How to get rid of bedbugs in furniture? - briefly
Use heat treatment (drying at > 120 °F or steam) and thorough vacuuming, then seal the furniture in plastic bags for at least a week, repeating the process. If infestation remains, apply a certified insecticide or contact professional pest control.
How to get rid of bedbugs in furniture? - in detail
Bedbugs infest furniture through cracks, seams, and fabric folds, making early detection essential. Examine each piece for live insects, dark spots, shed skins, or tiny white eggs, focusing on joints, cushions, and undersides. Use a flashlight and a magnifying lens to improve visibility.
Inspection procedure
- Remove all removable covers and cushions.
- Run a fine‑toothed comb or a disposable brush along seams.
- Place a white sheet beneath the item; any falling debris will be easier to spot.
- Record affected areas for targeted treatment.
Heat treatment
- Raise the temperature of the furniture to at least 120 °F (49 °C) for a continuous 30‑minute period; this temperature kills all life stages.
- Use a portable heater, a professional heat chamber, or a steam cleaner with a nozzle capable of delivering 212 °F (100 °C) steam.
- After heating, vacuum immediately to extract dead insects and eggs.
Vacuuming and isolation
- Employ a vacuum equipped with a HEPA filter; run it slowly over seams and crevices.
- Seal the vacuum bag or canister and discard it outside the home.
- Place the cleaned item in a sealed plastic bag for 48 hours to prevent re‑infestation.
Chemical options
- Apply a residual insecticide labeled for bedbugs to all exposed surfaces, following the manufacturer’s dosage guidelines.
- Use silica‑gel dust in hard‑to‑reach gaps; it desiccates insects without leaving residues on fabric.
- For upholstered pieces, spray a contact insecticide directly onto fabric, ensuring even coverage while avoiding oversaturation.
Professional intervention
- Request a certified pest‑control service that can combine heat, fumigation, and targeted chemicals.
- Verify that the provider uses EPA‑registered products and adheres to safety protocols.
Prevention measures
- Encase mattresses, box springs, and cushions in zippered, bedbug‑proof covers.
- Reduce clutter around furniture to limit hiding places.
- Inspect secondhand items before bringing them indoors; treat or discard any that show signs of infestation.
- Conduct routine vacuuming and periodic steaming of high‑risk pieces.
By following a systematic inspection, applying heat or approved chemicals, and maintaining strict preventive habits, furniture can be cleared of bedbugs and kept free from future outbreaks.