How to get rid of domestic bedbugs and lice? - briefly
Treat the home by washing all linens and clothing at ≥60 °C, vacuuming seams, cracks and upholstery, and applying a registered insecticide or professional heat treatment, then repeat after 7–10 days. For head lice, use a pediculicide shampoo or lotion on hair, followed by thorough combing with a fine-toothed nit comb and washing personal items in hot water.
How to get rid of domestic bedbugs and lice? - in detail
Bedbugs and head lice thrive in warm, cluttered environments. Effective eradication requires a systematic approach that combines thorough inspection, targeted treatment, and preventive measures.
Begin with a complete survey of all sleeping areas, furniture, and personal items. Look for live insects, shed skins, and small dark spots of feces. Use a bright flashlight and a fine-toothed comb for hair examinations. Mark infested zones to focus subsequent actions.
Physical removal
- Wash all bedding, clothing, and washable fabrics in water at ≥ 60 °C (140 °F) for at least 30 minutes; dry on high heat for a minimum of 30 minutes.
- Vacuum mattresses, box springs, carpets, and upholstery thoroughly; immediately discard the vacuum bag or clean the canister with hot soapy water.
- Seal non‑washable items in airtight plastic bags for two weeks to starve insects.
Chemical control
- Apply an EPA‑registered insecticide formulated for bedbugs to cracks, crevices, and the underside of furniture. Follow label directions precisely, paying attention to re‑application intervals.
- For lice, use a 1 % permethrin or 0.5 % malathion shampoo on the scalp, leaving it on for the recommended time before rinsing. Repeat the treatment after 7–10 days to eliminate newly hatched nymphs.
- Wear protective gloves and ensure adequate ventilation during application.
Non‑chemical alternatives
- Deploy steam cleaners at ≥ 100 °C (212 °F) on mattresses, seams, and baseboards; steam penetrates hiding places and kills insects instantly.
- Place diatomaceous earth thinly around bed frames and baseboards; the abrasive particles damage the exoskeletons of both pests.
- Use heat‑tolerant encasements on mattresses and pillows; these prevent re‑infestation and trap any remaining bugs.
Professional assistance
When infestations cover large areas or persist after self‑treatment, contact a licensed pest‑control operator. Professionals can employ integrated pest‑management techniques, including targeted fumigation, specialized heat treatments, and advanced monitoring devices.
Prevention
- Reduce clutter to eliminate hiding spots.
- Inspect secondhand furniture before bringing it indoors; treat or discard if signs of infestation appear.
- Regularly wash and dry personal textiles at high temperatures.
- Conduct routine checks of hair, especially in school settings, to catch lice early.
Following these steps systematically eradicates the pests and minimizes the likelihood of recurrence.