How to get rid of bedbugs at home and which methods to use? - briefly
Remove bedbugs by cleaning infested areas, washing fabrics at ≥60 °C, applying a certified insecticide or using professional heat treatment, and sealing cracks while installing mattress encasements. Maintain vigilance with regular inspections to prevent recurrence.
How to get rid of bedbugs at home and which methods to use? - in detail
Bedbugs infestations require a systematic approach that combines detection, elimination, and prevention.
Begin with a thorough inspection. Examine seams, folds, and tags of mattresses, box springs, headboards, and upholstered furniture. Use a flashlight and a magnifying lens to locate live insects, dark‑colored eggs, or shed skins. Mark confirmed spots with a colored dot to track treatment areas.
Next, isolate the sleeping surface. Remove all bedding and wash it in water hotter than 60 °C (140 °F) for at least 30 minutes. Dry on the highest heat setting for a minimum of 30 minutes. For items that cannot be laundered, place them in a sealed plastic bag and store in a freezer at –18 °C (0 °F) for at least four days.
Apply physical methods. Vacuum carpets, floor cracks, and furniture crevices with a HEPA‑rated vacuum; immediately discard the bag or empty the canister into a sealed container. Use a steamer that reaches 100 °C (212 °F) on mattresses, frames, and upholstered pieces, moving slowly to ensure heat penetrates all layers. Sprinkle food‑grade diatomaceous earth around baseboards, under furniture, and in cracks; leave for 48 hours before vacuuming.
Chemical options include residual insecticides formulated for indoor use, such as pyrethroids, neonicotinoids, or desiccant powders. Apply according to the product label, targeting cracks, voids, and the underside of furniture. For areas where chemicals are unsuitable, use a ready‑to‑use aerosol spray that contains a fast‑acting adulticide; treat only exposed insects and avoid excessive fogging.
Encasement is critical for long‑term control. Install zippered mattress and box‑spring covers rated to contain bedbugs; keep them on for at least one year, as insects can survive without blood for several months. Seal all cracks, crevices, and wall voids with caulk or expanding foam to eliminate hiding places.
If infestations persist after repeated treatments, enlist a licensed pest‑control professional. Professionals can deploy heat‑treatment units that raise room temperature to 50–55 °C (122–131 °F) for 4–6 hours, ensuring complete mortality of all life stages. They may also apply vapor‑phase insecticides that penetrate inaccessible spaces.
Finally, maintain vigilance. Conduct monthly inspections, keep clutter to a minimum, and regularly launder bedding. Replace worn furniture seams and repair damaged upholstery promptly. Consistent monitoring and prompt action prevent re‑establishment after an initial eradication.