How to properly fight bedbugs? - briefly
Identify infestations early, isolate bedding, and treat with high‑heat exposure (≥120 °F for several hours) combined with approved insecticides, then vacuum, steam‑clean, and monitor repeatedly. Seal cracks, reduce clutter, and wash all linens in hot water regularly to prevent recurrence.
How to properly fight bedbugs? - in detail
Bedbug infestations require a systematic approach that combines inspection, elimination, and ongoing prevention.
Begin with a thorough inspection. Examine seams of mattresses, box springs, headboards, and furniture. Use a flashlight and a magnifying lens to locate live insects, dark‑brown spots of excrement, and shed skins. Mark each finding with tape or a marker to track treated areas.
Prepare the environment before treatment. Reduce clutter to eliminate hiding places. Wash all bedding, curtains, and removable fabrics in hot water (≥ 60 °C) and dry on high heat for at least 30 minutes. Vacuum floors, upholstery, and cracks, then immediately discard the vacuum bag or seal the canister.
Apply non‑chemical methods first.
- Heat treatment – Raise room temperature to 50 °C (122 °F) for 90 minutes; heat penetrates deep crevices and kills all life stages.
- Cold exposure – Place infested items in a freezer at –18 °C (0 °F) for a minimum of 4 days.
- Steam – Use a commercial steamer delivering ≥ 100 °C steam, slowly moving over seams and joints.
If residual populations persist, introduce chemical controls. Choose products registered for indoor use, such as pyrethroid‑based sprays, desiccant dusts (silica gel, diatomaceous earth), or neonicotinoid formulations. Apply according to label directions, targeting cracks, baseboards, and the underside of furniture. Rotate active ingredients in successive applications to mitigate resistance.
After treatment, establish a monitoring regimen. Deploy interceptor traps under each leg of beds and furniture; replace weekly and record captures. Conduct follow‑up inspections at 7‑day, 14‑day, and 30‑day intervals, retreating only where activity is confirmed.
Prevent re‑infestation by maintaining cleanliness, sealing cracks with caulk, and using protective mattress encasements. Inspect second‑hand furniture before introduction into the home. Regularly wash bedding on high heat and keep luggage off the floor when traveling.
Consistent execution of these steps, from detection through post‑treatment monitoring, maximizes the likelihood of complete eradication and minimizes the risk of recurrence.