How to prevent the spread of bedbugs in an apartment? - briefly
Regularly inspect bedding, furniture, and wall seams, washing any suspect fabrics at ≥60 °C and isolating affected items. Seal cracks, minimize clutter, and apply approved insecticide treatments promptly upon detection.
How to prevent the spread of bedbugs in an apartment? - in detail
Bedbugs thrive in cluttered environments where they can hide in seams, cracks, and fabric folds. Effective control begins with early detection and strict sanitation practices.
Inspect all sleeping areas, furniture, and baseboards. Look for live insects, shed skins, or small dark spots (fecal stains). Pay special attention to mattress seams, box‑spring corners, headboards, and upholstered chairs. Use a flashlight and a thin probe to examine tight spaces.
- Wash all bedding, curtains, and removable fabric covers in hot water (≥ 60 °C) and dry on high heat for at least 30 minutes.
- Vacuum carpets, floorboards, and upholstered surfaces thoroughly; discard the vacuum bag or empty the canister into a sealed bag immediately.
- Steam‑clean mattresses, sofa cushions, and any fabric that can withstand high temperature; steam should reach at least 100 °C for several seconds.
Reduce hiding places by removing unnecessary items from the apartment. Store remaining belongings in sealed plastic containers with zip locks. Seal cracks in walls, baseboards, and around electrical outlets with caulk. Install protective mattress encasements that are certified to block insects.
For treatment, apply a combination of methods:
- Non‑chemical: heat treatment (portable heaters raising room temperature to 50 °C for several hours) or cold treatment (freezing items at –20 °C for a minimum of 48 hours).
- Chemical: professional‑grade insecticide sprays or dusts labeled for bedbug control, applied to cracks, crevices, and furniture frames according to label directions. Use only in well‑ventilated areas and wear protective equipment.
After intervention, monitor the situation weekly. Place interceptors under each leg of the bed and furniture to capture wandering insects. Record any sightings and repeat vacuuming and laundering as needed. If activity persists beyond two weeks, contact a licensed pest‑management professional for a thorough evaluation and possible re‑treatment.