How to get rid of them if someone had bedbugs? - briefly
Thoroughly vacuum, steam‑clean, and launder all affected fabrics at ≥60 °C, then treat the entire dwelling with a professional‑grade insecticide or high‑temperature heat application. Seal cracks, encase mattresses, and use interceptor traps to block and monitor any remaining insects.
How to get rid of them if someone had bedbugs? - in detail
Bedbugs require a systematic approach that combines sanitation, mechanical removal, and targeted chemical action. Ignoring any component allows the insects to survive and re‑infest the environment.
Begin by confirming the presence of bedbugs. Look for live insects, shed skins, and dark spotting on mattresses, box springs, and headboards. Isolate the affected sleeping area; cover the bed with a thin, tightly woven mattress encasement that can be sealed. Remove all bedding, curtains, and clothing from the room and place them directly into sealed plastic bags.
Physical elimination steps
- Wash all removable fabrics in hot water (minimum 60 °C) and dry on high heat for at least 30 minutes.
- Vacuum mattresses, bed frames, carpets, and cracks using a HEPA‑rated vacuum. Empty the canister into a sealed bag and discard it outside the home.
- Apply steam (temperature ≥ 100 °C) to seams, folds, and crevices for 10–15 seconds per spot; steam penetrates where chemicals cannot reach.
- Freeze items that cannot be laundered by sealing them in a bag and storing at –18 °C for at least four days.
Chemical control guidelines
- Choose a registered bedbug insecticide containing a pyrethroid, neonicotinoid, or desiccant (e.g., silica gel).
- Follow label instructions precisely; apply to bed frames, baseboards, and hidden cracks, avoiding direct contact with skin or food surfaces.
- Use a residual spray on areas where insects hide, then allow the product to dry completely before re‑entering the room.
- Wear protective gloves, goggles, and a mask during application to prevent exposure.
Monitoring and maintenance
- Install interceptors beneath each leg of the bed; check them weekly and replace if filled.
- Conduct a visual inspection every 7–10 days for the next six weeks, focusing on common harborages.
- Repeat vacuuming and steam treatment after two weeks, then again after four weeks, to target newly hatched nymphs.
Professional intervention criteria
- Persistent activity after two treatment cycles.
- Infestation covering multiple rooms or apartments.
- Lack of access to appropriate equipment or chemicals.
Licensed pest‑management operators can provide heat‑treatment chambers or fumigation services that achieve temperatures lethal to all life stages, ensuring complete eradication.