How to sleep in an apartment with bedbugs? - briefly
Seal the mattress with a zippered encasement, launder all linens at 60 °C, and place a portable heater or insecticide‑treated mattress pad on the bed to deter the insects. Keep clothing and personal items in sealed bags and stay within the treated sleeping zone for the entire night.
How to sleep in an apartment with bedbugs? - in detail
Living with bed‑bugs makes rest difficult, but a systematic approach can reduce bites and improve sleep quality.
First, isolate the sleeping area. Place the mattress on a sturdy platform, then cover it with a zippered encasement designed to trap insects. Seal the edges tightly; any gaps allow bugs to enter. Add a thin mattress protector underneath for extra barrier.
Second, treat the immediate surroundings. Wash all bedding, including sheets, pillowcases, blankets and curtains, in hot water (≥ 60 °C) and dry on high heat for at least 30 minutes. For items that cannot be machine‑washed, place them in sealed plastic bags for several weeks to starve the insects.
Third, create a physical barrier around the bed. Arrange a ring of double‑sided tape or a thin strip of petroleum‑jelly around the legs of the bed frame; bugs climbing up will be caught. Alternatively, use a bed‑bug interceptor trap under each leg—small plastic dishes filled with water that trap insects attempting to climb.
Fourth, reduce clutter. Remove piles of clothing, books, or shoes near the bed, as these provide hiding places. Store necessary items in sealed containers or plastic bins with tight‑fitting lids.
Fifth, apply targeted insecticide. Use a label‑approved spray or dust specifically for bed‑bugs, treating cracks, baseboards, and the headboard. Follow the product’s safety instructions, ventilate the room, and repeat applications according to the recommended schedule.
Sixth, control temperature. Bed‑bugs cannot survive prolonged exposure to extreme heat or cold. If feasible, place the mattress in a sealed bag and heat it in a dryer on high for 30 minutes, or freeze it at –20 °C for several days.
Seventh, monitor progress. Place sticky traps beside the bed each night. Count captured insects; a declining number indicates effectiveness. Continue all measures until traps show no new activity for at least two weeks.
Finally, protect yourself during sleep. Wear long‑sleeved pajamas and socks made of tightly woven fabric. Apply a topical repellent containing DEET or permethrin to exposed skin, following product directions.
By combining encasement, thorough laundering, physical barriers, clutter reduction, targeted treatment, temperature control, ongoing monitoring, and personal protection, a person can achieve uninterrupted rest even in a dwelling infested with bed‑bugs.