How to get rid of bedbugs using home methods? - briefly
Apply high‑temperature laundering and steam treatment to all infested fabrics, then seal the mattress and box spring with a bed‑bug‑proof encasement. Follow with thorough vacuuming, targeted use of diatomaceous earth or baking soda, and repeat the process every few days until no insects remain.
How to get rid of bedbugs using home methods? - in detail
Eliminating bedbugs without professional services relies on thorough preparation, targeted treatments, and sustained monitoring.
Begin by isolating the infestation. Strip beds of all linens, pillowcases, and blankets; wash each item in hot water (minimum 60 °C) and tumble‑dry on high heat for at least 30 minutes. Seal clean, dry laundry in airtight bags to prevent re‑contamination.
Next, reduce hiding places. Vacuum mattresses, box springs, bed frames, baseboards, and cracks in walls. Use a brush attachment to dislodge eggs and nymphs, then immediately empty the vacuum canister into a sealed bag and discard it outdoors. Follow vacuuming with a thorough steam treatment: apply steam at 100 °C for 10–15 seconds on each surface, ensuring the heat penetrates fabric folds and seams.
Apply DIY chemical alternatives. Prepare a solution of distilled white vinegar mixed with a few drops of essential oil (e.g., tea tree or lavender) in a spray bottle. Lightly mist seams, crevices, and upholstered furniture; the acidity disrupts the insects’ exoskeletons. For porous surfaces, sprinkle diatomaceous earth generously, then leave it undisturbed for several days before vacuuming. The abrasive particles damage the bedbugs’ outer layer, causing dehydration.
Seal all infested items in plastic wrap or zip‑lock bags for a minimum of two weeks. Bedbugs cannot survive prolonged periods without a blood meal; containment forces starvation and reduces the population.
Implement environmental controls. Increase indoor temperature to 50 °C (122 °F) for 48 hours using portable heaters, or alternatively, expose heavily infested items to direct sunlight for several hours. Both methods raise ambient heat beyond the insects’ tolerance threshold.
Maintain vigilance. Inspect sleeping areas weekly, focusing on mattress tags, headboards, and nearby furniture. Repeat vacuuming, steam, and diatomaceous earth applications as needed until no live insects or eggs are observed for two consecutive inspections.
By combining heat, moisture, mechanical removal, and low‑toxicity substances, a household can achieve effective eradication without relying on commercial pest‑control services.