How to drive away bedbugs at night? - briefly
Heat‑treat the sleeping area by raising the temperature above 45 °C for several hours, seal the mattress and box spring in a bed‑bug‑proof encasement, and vacuum all seams and cracks. Apply a night‑time insecticide dust (e.g., diatomaceous earth) or spray around the bed frame, headboard, and floorboards, then keep the room dark to reduce bed‑bug activity.
How to drive away bedbugs at night? - in detail
Bedbugs are most active after dark, so targeting their nocturnal behavior is essential. Begin by removing their hiding places and creating an environment that discourages feeding.
- Strip the bed of all linens, wash at ≥60 °C, then dry on high heat for at least 30 minutes. Heat kills all life stages.
- Vacuum mattress seams, box spring, headboard, and surrounding floorboards. Empty the vacuum bag into a sealed plastic bag and discard outdoors.
- Encase mattress and box spring in certified bed‑bug-proof covers. Seal seams with tape to prevent escape.
- Install a portable infrared or ultrasonic device that emits frequencies disruptive to bedbug sensory organs. Position the unit near the sleeping area and operate throughout the night.
- Apply a residual insecticide labeled for nocturnal use to cracks, crevices, and baseboards. Follow label instructions; re‑treat as needed.
- Reduce clutter that offers shelter: store clothing in sealed containers, remove carpet or replace with hard‑floor surfaces where possible.
- Maintain low humidity (≤50 %). Bedbugs thrive in moist conditions; a dehumidifier can make the environment hostile.
- Use a portable heat chamber (≥45 °C) for items that cannot be laundered, such as books or electronics. Heat for 90 minutes to ensure mortality.
After treatment, monitor with passive glue traps placed under bed legs and near furniture. Replace traps weekly and record any captures. Continue the protocol for at least two weeks, as bedbugs can survive several days without a blood meal. Consistent application of these measures eliminates nighttime activity and prevents re‑infestation.