How to handle bedbugs at home? - briefly
Locate and contain the infestation by sealing mattresses, laundering all fabrics at 120 °F, and vacuuming cracks and crevices thoroughly. Apply a registered insecticide or enlist a licensed exterminator for residual treatment and monitor with interceptor traps.
How to handle bedbugs at home? - in detail
Bedbugs are small, wingless insects that hide in seams, cracks, and fabric folds. Early detection prevents spread and reduces treatment costs. Conduct a thorough visual survey: examine mattress edges, box‑spring seams, headboards, nightstands, and upholstered furniture. Look for live bugs, dark spots (fecal stains), and shed skins. Use a flashlight and a magnifying lens to improve accuracy.
If evidence is found, isolate the affected area. Remove bedding, curtains, and clothing, placing each item in a sealed plastic bag. Wash textiles in hot water (minimum 60 °C) and dry on high heat for at least 30 minutes; heat kills all life stages. Vacuum carpets, floorboards, and furniture thoroughly, paying special attention to crevices. Empty the vacuum canister into a sealed bag and discard it outdoors.
Apply non‑chemical control measures before introducing insecticides. Steam cleaners set to 100 °C can penetrate fabric and destroy hidden insects. Encase mattresses and box springs in zippered covers designed to trap bugs; leave covers on for at least one year to ensure any survivors die.
When chemical treatment is required, select products labeled for indoor bedbug use. Follow label instructions precisely: apply residual sprays to baseboards, cracks, and the undersides of furniture; use dust formulations in voids where sprays cannot reach. Wear protective gloves and a mask to avoid exposure. Repeat applications according to the product’s re‑treatment schedule, typically every 7–10 days, until no new activity is observed.
Consider professional extermination if infestation covers multiple rooms or persists after self‑treatment. Certified technicians have access to advanced tools such as heat chambers, fumigation gases, and licensed insecticides that are unavailable to consumers. Request a written plan outlining inspection findings, treatment methods, and follow‑up visits.
Prevent re‑infestation by maintaining a clean environment. Reduce clutter that offers hiding places. Inspect second‑hand furniture before bringing it indoors; treat or discard items that show signs of infestation. Seal cracks in walls, baseboards, and around plumbing to eliminate entry points. Regularly wash bedding and vacuum high‑traffic areas to detect any resurgence early.