
Maintain hygiene practices: keep clutter to a minimum, regularly launder linens, and perform periodic visual checks. Consistent adherence to these steps will eradicate the infestation and reduce the likelihood of recurrence.