How to get rid of bedbugs in the house? - briefly
Thoroughly clean and vacuum all surfaces, treat infested areas with a registered insecticide, and encase mattresses and box springs in sealed covers. Repeat the treatment after 7–10 days and keep the home tidy to prevent re‑infestation.
How to get rid of bedbugs in the house? - in detail
Eliminating bedbugs from a residence requires a systematic approach that combines detection, preparation, treatment, and follow‑up.
Begin by confirming the infestation. Look for live insects, shed skins, dark spots (feces), and small blood stains on bedding. Use a flashlight to inspect seams, mattress tags, box‑spring corners, headboards, and cracks in walls or furniture.
Clear the area before treatment. Strip all bedding, curtains, and removable fabrics; place them in sealed plastic bags and launder on the hottest cycle the fabric can tolerate, followed by a high‑heat dryer cycle (minimum 120 °F/49 °C). Vacuum floors, carpets, upholstered furniture, and crevices thoroughly; immediately discard the vacuum bag or clean the canister to prevent re‑introduction.
Apply chemical and non‑chemical methods in tandem.
- Heat treatment: Raise room temperature to 120 °F (49 °C) for at least 90 minutes using professional equipment; heat penetrates hidden spaces where insects hide.
- Steam: Direct steam (over 212 °F/100 °C) onto seams, folds, and crevices of mattresses, sofas, and baseboards; steam kills on contact and reaches deep cracks.
- Insecticide sprays: Use EPA‑registered products labeled for bedbug control, focusing on cracks, baseboards, and the underside of furniture. Apply according to label directions, ensuring ventilation and protective gear.
- Encasements: Install zippered mattress and box‑spring covers rated for bedbug protection; keep them sealed for at least one year to trap any surviving insects.
After treatment, monitor the environment. Place interceptor cups under each leg of the bed and furniture; these devices capture insects attempting to climb, providing evidence of ongoing activity. Repeat vacuuming and steam applications weekly for a minimum of four weeks.
If the problem persists, consider professional pest‑management services that can perform whole‑room heat treatments, fumigation, or specialized desiccant dust applications.
Maintain preventive practices: keep clutter to a minimum, seal cracks in walls and flooring, inspect second‑hand furniture before introduction, and regularly wash and dry bedding at high temperatures. Consistent vigilance reduces the likelihood of re‑infestation.