How to get rid of bed bugs in an apartment at home? - briefly
Inspect all sleeping areas, seal infested fabrics in plastic, then apply heat (≥120 °F) or steam to kill bugs, vacuum thoroughly, and follow with a targeted, EPA‑registered insecticide; finally, encase mattresses, reduce clutter, and monitor with interceptor traps for several weeks.
How to get rid of bed bugs in an apartment at home? - in detail
Bed bugs hide in seams, cracks, and fabric folds. Confirm their presence by spotting live insects, shed skins, or small blood stains on bedding.
Begin with a thorough declutter. Remove unnecessary items, especially those stored under the bed or in closets, to reduce hiding places.
- Wash all bedding, curtains, and removable fabrics in hot water (≥ 60 °C) and dry on the highest heat setting for at least 30 minutes.
- Vacuum mattresses, box springs, furniture, and floor edges using a brush attachment. Immediately seal the vacuum bag in a plastic bag and discard it outside the dwelling.
- Encase mattresses and box springs in zippered, bed‑bug‑proof covers. Keep the covers on for a minimum of one year to ensure any surviving insects die.
- Apply steam (≥ 100 °C) to seams, folds, and crevices on furniture, walls, and baseboards. Move the nozzle slowly to allow heat penetration for 10–15 seconds per spot.
- Use a residual insecticide labeled for indoor bed‑bug control. Apply to cracks, baseboard joints, and behind headboards, following label directions precisely. Avoid overspraying on fabrics that will be laundered later.
- Sprinkle diatomaceous earth in thin layers along baseboards, under furniture, and in wall voids. Reapply after cleaning or vacuuming, as the material loses effectiveness when disturbed.
- Seal all infested items in airtight plastic bags for at least three months. Items that cannot be treated, such as delicate electronics, should be isolated in a separate room or removed from the premises.
Monitor progress with sticky traps placed near suspected travel routes. Replace traps weekly and record captures to gauge population decline.
If infestation persists after two treatment cycles, contact a licensed pest‑management professional. They can conduct a comprehensive inspection, apply advanced fumigation or heat‑treatment methods, and provide a documented eradication plan.
Prevent re‑infestation by inspecting secondhand furniture before entry, maintaining a regular vacuum schedule, and keeping clutter to a minimum. Regularly wash linens and use protective encasements to create a hostile environment for any stray insects.