How to fight domestic bed bugs at home? - briefly
Thoroughly clean and vacuum infested zones, launder all bedding at ≥60 °C, install mattress and box‑spring encasements, and apply a registered residual insecticide to cracks, seams, and baseboards.
How to fight domestic bed bugs at home? - in detail
Effective eradication of bed‑bug infestations in a residence requires systematic action. Begin with a thorough inspection. Examine seams of mattresses, box springs, headboards, nightstands, and cracks in walls or flooring. Use a bright flashlight and a magnifying lens to locate live insects, shed skins, or dark spotting.
Next, isolate and treat the infested items. Strip bedding and wash all linens, curtains, and clothing in hot water (minimum 60 °C/140 °F) for at least 30 minutes, then dry on the highest setting for 30 minutes. For items that cannot be laundered, place them in sealed plastic bags for two weeks to starve any hidden bugs.
Vacuum every affected area vigorously, focusing on seams, crevices, and upholstery. Empty the vacuum canister into a sealed bag and discard it outdoors. Follow vacuuming with steam treatment: apply steam at a temperature of 100 °C/212 °F for a minimum of 10 seconds on each surface to penetrate deep into fabrics and cracks.
Apply residual insecticides only after mechanical measures. Choose products labeled for indoor bed‑bug control, following label directions precisely. Apply to baseboards, behind picture frames, and in voids where insects hide. Limit exposure to humans and pets by keeping rooms vacant for the recommended waiting period.
Heat treatment offers a non‑chemical alternative. Raise room temperature to 48 °C/118 °F and maintain for four hours, ensuring all hiding spots reach the target temperature. Use calibrated thermometers to verify uniform heating.
Implement preventive practices to deter re‑infestation. Encase mattresses and box springs in zippered covers designed to block insects. Keep clutter to a minimum, sealing storage boxes. Inspect second‑hand furniture before introduction, and use interceptors under legs of beds and sofas to capture wandering bugs.
Monitor progress regularly. Place sticky traps near suspected harborage zones and review them weekly. Continue the cycle of inspection, cleaning, and treatment until no signs of activity appear for at least two consecutive months.