How to get rid of bedbugs in a house? - briefly
Thoroughly vacuum, launder fabrics at high temperatures, and treat infested areas with heat‑based methods or a registered insecticide. Inspect seams, cracks, and furniture, then repeat cleaning and treatment until no insects are observed.
How to get rid of bedbugs in a house? - in detail
Eliminating bedbugs from a residential property requires a systematic approach that combines thorough inspection, targeted treatment, and preventive measures.
First, identify all infested zones. Examine mattresses, box springs, bed frames, headboards, and surrounding furniture. Use a flashlight to spot dark‑colored insects, shed skins, or tiny white eggs. Pay special attention to seams, folds, and cracks. Record each location to guide later actions.
Second, reduce the population through physical removal. Strip bedding and wash sheets, pillowcases, and curtains 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. Place infested items in sealed plastic bags and leave them in a freezer at –18 °C (0 °F) for 72 hours if laundering is not possible. Vacuum carpets, floorboards, and upholstery vigorously; immediately discard the vacuum bag or empty the canister into a sealed container.
Third, apply chemical or non‑chemical treatments. For chemicals, select a registered insecticide labeled for bedbug control, following label directions precisely. Apply to cracks, crevices, and the undersides of furniture. For non‑chemical options, use steam generators that produce steam at 100 °C (212 °F) for at least 20 seconds on each surface. Heat treatment of entire rooms to 50–55 °C (122–131 °F) for several hours can eradicate hidden insects.
Fourth, monitor progress. Install interceptor traps under each leg of the bed and on furniture. Check traps weekly for live insects, adjusting treatment zones as needed. Continue inspections for at least two months after the last sighting, because eggs may hatch weeks later.
Finally, prevent re‑infestation. Encase mattresses and box springs in zippered covers designed to block bugs. Seal cracks in walls, baseboards, and flooring with caulk. Reduce clutter that offers hiding places. When traveling, inspect hotel rooms, keep luggage off the floor, and wash all clothing upon return.
Following these steps in sequence maximizes the likelihood of completely eradicating bedbugs from a household.