How to get rid of dust mites and bed bugs? - briefly
Eliminate dust mites by washing all bedding at 130 °F weekly, encasing mattresses and pillows in allergen‑tight covers, and keeping indoor humidity below 50 %. Eradicate bed bugs with high‑heat treatment (≥120 °F for several hours), focused insecticide applications, and thorough vacuuming of seams, cracks, and furniture.
How to get rid of dust mites and bed bugs? - in detail
Dust mites and bed bugs thrive in warm, humid environments and feed on human skin cells or blood; removing them demands thorough cleaning, targeted treatment, and ongoing prevention.
Identify the problem by inspecting bedding, mattress seams, furniture crevices, and baseboards for live insects, shed skins, or fecal spots. Confirm the presence before proceeding with eradication measures.
Physical elimination
- Wash all bedding, curtains, and removable fabrics at ≥ 60 °C (140 °F) for 30 minutes; dry on high heat for at least 20 minutes.
- Vacuum carpets, upholstered furniture, and floor edges using a HEPA‑rated filter; discard the vacuum bag or clean the canister immediately.
- Apply steam (≥ 100 °C) to mattress surfaces, box springs, and hard‑to‑reach cracks; steam penetrates deep enough to kill both mites and bugs.
- Freeze infested items in a freezer set to − 18 °C (0 °F) for 48 hours; low temperatures incapacitate the pests.
Chemical control
- Use a registered acaricide for dust mites on carpets and upholstered items, following label dosage and safety instructions.
- Apply a residual insecticide labeled for bed‑bug control to seams, headboards, and baseboards; repeat treatment after 7 days to target newly hatched nymphs.
- For severe infestations, employ a dust‑type silica gel or diatomaceous earth in voids; particles abrade the exoskeleton, causing dehydration.
Professional interventions
- Engage licensed pest‑management services for whole‑room heat treatment, raising ambient temperature to ≥ 50 °C (122 °F) for 4–6 hours; heat penetrates hidden harborages.
- Consider fumigation with approved gas products when DIY methods prove insufficient; professionals handle containment and ventilation.
Preventive measures
- Encase mattresses and pillows in certified allergen‑proof covers; zip closures prevent re‑infestation.
- Maintain indoor relative humidity below 50 % using dehumidifiers; lower moisture hinders mite reproduction.
- Reduce clutter, especially under beds and in closets, to eliminate hiding places.
- Inspect second‑hand furniture before introduction; treat or discard items showing signs of infestation.
Implementing these steps in sequence eradicates existing populations and creates an environment hostile to future colonization. Regular monitoring and maintenance sustain a pest‑free living space.