How to kill bedbugs in the bed? - briefly
Use a high‑heat dryer cycle for at least 30 minutes and apply a certified insecticide spray to seams, folds, and mattress edges, then seal the mattress in a zippered encasement. Repeat the process after two weeks to eradicate any newly emerged bugs.
How to kill bedbugs in the bed? - in detail
Bedbugs reside in seams, folds, and crevices of the mattress, box spring, and headboard. Begin by stripping the bedding and laundering all sheets, pillowcases, and blankets in water ≥ 60 °C for at least 30 minutes; dry on high heat. Vacuum the entire sleeping surface, paying special attention to stitching and tufts, then discard the vacuum bag in a sealed plastic container.
Apply a residual insecticide labeled for indoor use on fabrics to the mattress surface, edges of the box spring, and surrounding frame. Follow manufacturer‑specified dilution, apply evenly with a sprayer, and allow the product to dry completely before re‑making the bed.
Heat treatment offers a non‑chemical alternative. Use a portable steamer producing steam at 100 °C; pass the nozzle slowly over each seam, stitching, and fold for a minimum of 10 seconds per area to ensure lethal temperature penetration. For whole‑room heat, raise ambient temperature to 50–55 °C and maintain for 4–6 hours; confirm that all bedding items reach the target temperature using calibrated thermometers.
Encasement covers designed to trap insects should be fitted over the mattress and box spring, sealing all openings with zippered closures. Keep the encasements on for at least 12 months; any bugs that hatch inside will die without a food source.
Supplementary measures include:
- Sprinkling food‑grade diatomaceous earth along mattress edges and under the bed frame; reapply after vacuuming.
- Inspecting and treating adjacent furniture, baseboards, and wall cracks with the same insecticide.
- Repeating vacuuming and laundering weekly for the first month, then monthly for the next two months.
If infestations persist after multiple cycles, engage a licensed pest‑control professional for targeted fumigation or heat‑chamber services, ensuring the provider follows integrated pest‑management protocols. Continuous monitoring with interceptor traps placed under each leg of the bed will verify the success of eradication efforts.