How to get rid of soldier bedbugs? - briefly
Treat infested bedding with a wash or dryer cycle at ≥ 60 °C, then apply a certified residual insecticide to seams, cracks, and equipment, and repeat the treatment after 7‑10 days to eliminate any survivors.
How to get rid of soldier bedbugs? - in detail
Eliminate an infestation of soldier bedbugs through a systematic approach that combines thorough inspection, targeted treatment, and preventive measures.
Begin with a comprehensive survey of sleeping areas, seams of uniforms, gear, and nearby furniture. Use a bright flashlight and a fine‑toothed comb to locate live insects, shed skins, and dark‑colored fecal spots. Mark each positive site to prioritize action.
Prepare the environment before applying controls:
- Strip bedding, uniforms, and removable fabric items; launder at 60 °C (140 °F) for at least 30 minutes or place in a sealed bag for 14 days if heat is unavailable.
- Vacuum mattresses, box springs, frames, and cracks in walls or floorboards; discard the vacuum bag or seal the canister in a plastic bag and discard it outside the living area.
- Seal cracks, crevices, and gaps in walls, baseboards, and furniture with caulk or expanding foam to limit harborage.
Apply treatment methods in order of efficacy:
- Heat – Expose infested objects to temperatures above 50 °C (122 °F) for a minimum of 30 minutes. Portable heaters or professional heat‑treatment chambers achieve rapid mortality.
- Cold – Freeze small items at –18 °C (0 °F) for at least 72 hours; this is effective for gear that cannot be laundered.
- Chemical – Use a registered insecticide formulated for bedbugs, applying it to cracks, seams, and the undersides of mattresses. Follow label directions regarding concentration, exposure time, and personal protective equipment. Rotate active ingredients to prevent resistance.
- Desiccant powders – Apply silica gel or diatomaceous earth in thin layers on floor edges and furniture joints; these substances dehydrate insects upon contact.
After treatment, monitor the area for at least 30 days. Place sticky traps or interceptors under each leg of the bed and furniture to capture any survivors. Record trap counts weekly to assess progress.
If signs persist beyond two weeks, engage a licensed pest‑management professional. They can perform advanced techniques such as whole‑room heat treatment, targeted fogging, or the use of professional‑grade vaporized insecticides.
Prevent re‑infestation by establishing routine practices:
- Store uniforms and personal items in sealed plastic containers when not in use.
- Conduct monthly visual inspections of sleeping quarters and equipment.
- Maintain low humidity (below 50 %) and adequate ventilation to discourage bug development.
- Limit the introduction of second‑hand furniture without prior treatment.
Following this protocol maximizes the likelihood of complete eradication and reduces the risk of future outbreaks.