How to get rid of bedbugs that bite people? - briefly
Thoroughly vacuum and steam‑clean all bedding, furniture, and cracks, then apply a licensed insecticide and seal the area with heat (above 120 °F) or professional freezing treatment to eradicate the pests.
How to get rid of bedbugs that bite people? - in detail
Bedbugs thrive in cracks, seams, and hidden spaces where they can feed on human blood. Effective removal begins with confirming their presence: small reddish‑brown insects, about 5 mm long, leave tiny dark spots on bedding and cause itchy, red welts after feeding.
Inspection and preparation
- Remove all bedding, curtains, and clothing from the infested area.
- Wash fabrics in hot water (≥ 60 °C) and dry on the highest heat setting for at least 30 minutes.
- Vacuum mattresses, box springs, bed frames, and surrounding furniture; immediately seal the vacuum bag in a plastic bag and discard it.
- Use a flashlight to examine seams, headboards, baseboards, and behind wall hangings for live insects, shed skins, or eggs.
Chemical control
- Apply a registered insecticide formulated for bedbug eradication to cracks, crevices, and the undersides of furniture. Follow label directions precisely, using protective gloves and eye protection.
- Repeat treatment after 7–10 days to target newly hatched nymphs that escaped the first application.
Heat treatment
- Raise ambient temperature in the affected room to 50 °C (122 °F) for a minimum of 90 minutes. Portable heaters or professional heat‑chamber services can achieve the required level.
- Ensure all items that can tolerate high heat are placed in the heated zone; heat‑sensitive objects should be excluded or treated by alternative methods.
Encasement
- Install zippered mattress and box‑spring covers rated to contain bedbugs. Keep the encasements on for at least one year to prevent re‑infestation.
- Seal any pillow or cushion openings with tightly fitting covers.
Monitoring
- Place interceptor cups under each leg of the bed; the cups capture insects attempting to climb up, providing ongoing evidence of activity.
- Replace interceptors weekly and record catches to gauge progress.
Preventive measures
- Keep clutter to a minimum; clutter offers hiding places.
- Inspect second‑hand furniture before bringing it indoors, focusing on seams and joints.
- Seal gaps around baseboards, electrical outlets, and plumbing with caulk or expanding foam.
- Perform regular vacuuming and laundering of linens at high temperatures.
A coordinated approach—combining thorough cleaning, targeted insecticide use, sustained heat exposure, protective encasements, and vigilant monitoring—eliminates the pests and reduces the risk of future bites. Continuous adherence to these steps is essential for lasting success.