How to protect the house from bed bugs? - briefly
Conduct routine inspections, seal cracks and crevices, and install mattress and box‑spring encasements to block entry. Upon detection, apply professional insecticide or heat treatment promptly to eradicate the infestation.
How to protect the house from bed bugs? - in detail
Bed‑bug prevention begins with thorough inspection. Examine seams of mattresses, box springs, headboards, and furniture for live insects, shed skins, or dark spots. Use a flashlight to inspect cracks in walls, baseboards, and floor joints. Early detection limits spread.
Maintain a clean environment. Wash bedding, curtains, and clothing in hot water (≥ 60 °C) and dry on high heat for at least 30 minutes. Vacuum carpets, upholstered furniture, and floor edges daily; empty the vacuum bag into a sealed plastic bag and discard promptly. Reduce clutter that provides hiding places.
Seal entry points. Apply caulk to gaps around baseboards, plumbing fixtures, and electrical outlets. Install door sweeps on exterior doors to block insect ingress. Repair torn screens and ensure windows close tightly.
Protect sleeping surfaces. Fit mattress and box‑spring encasements labeled “bed‑bug proof.” Ensure encasements are zipped securely and remain intact for the duration of treatment. Replace damaged linens promptly.
Implement monitoring tools. Place interceptors under each leg of the bed to capture insects attempting to climb. Deploy passive glue traps in corners and along baseboards; replace regularly to assess activity levels.
Apply non‑chemical control methods. Use steam cleaners on mattresses, furniture, and carpet edges, maintaining temperatures above 50 °C for several seconds to achieve mortality. Expose infested items to freezing temperatures (≤ −18 °C) for at least 48 hours when feasible.
When chemical intervention is required, select products specifically labeled for bed‑bug management. Follow manufacturer instructions precisely, applying to cracks, crevices, and voids where insects hide. Use residual sprays sparingly to avoid resistance development.
Engage professional pest‑management services for severe infestations. Certified technicians can conduct comprehensive treatments, including heat‑based extermination, which raises ambient temperature to 45–55 °C for several hours, ensuring penetration into concealed spaces.
Maintain vigilance after treatment. Continue regular inspections, laundering, and vacuuming. Rotate encasements annually and replace traps as needed. Consistent adherence to these practices minimizes re‑infestation risk and safeguards the dwelling from bed‑bug intrusion.