How to eliminate domestic bed bugs? - briefly
Inspect all bedding, mattress seams, furniture joints, and hidden crevices; seal contaminated fabrics in airtight bags and vacuum thoroughly. Apply a certified heat treatment (≥120 °F for 90 minutes) or a residual insecticide approved for bed‑bug eradication, then repeat monitoring and cleaning weekly to confirm elimination.
How to eliminate domestic bed bugs? - in detail
Eradicating bed‑bug infestations in a residence requires a systematic approach that combines detection, preparation, treatment, and follow‑up.
Begin by confirming the presence of insects. Look for live bugs, shed skins, and small dark spots of excrement on mattress seams, headboards, and nearby furniture. Use a flashlight to inspect crevices, baseboards, and behind picture frames.
Prepare the environment before any intervention. Remove all bedding, curtains, and clothing that can be laundered. Wash items in hot water (minimum 60 °C) and dry on the highest heat setting for at least 30 minutes. Place non‑washable items in sealed plastic bags for a minimum of two weeks to starve the insects.
Apply treatment methods in the following order:
- Mechanical removal – Vacuum carpets, upholstery, and cracks with a HEPA‑rated vacuum. Immediately discard the vacuum bag or empty contents into a sealed bag.
- Heat treatment – Raise room temperature to 50 °C (122 °F) for several hours using professional equipment or portable heaters. Heat penetrates hiding places and kills all life stages.
- Chemical control – Use EPA‑registered insecticides labeled for bed‑bugs. Apply sprays to seams, box springs, and baseboards according to label directions. Consider a combination of contact sprays and residual dusts (e.g., silica gel or diatomaceous earth) for long‑term effect.
- Encasement – Install mattress and box‑spring covers rated to contain bed‑bugs. Seal all edges with tape to prevent re‑infestation.
- Clutter reduction – Remove unnecessary items from bedrooms and living areas. Store remaining objects in tightly sealed containers.
After treatment, monitor the area for at least four weeks. Place sticky traps around bed legs and furniture to detect surviving insects. Repeat vacuuming and targeted insecticide applications if traps capture new activity.
Maintain preventive measures: keep bedding laundered regularly, inspect second‑hand furniture before introduction, and seal cracks in walls, floors, and around plumbing. Consistent vigilance reduces the likelihood of resurgence.