How to fight against bedbugs? - briefly
Begin with thorough cleaning: vacuum carpets, steam‑clean furniture, and launder all bedding and clothing at 120 °F, discarding items that cannot be treated. Then apply a certified insecticide or conduct a whole‑room heat treatment, and seal cracks or crevices to prevent re‑infestation.
How to fight against bedbugs? - in detail
Bed‑bug infestations require a systematic approach that combines detection, containment, eradication, and follow‑up monitoring.
First, confirm the presence of the insects by inspecting seams, mattress tags, and crevices for live bugs, shed skins, or dark spotting. Use a bright flashlight and a fine‑toothed comb to collect specimens for identification.
Second, isolate the affected area. Strip bedding, wash all linens in hot water (≥ 60 °C) and dry on high heat for at least 30 minutes. Encase mattresses and box springs in zippered, bed‑bug‑proof covers and leave them on for a minimum of one year. Vacuum floors, upholstered furniture, and cracks thoroughly; immediately discard the vacuum bag or empty the canister into a sealed bag and place it in an outdoor trash container.
Third, apply treatment methods.
- Chemical options – Select EPA‑registered insecticides labeled for bed‑bug control. Follow label directions regarding dilution, application rate, and safety precautions. Rotate products with different active ingredients to prevent resistance.
- Heat treatment – Raise room temperature to 50 °C (122 °F) for at least 90 minutes, ensuring all items reach the target temperature. Portable heaters and professional services can achieve uniform heat distribution.
- Cold treatment – Freeze infested objects at −18 °C (0 °F) for a minimum of four days; this kills all life stages.
- Desiccant powders – Apply silica‑gel or diatomaceous earth in cracks and along baseboards; the abrasive particles damage the insects’ exoskeletons, leading to dehydration.
Fourth, repeat inspections weekly for the next four weeks. Re‑vacuum and re‑treat any newly discovered sites. Maintain clutter‑free environments to reduce hiding places. Seal cracks in walls, flooring, and furniture with caulk or expanding foam to limit migration pathways.
Finally, implement preventative habits. Regularly wash and heat‑dry bedding, inspect second‑hand furniture before bringing it indoors, and use interceptors under bed legs to capture traveling insects. Document all actions, dates, and observations to track progress and provide clear information for any professional pest‑control service engaged later.