How to get rid of bed bugs in an apartment on your own using home remedies? - briefly
Use high‑temperature washing, steam treatment, and targeted applications of diatomaceous earth or essential‑oil sprays, while sealing cracks and laundering all bedding. Repeat the process weekly for several weeks and monitor with sticky traps to confirm complete eradication.
How to get rid of bed bugs in an apartment on your own using home remedies? - in detail
Eliminating bed‑bug infestations in a rented residence without professional help requires systematic preparation, targeted treatment, and diligent follow‑up.
First, confirm the presence of insects by inspecting seams of mattresses, box springs, headboards, and furniture for live bugs, shed skins, or reddish‑brown spots. Use a flashlight and a magnifying glass; focus on cracks, baseboards, and behind wall hangings.
Next, isolate the sleeping area. Remove all bedding, curtains, and removable upholstery. Wash fabrics in hot water (minimum 60 °C) and dry on the highest heat setting for at least 30 minutes. Items that cannot be laundered should be placed in sealed plastic bags for two weeks to starve the pests.
Apply heat or steam directly to infested zones. A handheld steamer delivering steam at 100 °C for 10‑15 seconds per spot kills bugs and eggs on contact. Move slowly along seams, folds, and crevices; repeat after 48 hours to catch newly hatched insects.
Distribute a desiccant such as food‑grade diatomaceous earth (DE) in thin layers on carpet edges, under furniture, and in wall voids. DE absorbs lipids from the insect exoskeleton, causing dehydration. Reapply after vacuuming, and keep the area dry to maintain efficacy.
For chemical‑free repellents, dilute 10 % tea‑tree oil or lavender oil in water and spray lightly on surfaces where bugs hide. Essential oils act as contact irritants but do not replace mechanical methods; use them as adjuncts.
Vacuum thoroughly with a HEPA‑rated unit, focusing on seams, folds, and cracks. Empty the vacuum bag into a sealed trash bag and discard outside the building.
Encasement of the mattress and box spring with zippered, bed‑bug‑proof covers traps any remaining insects and prevents new colonization. Keep the encasements on for at least one year.
Seal entry points. Apply caulk or silicone to gaps around baseboards, outlet covers, and plumbing fixtures. Install door sweeps on exterior doors to block migration from other rooms.
Monitor progress using passive traps: place double‑sided tape or commercially available interceptor cups beneath bed legs. Replace traps weekly and record catches to gauge population decline.
Repeat the entire cycle—inspection, laundering, heat/steam, DE application, vacuuming, and monitoring—every 5‑7 days for three weeks, then monthly for two additional months to ensure eradication.
Maintain cleanliness by reducing clutter, regularly washing linens, and keeping humidity below 50 % with a dehumidifier. These preventive measures limit future infestations and support long‑term control.