If bedbugs did not disappear after treatment, what should be done? - briefly
Re‑apply an effective control method—such as a different insecticide, heat treatment, or professional fumigation—while thoroughly inspecting, vacuuming, and sealing all potential harborages; follow up with repeated monitoring to confirm eradication.
If bedbugs did not disappear after treatment, what should be done? - in detail
Persistence of the insects after an initial application signals that the first approach was insufficient. Verify that the correct species was targeted; misidentification can render any pesticide ineffective. Conduct a systematic inspection of all sleeping areas, furniture, wall voids, and cracks, using a magnifying lens and a flashlight. Mark every confirmed harbor and note the level of activity.
If the infestation is localized, retreat the affected zones with a product that contains a different active ingredient, following label directions precisely. Rotate chemicals to avoid resistance buildup. Apply the solution to both the surface and the hidden crevices where the pests reside.
When the problem spreads across multiple rooms or the retreat fails, adopt an integrated strategy:
- Remove clutter that provides shelter; discard infested items or subject them to a high‑temperature wash (≥ 50 °C) or a freezer (≤ ‑18 °C) for at least four days.
- Encase mattresses, box springs, and pillows in certified encasements; leave them on for at least one year to trap survivors.
- Use a professional‑grade heat treatment, raising room temperature to 50–55 °C for a minimum of four hours; heat penetrates voids that chemicals cannot reach.
- Deploy residual insecticide sprays or dusts in wall voids, baseboards, and under furniture, respecting safety intervals before re‑occupying the space.
- Install passive monitoring devices such as interceptors under bed legs; review them weekly to assess ongoing activity.
If these measures do not reduce the population within two to three weeks, enlist a licensed exterminator. Professionals can combine chemical, heat, and vapor treatments, and they possess equipment for thorough detection, such as canine units or specialized traps. Request a written eradication plan that includes a schedule for follow‑up inspections and documentation of each intervention.
Maintain vigilance after the final treatment. Conduct weekly visual checks, replace interceptors monthly, and keep bedding and clothing off the floor. Promptly address any resurgence to prevent a full‑scale re‑infestation.