How to remove bedbugs at home? - briefly
Apply hot water washing and drying to all linens, vacuum seams and crevices, then treat infested spots with a certified residual insecticide and encase mattresses in protective covers; repeat the process weekly for at least a month while sealing cracks and monitoring for re‑appearance.
How to remove bedbugs at home? - in detail
Bedbugs infestations require a systematic approach that combines inspection, physical removal, chemical treatment, and preventive measures.
Begin with a thorough survey of sleeping areas, furniture seams, and cracks. Use a bright flashlight and a magnifying glass to locate live insects, shed skins, and dark spots of excrement. Mark confirmed sites with tape to track progress.
Preparation
- Strip bedding, curtains, and clothing; place items in sealed plastic bags.
- Wash fabrics in hot water (≥ 60 °C) and dry on high heat for at least 30 minutes.
- Vacuum mattresses, box springs, carpet edges, and crevices; empty the vacuum canister into a sealed bag and discard outside.
Physical elimination
- Encase mattresses and box springs in zippered, bedbug‑proof covers; leave in place for 12 months.
- Apply steam (≥ 120 °F) to surfaces that can tolerate heat; hold the nozzle for 20‑30 seconds per spot.
- Use a dryer on high heat for infested items that cannot be laundered.
Chemical control
- Select an EPA‑registered insecticide formulated for bedbugs; follow label instructions precisely.
- Apply residual spray to baseboards, bed frames, and hidden gaps; avoid direct contact with sleeping surfaces.
- Consider dust formulations (e.g., silica gel, diatomaceous earth) in voids and wall voids; ensure proper ventilation.
Integrated tactics
- Deploy interceptors under each leg of the bed to capture wandering insects and monitor activity.
- Install double‑sided tape around the perimeter of the bed frame to impede movement.
- Use pheromone‑based traps in rooms where infestation levels are high.
Follow‑up
- Re‑inspect weekly for at least six weeks; repeat vacuuming and steaming as needed.
- Replace interceptors and traps regularly; discard any that show signs of live bugs.
- Maintain a clutter‑free environment; seal cracks and crevices with caulk to reduce hiding places.
Consistent application of these steps, combined with vigilant monitoring, eliminates the pest population and prevents re‑infestation.