How to kill bedbugs in a house? - briefly
Use heat treatment (raising room temperature above 120 °F for several hours) together with approved insecticide sprays, then vacuum and wash infested fabrics at high temperatures. Seal cracks, employ interceptor traps, and repeat the process until no live insects are observed.
How to kill bedbugs in a house? - in detail
Eliminating bed‑bug infestations requires a systematic approach that combines detection, preparation, treatment, and monitoring.
First, confirm the presence of insects by inspecting seams of mattresses, box springs, headboards, furniture joints, and cracks in baseboards. Look for live insects, shed skins, and dark spotting (fecal stains). Use a flashlight and a fine‑toothed comb to collect specimens for verification.
Second, reduce hiding places. Launder all removable fabrics—sheets, pillowcases, curtains, and clothing—on the hottest cycle the material can tolerate (minimum 60 °C / 140 °F) and dry on high heat for at least 30 minutes. Vacuum mattresses, upholstered furniture, and flooring thoroughly; empty the vacuum bag into a sealed bag and discard it outdoors. Seal infested items in plastic bags for several weeks to starve the insects.
Third, apply chemical treatments responsibly. Choose products registered for residential use, such as pyrethroid‑based sprays, desiccant dusts (silica gel, diatomaceous earth), or neonicotinoid aerosols. Follow label directions precisely: treat seams, cracks, and crevices where bugs hide; re‑apply after 7–10 days to target newly hatched nymphs. Wear protective gloves and a mask to avoid inhalation or skin contact.
Fourth, incorporate non‑chemical tactics. Deploy heat treatment by raising room temperature to 50–55 °C (122–131 °F) for a minimum of 90 minutes, ensuring all furniture and belongings reach the target temperature. Alternatively, use cold treatment by placing small items in a freezer at –18 °C (0 °F) for at least 4 days. Install interceptors under bed legs to capture crawling insects and monitor activity.
Fifth, establish an integrated pest‑management cycle. After initial treatment, repeat inspections weekly for the first month, then bi‑weekly for two additional months. Record any new sightings and re‑treat affected zones promptly. Maintain a clutter‑free environment; store items in sealed containers to prevent re‑infestation.
Finally, consider professional assistance if the population persists after multiple rounds of DIY measures. Certified exterminators possess equipment for whole‑house heat or vaporized pesticide applications that exceed the capacity of typical household tools.
By adhering to these steps—verification, sanitation, targeted chemical or thermal control, continuous monitoring, and, when necessary, expert intervention—homeowners can achieve complete eradication of bed‑bug colonies.