How to exterminate bedbugs? - briefly
Use a professional heat‑treatment or a certified pesticide application to eliminate the insects, then wash all bedding and clothing at high temperature and vacuum all surfaces thoroughly. Seal and discard any heavily infested items to prevent re‑introduction.
How to exterminate bedbugs? - in detail
Eliminating bedbugs requires a systematic approach that combines thorough inspection, targeted treatment, and preventive measures.
Begin with a comprehensive inspection. Remove bedding, curtains, and clothing; examine seams, folds, and crevices of mattresses, box springs, and furniture. Use a flashlight and a fine-toothed comb to detect live insects, shed skins, and dark spotting. Mark confirmed infested zones with tape to focus subsequent actions.
Choose an appropriate treatment method. Chemical options include EPA‑registered insecticides such as pyrethroids, desiccants (silica gel, diatomaceous earth), and neonicotinoid sprays. Apply products according to label directions, ensuring coverage of all surfaces where bugs hide. For resistant populations, rotate active ingredients to prevent tolerance buildup.
Heat treatment offers a non‑chemical alternative. Raise room temperature to at least 50 °C (122 °F) for a minimum of 90 minutes, maintaining throughout the infested area. Use professional heaters or portable units; verify temperature with calibrated thermometers placed at multiple points.
Cold exposure can also kill bedbugs. Place infested items in a freezer set to –18 °C (0 °F) for at least four days. This method is effective for small objects that can be sealed in plastic bags.
Integrate physical removal. Vacuum carpets, upholstered furniture, and cracks using a hose attachment; immediately discard the vacuum bag or empty the canister into a sealed container. Launder all washable fabrics on the hottest cycle the fabric can tolerate, then dry on high heat for at least 30 minutes.
After treatment, implement preventive actions. Encase mattresses and box springs in zippered covers designed to trap insects. Reduce clutter to eliminate hiding places. Seal cracks in walls, baseboards, and flooring with caulk. Inspect new furniture or luggage before introducing them into the living space.
Monitor progress with sticky traps or interceptors placed under bed legs. Re‑inspect weekly for at least two months; repeat treatment if live bugs are still detected. Consistent follow‑up prevents resurgence and ensures complete eradication.