How to survive bed bugs at home? - briefly
Inspect bedding and furniture, seal infested items in plastic bags, apply a certified insecticide or heat treatment, wash all linens at 60 °C, and vacuum seams daily. Continue monitoring and repeat the process until no insects are observed.
How to survive bed bugs at home? - in detail
Bed‑bug infestations demand swift identification, containment, and eradication. Early signs include small reddish‑brown spots on sheets, live insects in seams of mattresses, and itchy welts after sleep. Conduct a thorough inspection of the sleeping area, focusing on mattress edges, box‑spring folds, headboards, and nearby furniture. Use a bright flashlight and a fine‑toothed comb to dislodge hidden bugs.
- Remove all bedding, curtains, and clothing from the affected zone. Wash at temperatures of at least 60 °C (140 °F) for 30 minutes; dry on high heat for a minimum of 20 minutes. Items that cannot be laundered should be sealed in airtight plastic bags for two weeks to starve the insects.
- Vacuum carpets, floorboards, and upholstered surfaces meticulously, paying special attention to cracks and crevices. Empty the vacuum container into a sealed bag and discard it outdoors.
- Apply a high‑temperature steam treatment (above 50 °C/122 °F) to mattresses, box springs, and furniture frames. Steam penetrates seams where chemicals cannot reach and kills all life stages on contact.
- Deploy approved insecticidal dusts or sprays on voids, baseboards, and behind wall panels. Follow label instructions regarding concentration, exposure time, and re‑application intervals. Limit use in areas where children or pets sleep.
- Install interceptors under each bed leg to capture climbing bugs and monitor population levels. Replace interceptors weekly and record catches to assess treatment effectiveness.
- Seal all cracks, gaps, and openings in walls, floors, and around plumbing fixtures with caulk or expanding foam. Reduce harborage opportunities and prevent migration between rooms.
- If infestation persists after two treatment cycles, engage a licensed pest‑control professional. Specialized heat‑treatment chambers or fumigation may be required for severe cases.
Maintain vigilance by conducting monthly visual checks and rotating interceptor traps. Regular laundering of bedding, prompt disposal of clutter, and consistent sealing of entry points form the core of long‑term protection against re‑infestation.