There are many bedbugs in the apartment: what should I do? - briefly
Inspect bedding, furniture, and seams, isolate or discard heavily infested items, then treat the area with a certified insecticide or engage a professional pest‑control service. Follow up by washing all washable fabrics in hot water, vacuuming cracks and crevices, and sealing entry points to prevent recurrence.
There are many bedbugs in the apartment: what should I do? - in detail
Bedbug infestations require a systematic response to eliminate the insects and prevent re‑appearance.
First, confirm the presence. Look for live insects, shed skins, or small reddish‑brown spots on bedding, mattress seams, and furniture crevices. Use a flashlight to inspect seams, box springs, headboards, and baseboards.
Next, contain the problem.
- Strip all bedding, curtains, and removable fabric covers.
- Place each item in a sealed plastic bag and transport to a dryer set on high heat for at least 30 minutes; heat kills all life stages.
- Wash any washable fabrics in water above 60 °C (140 °F) and tumble‑dry on the hottest setting.
After cleaning, treat the environment.
- Vacuum every surface, paying special attention to seams, folds, and cracks. Empty the vacuum bag into a sealed container and discard it outdoors.
- Apply a residual insecticide labeled for bedbugs to cracks, crevices, and the underside of furniture. Follow label directions precisely; over‑application can cause resistance or health hazards.
- Use a portable heat‑treatment device or steam cleaner on mattresses, sofa cushions, and upholstery. Steam at 100 °C (212 °F) for a minimum of 10 seconds per spot to ensure penetration.
If the infestation is extensive, professional pest‑control services are advisable. Certified technicians can employ:
- Fumigation with controlled‑release gases that penetrate hidden areas.
- Cryonite or liquid nitrogen treatments that freeze insects instantly.
- Integrated pest‑management plans that combine chemical, physical, and monitoring tactics.
Prevent future incursions by establishing barriers:
- Encase mattresses and box springs in zippered, bedbug‑proof covers.
- Reduce clutter that offers hiding places.
- Seal baseboard gaps, wall cracks, and electrical outlet openings with caulk or expandable foam.
- Inspect second‑hand furniture before introducing it into the home; treat or reject items that show signs of infestation.
Monitor ongoing activity with interceptor traps placed under each leg of the bed. Replace traps weekly and record any captures to assess treatment effectiveness.
Consistent application of these steps, combined with vigilant housekeeping, will eradicate the current outbreak and minimize the risk of recurrence.