How to get rid of household bed bugs? - briefly
Thoroughly vacuum and steam‑clean all bedding, furniture, and crevices, then apply a certified insecticide or raise interior temperatures above 120 °F (49 °C) for several hours. Seal and discard heavily infested items, and use interceptors to monitor for remaining pests.
How to get rid of household bed bugs? - in detail
Bed bugs thrive in cracks, seams, and fabric folds; locating all infested areas is the first essential step. Remove bedding, curtains, and clothing, and examine mattress edges, box‑spring seams, headboards, baseboards, and furniture joints. Use a flashlight and a fine‑toothed comb to spot live insects, dark‑colored eggs, or fresh fecal stains.
After confirming the presence of the pests, isolate and wash all removable textiles in hot water (minimum 60 °C/140 °F) for at least 30 minutes, then dry on high heat for 20 minutes. Items that cannot be laundered should be sealed in airtight plastic bags for several weeks to starve the bugs.
Physical eradication methods include:
- Vacuuming: Thoroughly vacuum mattresses, furniture, and floor cracks; discard the vacuum bag or empty the canister into a sealed bag immediately.
- Steam treatment: Apply steam (above 100 °C/212 °F) to seams, folds, and crevices; steam penetrates where chemicals cannot reach.
- Heat exposure: Place infested objects in a dryer or a portable heater chamber at 50 °C (122 °F) for a minimum of 90 minutes to kill all life stages.
Chemical control may be necessary for severe infestations. Use EPA‑registered insecticides specifically labeled for bed bugs, following label directions precisely. Apply products to voids, cracks, and the undersides of furniture, avoiding direct contact with sleeping surfaces. Consider a professional pest‑management service for residual sprays, dusts, or foggers that require specialized equipment.
Prevent re‑infestation by sealing entry points: caulk gaps around baseboards, install door sweeps, and repair torn screens. Reduce clutter that offers hiding places, and regularly inspect new second‑hand items before introducing them to the home. Deploy passive monitors—such as glue traps or interceptors—under bed legs to detect any resurgence.
Maintain a routine of weekly visual checks and monthly vacuuming of vulnerable zones for at least six months. Consistent vigilance, combined with thorough cleaning, heat, and targeted chemical applications, eliminates the infestation and minimizes the risk of recurrence.