How to remove bedbugs from an apartment? - briefly
Locate all infested areas, eliminate hiding spots, apply a professional‑grade insecticide or high‑temperature treatment, then wash bedding and vacuum thoroughly; repeat the process and inspect regularly to confirm eradication.
How to remove bedbugs from an apartment? - in detail
Eliminating bedbugs from a residential unit requires systematic inspection, thorough preparation, targeted treatment, and ongoing monitoring.
Begin with a complete survey. Examine mattress seams, box springs, bed frames, headboards, and nearby furniture. Use a bright flashlight to spot live insects, dark‑brown shells, or tiny reddish stains on bedding. Inspect cracks in walls, baseboards, and electrical outlets. Mark confirmed hotspots with a washable pen.
Prepare the space before applying any control method. Remove all linens, curtains, and clothing; place them in sealed plastic bags and launder at 60 °C (140 °F) for at least 30 minutes. Declutter closets and cabinets, discarding items heavily infested beyond salvage. Vacuum carpets, upholstery, and floor seams, then immediately empty the vacuum canister into a sealed bag and discard. Seal all cracks and crevices with caulk to reduce hiding places.
Apply treatment according to the following hierarchy:
- Heat – Use a professional‑grade steamer (minimum 130 °C/266 °F) on mattresses, sofa cushions, and wall voids. Heat‑tolerant items can be placed in a dryer on high for 30 minutes.
- Chemical – Deploy EPA‑registered sprays or dusts labeled for bedbug control. Apply to cracks, seams, and voids while wearing appropriate PPE. Follow label instructions for dosage and re‑application intervals.
- Cold – Freeze infested objects in a commercial freezer at –18 °C (0 °F) for at least 72 hours if heat or chemicals are unsuitable.
- Encasements – Install zippered mattress and box‑spring covers rated to contain bedbugs. Keep covers on for a minimum of one year to ensure any surviving insects die.
After treatment, conduct a follow‑up inspection after 7–10 days. Use interceptors under each bed leg to capture wandering insects and confirm efficacy. Repeat the inspection cycle at 30‑day intervals for three months, addressing any resurgence promptly.
Prevent re‑infestation by maintaining cleanliness, sealing entry points, and limiting the movement of second‑hand furniture without prior treatment. Regularly wash bedding at high temperatures and inspect new items before bringing them into the dwelling.
Following this structured approach maximizes eradication success and minimizes the likelihood of recurrence.