How to get rid of bedbugs during renovation? - briefly
Eliminate the infestation before construction by sealing all rooms, applying a professional heat‑treatment or certified insecticide, and disposing of contaminated materials; during renovation, maintain a sealed, pest‑free environment with regular inspections and immediate treatment of any new signs.
How to get rid of bedbugs during renovation? - in detail
Eliminate the infestation before demolition begins. Conduct a thorough visual inspection of all rooms, focusing on seams of mattresses, box springs, baseboards, wall cracks, and furniture joints. Use a flashlight and a fine‑toothed comb to collect specimens for confirmation.
Seal the work area to prevent migration. Install heavy‑duty polyethylene sheeting over floors and walls, tape all seams, and cover openings with zippered barriers. Place disposable furniture covers on items that must remain on site.
Apply treatment methods that tolerate construction activity:
- Heat exposure: Raise room temperature to 50 °C (122 °F) for at least four hours. Use industrial heaters and temperature sensors to verify uniform heat distribution. Heat kills all life stages without leaving residues.
- Steam: Direct steam at 100 °C (212 °F) into cracks, seams, and upholstery. Move the nozzle slowly to ensure penetration.
- Insecticide dusts: Apply silica‑based or diatomaceous earth dust to voids, wall cavities, and beneath flooring. Dust remains effective after demolition debris is removed.
- Encasement: Fit mattress and box‑spring encasements rated for bed‑bug protection. Seal seams with tape.
During demolition, remove contaminated materials promptly. Discard infested furniture, carpet, and insulation in sealed, labeled bags. Transport waste to a licensed disposal facility. Clean all tools and equipment with alcohol or a registered pesticide solution after each use.
After construction finishes, perform a final inspection. Use interceptors under bed legs and sticky traps in corners to detect residual activity. Repeat heat or steam treatments on newly installed furnishings if traps capture insects.
Maintain a monitoring schedule: inspect interceptors weekly for one month, then monthly for three months. Document findings, treatment dates, and product labels to ensure compliance with local pest‑control regulations. Continuous vigilance prevents re‑infestation once the renovated space is occupied.