How to kill bed bugs from an apartment? - briefly
Thoroughly clean the space, launder all fabrics at ≥ 60 °C, and apply a professional‑grade heat or EPA‑approved insecticide treatment, then seal cracks and crevices to block re‑infestation.
How to kill bed bugs from an apartment? - in detail
Bed‑bug eradication in a residential unit requires a systematic approach that combines inspection, containment, treatment, and follow‑up.
Begin with a thorough inspection. Examine seams of mattresses, box springs, headboards, nightstands, baseboards, and cracks in walls. Use a flashlight and a magnifying lens to locate live insects, shed skins, and dark spots of excrement. Document every infested site to prioritize actions.
Prepare the environment before applying any control method. Remove all clutter that can hide insects, such as piles of clothing, books, and linens. Wash bedding, curtains, and removable fabrics in hot water (≥ 60 °C) and dry on high heat for at least 30 minutes. Seal non‑washable items in airtight bags for a minimum of two weeks to starve the pests.
Apply chemical treatments only after physical preparation. Choose products registered for indoor use against Cimex lectularius, such as pyrethroid‑based sprays, neonicotinoid dusts, or desiccant powders containing silica gel. Follow label instructions precisely: spray along mattress seams, bed frames, furniture joints, and baseboard cracks, then allow the product to dry completely before re‑occupying the area. Use a hand‑held sprayer for localized application and a fogger only in sealed rooms to avoid spreading insects to untreated zones.
Integrate non‑chemical tactics to increase efficacy. Place interceptors under each leg of the bed and furniture; these devices capture wandering insects and provide a monitoring tool. Apply heat treatment to infested items by using a portable heater that raises the temperature to 50 °C for at least 90 minutes, ensuring all hidden areas reach the target temperature. For structural cracks, inject a foam sealant that expands and blocks movement pathways.
If infestation persists after self‑treatment, engage a licensed pest‑control professional. Experts can perform whole‑room heat chambers (≥ 55 °C for 4 hours) or controlled‑release vapor treatments that penetrate inaccessible spaces. Professional services also include post‑treatment inspections to confirm elimination.
Maintain vigilance to prevent reinfestation. Encase mattresses and box springs in certified encasements, inspect second‑hand furniture before introduction, and schedule periodic checks of vulnerable zones. Promptly address any new signs of activity with the same structured protocol.