How to disinfect a house from bedbugs? - briefly
Thoroughly vacuum mattresses, furniture, and crevices, then apply a certified residual insecticide or heat treatment to all affected surfaces. Seal entry points, launder fabrics at high temperature, and repeat inspections weekly for a month.
How to disinfect a house from bedbugs? - in detail
Eliminating bed‑bug infestations requires a systematic approach that combines thorough cleaning, targeted chemical treatment, and environmental control.
Initial preparation involves removing clutter that can hide insects and their eggs. All linens, clothing, and removable fabrics should be laundered at ≥ 60 °C for at least 30 minutes; items that cannot be washed must be placed in sealed plastic bags for a minimum of two weeks to deprive bugs of a food source. Vacuuming all surfaces—mattresses, box springs, carpet edges, baseboards, and upholstered furniture—must be performed with a HEPA‑rated vacuum; the bag or canister should be discarded immediately after use.
Chemical intervention proceeds in two stages. First, apply a residual insecticide approved for indoor use, such as a pyrethroid‑based spray, to cracks, crevices, and seams where bugs hide. Follow label instructions regarding concentration and re‑application intervals. Second, use a desiccant dust (e.g., silica gel or diatomaceous earth) on exposed threads of furniture and under flooring to provide ongoing mortality. For severe infestations, consider a professional heat‑treatment service that raises interior temperatures to 45–50 °C for several hours, ensuring lethal exposure throughout all rooms.
Environmental measures reduce the likelihood of re‑infestation. Install protective mattress encasements that are certified to block bed‑bugs; replace damaged furniture that cannot be effectively treated. Seal gaps around pipes, electrical outlets, and baseboards with caulk to eliminate entry points. Regularly inspect sleeping areas and surrounding furniture for live insects or fresh exuviae, and repeat vacuuming and spot‑treatment as needed.
A concise maintenance schedule supports long‑term control:
- Weekly vacuum of sleeping areas and surrounding floor space.
- Monthly laundering of bedding and curtains at high temperature.
- Quarterly inspection of seams, headboards, and furniture joints.
- Annual professional inspection and, if required, targeted pesticide application.
Adhering to these steps maximizes the probability of complete eradication and prevents future outbreaks.