How to get rid of bedbugs in an apartment on your own at home? - briefly
Thoroughly vacuum seams, launder infested fabrics at ≥ 60 °C, and apply a certified residual insecticide to cracks and crevices, then repeat the treatment after 7‑10 days to eliminate newly hatched «bedbugs».
How to get rid of bedbugs in an apartment on your own at home? - in detail
Eliminate bedbugs in a dwelling without professional assistance by following a systematic approach.
Begin with identification. Examine mattress seams, box‑spring frames, headboards, bed‑frame joints, and nearby furniture. Look for live insects, dark‑brown spots (fecal stains), shed skins, or small white eggs. Confirm infestation before proceeding.
Prepare the environment. Remove all bedding, curtains, and clothing. Place items in sealed plastic bags or containers that can be heated in a dryer on high heat for at least 30 minutes. Wash remaining fabrics in hot water (≥ 60 °C) and tumble dry on the hottest setting.
Treat the infested area. Apply a licensed, low‑toxicity insecticide labeled for bedbug control to cracks, crevices, and baseboards. Use a spray that leaves no residue on sleeping surfaces. Follow label directions for dosage and re‑application intervals.
Complement chemical treatment with non‑chemical methods:
- Vacuum thoroughly, focusing on seams, folds, and upholstery. Empty the vacuum canister into a sealed bag and discard outside the building.
- Deploy steam‑based devices (temperature ≥ 100 °C) on mattresses, box springs, and furniture. Steam penetrates hidden refuges and kills all life stages instantly.
- Install interceptors under each leg of the bed to capture wandering insects and monitor activity.
Seal entry points. Apply caulk to gaps around baseboards, wall outlets, and plumbing penetrations. Reduce clutter to limit hiding places.
Maintain vigilance. Perform weekly inspections for at least two months. Re‑apply insecticide and repeat steam treatments if live insects reappear. Continue washing and heat‑treating exposed items regularly.
Finalize by replacing protective mattress encasements designed to prevent bedbug colonization. Ensure all encasements are zippered and certified for pest exclusion. The combined use of heat, vacuum, targeted insecticide, and environmental sealing provides a comprehensive, self‑managed solution for eradicating bedbugs from a residential unit.