How to fight bedbugs and what are they dangerous for? - briefly
Effective control combines thorough vacuuming, laundering, heat treatment (≥45 °C) and, when necessary, approved insecticides applied to seams, cracks and furniture. Bedbug bites can cause skin irritation, allergic reactions and significant anxiety or insomnia.
How to fight bedbugs and what are they dangerous for? - in detail
Bedbugs infestations require a systematic approach that combines detection, elimination, and preventive measures.
Detection
- Inspect seams, folds, and tufts of mattresses, box springs, and headboards for live insects, shed skins, or dark spots (fecal stains).
- Use a flashlight and a magnifying lens to examine cracks in furniture, baseboards, and wall voids.
- Place sticky traps near suspected harborages to confirm activity.
Immediate eradication
- Heat treatment – Raise room temperature to 50 °C (122 °F) for at least 30 minutes; heat penetrates fabrics and destroys all life stages.
- Steam – Apply saturated steam (≥100 °C) directly to mattresses, upholstery, and crevices; steam kills on contact.
- Chemical control – Apply EPA‑registered insecticides labeled for bedbugs, focusing on cracks, baseboards, and voids; rotate products with different active ingredients to prevent resistance.
- Vacuuming – Use a HEPA‑filter vacuum on all surfaces; immediately seal and discard the bag or empty canister into a plastic bag.
- Encasements – Install zippered, mattress‑and‑box‑spring covers rated for bedbugs; keep encasements on for at least one year to trap any survivors.
Secondary measures
- Launder all bedding, curtains, and removable fabrics at 60 °C (140 °F) or dry‑clean.
- Isolate non‑washable items in sealed plastic bags for several months, as bedbugs cannot survive beyond 6 months without a blood meal.
- Reduce clutter to eliminate hiding places.
Long‑term prevention
- Inspect second‑hand furniture before bringing it indoors.
- Use interceptor cups under bed legs to monitor re‑infestation.
- Maintain regular vacuuming and prompt repair of cracks in walls or flooring.
Health risks
- Dermatological reactions – Bites cause itchy, erythematous welts; secondary bacterial infection may develop from scratching.
- Allergic responses – Some individuals experience pronounced swelling or hives.
- Psychological impact – Persistent infestations can lead to anxiety, insomnia, and stress‑related disorders.
- Disease transmission – Current evidence does not confirm bedbugs as vectors for serious pathogens, but they can mechanically transfer microbes between hosts.
Effective control hinges on prompt identification, integrated treatment methods, and sustained vigilance to prevent recurrence.