How to get rid of domestic bedbugs in an apartment by yourself? - briefly
Thoroughly vacuum and launder all bedding, curtains, and furniture, then treat seams, cracks, and hidden crevices with a certified bed‑bug insecticide, repeating the application after 7–10 days; finally, seal entry points and install mattress and box‑spring encasements to prevent re‑infestation.
How to get rid of domestic bedbugs in an apartment by yourself? - in detail
Eliminating bedbugs from a dwelling requires a systematic approach that combines thorough cleaning, targeted treatments, and ongoing monitoring. The process begins with identification: examine mattress seams, box springs, headboards, bed frames, baseboards, and cracks in walls for live insects, shed skins, or dark spots (fecal stains). Use a flashlight and a magnifying lens to increase detection accuracy.
Next, isolate the infestation area. Strip all bedding, curtains, and clothing, placing each item in sealed plastic bags to prevent spread. Wash fabrics in hot water (minimum 60 °C) and dry on the highest heat setting for at least 30 minutes; heat kills all life stages. Items that cannot be laundered should be placed in a freezer at –18 °C for 72 hours.
Prepare the environment for treatment. Vacuum every surface, paying special attention to seams, folds, and crevices. Immediately discard the vacuum bag or empty the canister into a sealed bag and remove it from the premises. After vacuuming, apply a residual insecticide approved for indoor use, following label instructions precisely. Choose products containing pyrethroids, neonicotinoids, or desiccant dusts (e.g., diatomaceous earth) and apply them to:
- Mattress and box‑spring edges
- Bed frame joints and headboard
- Baseboard cracks and wall voids
- Furniture legs and undersides
- Behind picture frames and wall hangings
For severe infestations, employ steam treatment. Use a handheld steamer that reaches at least 100 °C and move slowly over infested surfaces for 10–15 seconds per spot. Steam penetrates fabrics and wood, killing eggs, nymphs, and adults without chemicals.
Seal all entry points to limit re‑infestation. Apply caulk to cracks in walls, baseboards, and around electrical outlets. Install protective mattress encasements that are zippered and certified to block bedbugs. Reduce clutter that offers hiding places; store remaining items in airtight containers.
Finally, establish a monitoring routine. Place disposable interception traps under each leg of the bed and furniture, checking them weekly for new activity. Repeat vacuuming and targeted insecticide applications every 7–10 days for at least three weeks, as bedbug life cycles can extend up to 14 days. Continue inspections for several months to confirm eradication.