How to disinfect the house from bedbugs? - briefly
Wash all linens, clothing, and removable fabrics in water ≥ 120 °F and dry on high heat, then vacuum mattresses, furniture, and floor seams thoroughly. Apply a labeled insecticide or perform a professional heat treatment on infested areas, sealing cracks and crevices afterward.
How to disinfect the house from bedbugs? - in detail
Eliminating bed‑bug infestations requires a systematic approach that combines thorough cleaning, targeted chemical treatment, and preventive measures.
Begin with a complete inspection. Identify all hiding places—mattresses, box springs, bed frames, headboards, furniture seams, baseboards, and wall cracks. Use a flashlight and a fine‑toothed comb to expose insects and eggs.
Next, remove and isolate contaminated items. Wash bedding, curtains, and clothing in hot water (minimum 60 °C/140 °F) for at least 30 minutes, then dry on high heat for 30 minutes. Seal non‑washable fabrics in airtight bags for 90 days, the lifespan of a bed‑bug egg.
Apply a two‑stage chemical protocol.
- Residual insecticide: Choose a product labeled for bed‑bugs that contains pyrethroids, neonicotinoids, or desiccant dusts (e.g., silica gel). Apply to cracks, crevices, and voids where insects hide, following the label’s concentration and safety instructions.
- Contact spray: Use a fast‑acting aerosol or foam on visible bugs and egg clusters. Re‑treat every 7–10 days until no activity is observed.
Integrate non‑chemical tactics.
- Steam treatment: Pass a commercial steamer (minimum 100 °C/212 °F) over mattresses, upholstery, and baseboards for at least 10 seconds per spot. Heat penetrates to kill all life stages.
- Vacuuming: Employ a HEPA‑filter vacuum on all surfaces, focusing on seams and edges. Immediately dispose of the vacuum bag in a sealed plastic bag.
- Encasement: Install zippered mattress and box‑spring covers certified to trap bed‑bugs, leaving them sealed for at least one year.
After treatment, monitor the environment. Place glue interceptors under each leg of the bed and furniture; replace weekly and record catches. Continue inspections for at least three months, as bed‑bugs can survive in untreated refuges.
Prevent re‑infestation by establishing barriers.
- Keep clutter to a minimum, reducing harborage sites.
- Seal cracks in walls, floors, and around pipes with caulk or expanding foam.
- Use interceptor traps on all legs of furniture.
- Inspect second‑hand items before introduction into the home.
Consistent execution of these steps, adherence to product labels, and diligent monitoring will eradicate the pest and maintain a bed‑bug‑free residence.