How to save an apartment from bed bugs? - briefly
Identify and isolate any infested zones, then treat them with a registered insecticide, launder all fabrics at ≥ 60 °C, and vacuum seams and crevices thoroughly. Seal entry points, use bed‑bug interceptors, and repeat inspections weekly until no activity is detected.
How to save an apartment from bed bugs? - in detail
Bed bugs infestations demand immediate, systematic action to protect a living space.
The first phase involves thorough inspection. Identify all hiding places by examining seams of mattresses, box springs, headboards, furniture joints, baseboards, and electrical outlets. Use a bright flashlight and a hand‑held magnifier to detect live insects, shed skins, or dark spotting. Record each location to guide subsequent treatment.
After mapping the infestation, implement non‑chemical controls. Remove all bedding, curtains, and removable upholstery. Wash fabrics at a minimum of 60 °C for 30 minutes, then dry on high heat for at least 30 minutes. Encase mattresses and box springs in certified bed‑bug‑proof covers, sealing all seams. Vacuum carpets, floorboards, and furniture thoroughly; discard the vacuum bag or clean the canister immediately. Reduce clutter to eliminate additional shelters, and seal cracks or crevices in walls and baseboards with caulk.
If non‑chemical measures prove insufficient, apply targeted chemical treatments. Select products approved for indoor use against Cimex lectularius, such as pyrethroid‑based sprays, silica‑based dusts, or desiccant aerosols. Follow label instructions precisely: apply to identified harborages, allowing adequate contact time before re‑entry. Treat cracks, crevices, and voids where insects may reside. For heavily infested items that cannot be laundered, consider professional heat‑treatment services that raise temperatures to 50 °C for a sustained period, ensuring mortality across all life stages.
Post‑treatment monitoring is essential. Place interceptor traps under each leg of the bed and furniture to capture wandering bugs, checking traps weekly for at least three months. Repeat vacuuming and laundering cycles regularly. Maintain a clutter‑free environment, inspect new second‑hand items before introduction, and avoid transporting infested luggage or clothing into the home.
Adhering to this comprehensive protocol—inspection, mechanical removal, selective chemical application, and ongoing surveillance—maximizes the likelihood of eliminating bed bugs and preserving the apartment’s habitability.