If there are bedbugs in the house, how to get rid of them? - briefly
Thoroughly clean, vacuum, and launder all fabrics at ≥60 °C, then treat the area with a registered insecticide or arrange professional heat extermination. Seal cracks and use interceptors to monitor and prevent re‑infestation.
If there are bedbugs in the house, how to get rid of them? - in detail
Bedbug infestation requires systematic elimination. Begin with a thorough inspection: examine seams of mattresses, box springs, headboards, nightstands, baseboards, and electrical outlets. Use a flashlight and a magnifying lens to locate live insects, shed skins, or dark spots of excrement.
After confirming presence, remove all bedding, curtains, and clothing that can be laundered. Wash items in hot water (minimum 60 °C) and tumble‑dry on high heat for at least 30 minutes; heat kills all life stages. For items that cannot be washed, place them in sealed plastic bags for several months, as bedbugs cannot survive without a blood meal beyond that period.
Treat the environment with a combination of mechanical and chemical methods:
- Vacuum every crack, crevice, and upholstered surface; immediately empty the canister into a sealed bag and discard it outdoors.
- Apply a licensed insecticide formulated for bedbugs to cracks, baseboards, and the undersides of furniture. Follow label instructions regarding concentration, application frequency, and safety precautions.
- Use silica‑based dust or diatomaceous earth in voids where insects hide; these desiccants cause dehydration.
- Install encasements on mattresses and box springs that are certified to be impermeable to bedbugs; keep them on for at least one year.
If the infestation persists after two treatment cycles, engage a professional pest‑control service. Experts can deploy heat‑treatment units that raise room temperature to 50–55 °C for several hours, ensuring penetration into hidden areas. They may also use targeted pesticide applications that are not available to the public.
Maintain vigilance for at least six months following eradication. Conduct monthly inspections, repeat vacuuming, and avoid reintroducing secondhand furniture without thorough examination. Seal cracks in walls and floors, reduce clutter, and keep bedding elevated from the floor to limit potential harborage sites.