How to sleep when there are bedbugs? - briefly
Encapsulate the mattress and box spring in a zippered encasement, launder all linens at ≥60 °C, and cover the sleeping surface with a clear plastic sheet or portable net to block contact with the insects. Apply a DEET‑based repellent to exposed skin and keep ambient lighting low to lessen attraction.
How to sleep when there are bedbugs? - in detail
Bedbug infestations create a hostile sleeping environment, requiring a systematic approach to achieve safe rest.
Identify and isolate the source of infestation.
- Inspect mattress seams, box‑spring folds, bed frame joints, and nearby furniture.
- Encase mattress and box spring in zippered, bedbug‑proof covers rated for at least 12 months.
- Wash all bedding, curtains, and clothing in hot water (minimum 60 °C) and dry on high heat for at least 30 minutes.
Prepare the sleeping surface to minimize contact with insects.
- Replace the mattress with a new, sealed unit or place a thin, impermeable mattress protector over the existing one.
- Lay a fitted sheet made of tightly woven fabric; avoid loose‑weave materials that allow insects to hide.
- Position the bed away from walls and baseboards; install bed risers to create a gap beneath the frame.
Apply barrier treatments to the perimeter of the sleeping area.
- Use a dust‑free silica gel or diatomaceous earth powder along the edges of the mattress, under the bed, and in cracks.
- Apply a residual insecticide approved for indoor use to crevices, following label instructions precisely.
Employ personal protective measures during sleep.
- Wear long‑sleeved, tightly woven pajamas and socks to reduce exposed skin.
- Utilize a portable, low‑heat bedbug heater or a sealed, insulated sleeping bag placed on top of the mattress for the night.
Monitor infestation levels continuously.
- Place interceptors under each leg of the bed; check daily for trapped insects.
- Conduct weekly visual inspections, focusing on seams and folds.
- Repeat laundering and heat treatment cycles every two weeks until no live insects are detected.
«Bedbugs are nocturnal pests that feed on blood», emphasizing the necessity of nighttime protection. Implementing the outlined measures creates a controlled environment that permits uninterrupted sleep despite an active infestation.