How to manage bedbugs? - briefly
Inspect sleeping areas, isolate and launder infested fabrics, apply approved insecticides or heat treatment, and seal cracks and crevices to prevent re‑infestation. Professional extermination may be required for severe infestations.
How to manage bedbugs? - in detail
Bedbug infestations require systematic detection, elimination, and prevention. Accurate identification begins with locating live insects, shed skins, and dark spotting on mattresses, box springs, and nearby furniture. Use a bright flashlight and a fine‑toothed comb to examine seams, folds, and crevices.
Inspection steps
- Remove bedding and wash at ≥ 60 °C.
- Vacuum mattress surfaces, headboards, and surrounding floor areas.
- Seal vacuum bag and discard.
- Place sticky traps around bed legs to monitor activity.
Physical removal includes laundering infested fabrics, steaming surfaces above 120 °C, and applying diatomaceous earth to hideouts. Encasing mattresses and box springs in zippered covers traps insects and prevents re‑infestation. Regularly launder linens and rotate clothing to disrupt life cycles.
Chemical control involves applying EPA‑registered insecticides to cracks, baseboards, and furniture joints. Follow label instructions precisely; apply only to dry, ventilated spaces. Rotate products with different active ingredients to avoid resistance. After treatment, maintain a 48‑hour vacancy period before re‑occupying the area.
Prevention measures focus on limiting entry points. Seal wall gaps, repair damaged screens, and keep clutter to a minimum. Inspect second‑hand furniture before introduction; treat suspect items with heat or cold. Use bed‑frame legs that do not touch the floor, and place interceptors under each leg to catch wandering insects.
When infestation persists despite integrated efforts, engage a licensed pest‑management professional. Request a comprehensive plan that combines monitoring, targeted chemical applications, and follow‑up inspections. Documentation of treatment dates and product names aids in evaluating efficacy and planning future actions.