How to know that bed bugs are gone? - briefly
Examine mattresses, box springs, seams, and surrounding furniture for live insects, shed skins, or dark fecal spots, and run bed‑bug interceptors under the bed legs for at least four weeks; if no bugs are captured and no signs appear, the infestation is considered eliminated.
How to know that bed bugs are gone? - in detail
A thorough verification that an infestation has been eradicated requires multiple steps.
First, conduct a visual inspection of all sleeping areas. Look for live insects, shed skins, and dark spotting (fecal spots) on mattress seams, box‑spring corners, headboards, and nearby furniture. Use a bright flashlight and a magnifying lens to examine crevices, seams, and the underside of furniture.
Second, set up monitoring devices. Place interceptors under each leg of the bed and glue traps near potential harborages. Leave them in place for at least two weeks; the absence of captures indicates no active feeding.
Third, assess the environment after treatment. Re‑examine previously infested zones after the recommended waiting period (usually 7–14 days for chemical treatments, up to 30 days for heat or steam). Confirm that no new eggs or nymphs appear.
Fourth, use a trained canine detection team if available. Dogs can locate live bugs and viable eggs with high sensitivity, providing an objective confirmation.
Fifth, monitor for secondary signs over a longer term. Continue weekly checks for at least three months, focusing on mattress tags, bed frames, and cracks in walls or baseboards. The persistence of any new activity after this period suggests a remaining population.
Finally, document findings. Record dates, locations inspected, and results of each monitoring method. A complete, negative record across all techniques constitutes strong evidence that the pest has been eliminated.