How to kill bedbugs on your own? - briefly
Apply sustained heat of at least 120 °F with a steam cleaner or dryer, then encase the mattress and vacuum all seams and crevices. If heat is unavailable, treat the area with a labeled residual spray or diatomaceous‑earth dust, repeating after seven days to catch hatchlings.
How to kill bedbugs on your own? - in detail
Eliminating bedbugs without professional assistance requires thorough preparation, targeted treatment, and diligent follow‑up.
Begin by isolating the infestation. Strip the bed of linens, pillowcases, and blankets; place each item in a sealed plastic bag. Wash fabrics in hot water (minimum 60 °C) and dry on the highest heat setting for at least 30 minutes. For items that cannot be laundered, seal them in airtight containers for several weeks to starve the insects.
Next, reduce hiding places. Vacuum mattresses, box springs, bed frames, headboards, and surrounding floor areas. Pay special attention to seams, folds, and cracks. Immediately discard the vacuum bag or empty the canister into a sealed bag and remove it from the home.
Apply chemical or non‑chemical agents directly to identified zones:
- Heat treatment – Rent or purchase a portable heater capable of raising room temperature to 50 °C (122 °F). Maintain the temperature for at least 90 minutes, ensuring all surfaces reach the target heat. Use an infrared thermometer to verify uniformity.
- Steam – Employ a commercial‑grade steamer delivering steam above 100 °C (212 °F). Slowly move the nozzle over mattress surfaces, cracks, and furniture joints. Steam penetrates only a few millimetres, so repeat passes are necessary.
- Insecticidal spray – Select a product labeled for bedbug control containing pyrethroids, neonicotinoids, or desiccant dusts such as silica gel. Apply according to manufacturer instructions, focusing on crevices, baseboards, and the underside of furniture. Avoid over‑application to reduce health risks.
- Diatomaceous earth – Spread a thin layer of food‑grade diatomaceous earth around bed legs, under the bed, and in wall voids. The abrasive particles damage the insects’ exoskeletons, leading to dehydration.
After treatment, seal all treated items in plastic bags for a minimum of two weeks to prevent re‑infestation. Install mattress encasements that are certified bug‑proof; close zippers tightly. Reduce clutter to eliminate additional shelters.
Monitor progress weekly. Use passive traps such as interceptor cups beneath each leg of the bed to capture migrating insects. Replace traps and re‑vacuum any captured specimens. Continue the cycle of heat or steam application for at least three weeks, as eggs may hatch after the initial treatment.
If signs persist after repeated attempts, consider a combination of methods or consult a professional, as severe infestations may require specialized equipment.