If bedbugs appear in an apartment, how can I get rid of them at home? - briefly
Vacuum mattresses, furniture, and all cracks, then wash bedding and clothing in water at least 60 °C and tumble‑dry on high heat. Apply a certified insecticide spray or steam treatment, and seal the mattress in a bedbug‑proof cover for several weeks.
If bedbugs appear in an apartment, how can I get rid of them at home? - in detail
Bedbug infestations require a systematic approach that combines thorough inspection, targeted treatment, and preventive measures.
The first step is to confirm the presence of insects. Examine seams of mattresses, box springs, headboards, and furniture for live bugs, shed skins, or dark spots (fecal stains). Use a flashlight and a fine‑toothed comb to dislodge hidden specimens.
Once confirmed, isolate the affected area. Remove all bedding and wash at ≥ 60 °C, then dry on high heat for at least 30 minutes. Heat‑sensitive items such as clothing, curtains, and soft toys should undergo the same cycle or be placed in sealed plastic bags and stored in a freezer (− 18 °C) for a minimum of four days.
Apply chemical and non‑chemical controls in a coordinated sequence:
- Vacuum carpets, floor seams, and upholstery; discard the vacuum bag in a sealed container.
- Apply a residual insecticide labeled for bedbug control to cracks, crevices, and baseboards. Follow label directions regarding concentration and safety precautions.
- Deploy silica‑based dust or diatomaceous earth in voids where insects hide; avoid excessive application to prevent inhalation hazards.
- Install interceptors under each leg of the bed and furniture to capture migrating bugs and monitor activity.
- Use a portable steamer (≥ 100 °C) on mattresses, frames, and upholstered surfaces; steam for at least 10 seconds per spot to ensure mortality.
After treatment, maintain a strict cleaning regime. Repeat vacuuming and steaming weekly for at least four weeks, and inspect interceptors regularly. Declutter the living space to reduce hiding places; seal cracks in walls and baseboards with caulk.
If the population persists after two treatment cycles, consider professional heat treatment (≥ 50 °C for 4–6 hours) or consult a licensed pest‑control operator. Continuous monitoring and prompt removal of any newly detected bugs prevent re‑establishment.