How to get rid of bedbugs in an apartment without chemicals? - briefly
Use high‑temperature laundering, steam cleaning, and thorough vacuuming of all fabrics and crevices, then encase mattresses and box springs in zippered covers. Reduce clutter, seal cracks and gaps, and monitor with glue traps to prevent reinfestation.
How to get rid of bedbugs in an apartment without chemicals? - in detail
Eliminating bedbugs from a living space without resorting to pesticides requires a systematic approach that combines thorough cleaning, physical barriers, and environmental manipulation.
Begin with a complete declutter of the area. Remove items that cannot be washed or heated, such as stuffed toys, books, and fabric decorations. Store salvageable belongings in sealed, airtight containers or heavy‑duty plastic bags to prevent insects from escaping.
Next, treat all textiles. Wash bedding, curtains, and clothing in hot water (minimum 60 °C / 140 °F) for at least 30 minutes, then dry on the highest heat setting for 30 minutes. For items that cannot be laundered, place them in a freezer at –18 °C (0 °F) for 72 hours; the prolonged cold kills all life stages.
Inspect the mattress and box spring. Encase both in zippered, mattress‑covering protectors designed to trap insects. Ensure seams are fully sealed. Vacuum the entire surface, paying special attention to seams, tufts, and folds. Immediately empty the vacuum canister into a sealed bag and discard it outside the building.
Address cracks, crevices, and baseboard gaps. Fill openings with caulk or sealant to eliminate hiding places. Use a high‑power handheld steamer on upholstery, carpets, and furniture; steam temperatures above 100 °C (212 °F) penetrate fabric fibers and destroy eggs and nymphs.
Implement a routine monitoring system. Place sticky traps near suspected harborage zones (bed frames, nightstands, behind picture frames). Replace traps weekly and document any captures to assess progress.
Maintain low humidity and moderate temperature. Bedbugs thrive in warm, humid environments; using a dehumidifier to keep relative humidity below 50 % and keeping indoor temperature around 18–20 °C (64–68 °F) reduces reproductive rates.
Finally, schedule regular inspections. Conduct a visual sweep of all sleeping areas weekly for at least two months, looking for live insects, shed skins, or dark spotting (fecal matter). Promptly repeat the cleaning and steaming procedures if any signs reappear.
By adhering to these steps—decluttering, heat or cold treatment, protective encasement, thorough vacuuming, sealing entry points, steaming, monitoring, and environmental control—bedbug infestations can be eradicated without chemical interventions.