How were bed bugs traditionally fought in an apartment? - briefly
Historically, residents relied on heat, steam, and insecticidal powders such as pyrethrum or diatomaceous earth to kill bed‑bug populations. They complemented chemical treatments by sealing cracks, decluttering, and laundering all bedding at high temperatures.
How were bed bugs traditionally fought in an apartment? - in detail
Traditional control of bed‑bug infestations in a residential unit relied on a series of physical, chemical, and procedural measures applied sequentially.
A thorough visual inspection identified active sites. Inspectors examined seams of mattresses, box‑spring frames, headboards, baseboards, furniture joints, and wall cracks. Infested items were isolated, labeled, and removed from the living space.
Physical actions included:
- Laundering: All bedding, curtains, and removable fabrics were washed at the highest temperature the material could tolerate (≥ 60 °C) for at least 30 minutes, then dried on high heat. Heat kills all life stages.
- Steam treatment: Portable steam generators delivered saturated steam (≥ 100 °C) directly onto seams, crevices, and upholstery. The short exposure time (5–10 seconds) was sufficient to penetrate eggs and nymphs.
- Vacuuming: Heavy‑duty shop vacuums removed live insects and shed skins from mattresses, carpet edges, and floorboards. Vacuum bags were sealed and discarded outdoors.
- Freezing: Small items that could not be laundered were placed in a freezer at –18 °C for a minimum of 72 hours, a temperature that halts development and kills all stages.
- Encasement: Mattress and box‑spring covers made of tightly woven, zippered fabric were installed to trap any remaining bugs and prevent re‑infestation.
Chemical interventions, used after the above steps, focused on contact insecticides available before modern synthetic formulations:
- Organochlorine sprays (e.g., DDT): Applied to cracks, baseboards, and furniture frames. Sprays were left to dry, then rooms were ventilated for several hours.
- Pyrethrin‑based powders: Dusted into seams and crevices where liquid spray could not reach. Powder adhered to insects on contact.
- Insecticidal foggers: Aerosol cans released a fine mist that settled on surfaces. Fogging required sealing the apartment, evacuating occupants for several hours, and thorough airing afterward.
Structural measures reduced harborages:
- Cracks in walls, baseboards, and floor joints were filled with cement or caulk.
- Wall hangings and picture frames were removed, cleaned, and re‑hung only after treatment.
- Clutter was minimized to eliminate hiding places.
Final verification involved a second inspection after a two‑week dormancy period. Any residual activity prompted repeat of the most effective steps—typically steam and targeted insecticide application—until no live insects were observed.