How to get rid of bed lice at home in an apartment? - briefly
Wash all bedding, clothing, and curtains in water above 60 °C and dry them on high heat; vacuum the mattress, furniture, and baseboards thoroughly. Apply a licensed insecticide spray or steam‑clean infested surfaces, then repeat cleaning after a week to ensure any surviving lice are eliminated.
How to get rid of bed lice at home in an apartment? - in detail
Eliminating bed‑lice infestations in a rented or owned flat requires a systematic approach that combines thorough cleaning, targeted treatment, and preventive measures.
Begin with a complete removal of clutter that can hide insects: discard infested linens, curtains, and upholstered items that cannot be laundered or treated. Wash all washable fabrics in water at a minimum of 60 °C (140 °F) for at least 30 minutes, then dry on high heat for 30 minutes. For non‑washable items, place them in sealed plastic bags for two weeks to starve the pests.
Inspect the mattress, box spring, and bed frame. Vacuum every surface, paying special attention to seams, tufts, and folds. Use a vacuum equipped with a HEPA filter, then immediately empty the canister into a sealed bag and discard it outdoors. After vacuuming, apply a residual insecticide labeled for bed‑lice control to cracks, crevices, and the edges of the mattress. Follow manufacturer instructions regarding concentration and safety precautions.
Treat the surrounding environment:
- Spray a contact insecticide on baseboards, wall cracks, and behind furniture.
- Apply a dust formulation (e.g., silica gel or diatomaceous earth) to voids under the bed, inside closets, and in wall voids.
- Use portable heat chambers or steam generators on fabric surfaces that cannot be laundered; maintain steam temperature above 100 °C (212 °F) for several minutes to ensure mortality.
Seal all treated areas with plastic sheeting for 48 hours to prevent re‑infestation from neighboring units. During this period, limit movement of furniture and avoid bringing in new items without inspection.
Finally, establish a monitoring routine. Place interceptor traps under each leg of the bed and furniture to capture wandering insects. Check traps weekly for at least one month, replacing adhesive as needed. Maintain regular vacuuming and laundering schedules to keep populations below detectable levels.
By executing these steps—decluttering, high‑temperature laundering, targeted insecticide application, environmental dusting, heat treatment, containment, and ongoing monitoring—residents can achieve complete eradication of bed‑lice within an apartment setting.