How to get rid of bedbugs in the bed in an apartment on your own? - briefly
Inspect the mattress, wash all bedding in hot water, vacuum seams and surrounding areas, then apply a certified bed‑bug spray or heat treatment to the mattress and box spring, sealing cracks with tape; repeat the process weekly for a month to ensure complete eradication.
How to get rid of bedbugs in the bed in an apartment on your own? - in detail
Bedbugs hide in seams, folds and crevices of the mattress, box spring, headboard and surrounding furniture. Confirm their presence by spotting live insects, shed skins or rusty‑colored spots on bedding.
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Strip the bed. Remove all sheets, pillowcases, blankets and mattress protectors. Place washable items in hot water (≥ 60 °C) for at least 30 minutes, then tumble dry on high heat for 20 minutes. Non‑washable fabrics should be sealed in plastic bags and left for a minimum of two weeks to starve insects.
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Isolate the mattress. Cover it with a zippered encasement designed to trap bedbugs. The enclosure must be left on for at least 12 months; any bugs inside will die without access to a blood meal.
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Apply heat. Portable steam cleaners equipped with a nozzle reaching 100 °C effectively kill insects on contact. Slowly move the steam across seams, tufts, tag edges and the underside of the bed frame. Allow the area to dry completely before reinstalling bedding.
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Use a low‑toxicity insecticide. Choose a product labeled for bedbug control on fabrics and wood. Apply according to label directions, focusing on cracks, joints and the perimeter of the mattress. Ventilate the room for several hours after treatment.
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Treat the surrounding area. Vacuum the entire bedroom, paying special attention to carpet edges, baseboards, nightstands and curtains. Immediately empty the vacuum bag into a sealed bag and discard it outdoors.
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Monitor progress. Place interceptor cups under each leg of the bed. Check them weekly; any captured insects indicate remaining activity. Continue treatment cycles until interceptors remain empty for two consecutive weeks.
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Prevent reinfestation. Keep the bed away from walls, maintain a gap of at least 18 cm between the mattress and any furniture, and regularly inspect new items before bringing them into the room. Seal cracks in walls or flooring with caulk to eliminate hiding places.
Following these steps systematically eliminates the infestation without professional intervention and reduces the risk of recurrence.