How to spray an apartment for bedbugs? - briefly
Clear all bedding, vacuum seams and cracks, then apply a registered insecticide labeled for bed‑bug control, covering baseboards, furniture frames and wall voids. Repeat the treatment after 7–10 days to break the life cycle.
How to spray an apartment for bedbugs? - in detail
Treating a dwelling for Cimex infestations requires thorough preparation, precise application of insecticide, and post‑treatment verification.
Begin with inspection. Identify all harborages: mattress seams, box‑spring cavities, bed frames, upholstered furniture, baseboards, electrical outlets, and cracks in walls. Use a flashlight and a fine‑toothed comb to confirm presence of live insects, exuviae, or fecal spots. Mark each location with removable tape to ensure coverage.
Prepare the environment. Remove all bedding, curtains, and linens; launder at ≥ 60 °C or seal in plastic bags for 72 hours. Vacuum carpets, upholstery, and floor seams; discard vacuum bags in sealed containers. Seal food, dishes, and personal items in airtight bags. Close windows and doors to limit airflow during application.
Select an appropriate product. Choose a registered residual aerosol or fogger containing pyrethroids, neonicotinoids, or insect growth regulators, formulated for indoor use against bedbugs. Verify label instructions for concentration, safety precautions, and required personal protective equipment (PPE).
Apply the insecticide. Wear PPE, including respirator, gloves, and goggles. For aerosol sprays, hold the can 12–18 inches from surfaces; apply a fine, even mist to all identified harborages, ensuring saturation of seams and crevices. For foggers, position the device centrally in the room, activate, and vacate the premises for the full exposure period indicated on the label (typically 2–4 hours). Avoid overspraying to prevent residue buildup.
Ventilate after exposure. Open windows and use fans to circulate fresh air for at least 30 minutes. Wipe down treated surfaces with a damp cloth if the label permits, then allow them to dry completely before re‑introducing items.
Conduct follow‑up monitoring. Place interceptor traps beneath each leg of the bed and in adjacent furniture. Inspect traps weekly for at least four weeks. If activity persists, repeat treatment targeting missed harborages, or consider professional heat treatment as a complementary method.
Maintain preventive measures. Encase mattresses and box springs in certified encasements, reduce clutter, and schedule periodic inspections. Continuous vigilance limits reinfestation and prolongs the efficacy of the initial spray.