We brought bedbugs home, what should we do? - briefly
Immediately isolate the infested area, launder all bedding and clothing on high heat, vacuum and discard the vacuum bag, seal any clutter in plastic, and contact a licensed pest‑control service for treatment.
We brought bedbugs home, what should we do? - in detail
If bedbugs have entered your living space unintentionally, immediate containment and eradication are essential. Follow these actions in order:
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Identify all infested zones: Inspect mattresses, box springs, bed frames, headboards, furniture seams, baseboards, and cracks in walls. Use a flashlight and a magnifying glass to locate live insects, shed skins, or dark spots (fecal stains).
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Isolate the bedroom: Seal the door with a heavy-duty towel or a draft stopper. Keep clothing and personal items inside a sealed plastic bag to prevent spread.
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Launder textiles: Remove bedding, curtains, and clothing. Wash on the hottest cycle the fabric can tolerate (≥ 60 °C) and dry on high heat for at least 30 minutes. For items that cannot be laundered, place them in a freezer at –18 °C for a minimum of four days.
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Vacuum thoroughly: Use a vacuum equipped with a HEPA filter. Cover all surfaces, focusing on seams, folds, and crevices. Immediately empty the canister into a sealed bag and discard it outside the home.
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Treat infested items: Apply a registered insecticide labeled for bedbugs to cracks, baseboards, and the underside of furniture. Follow label directions precisely, wearing protective gloves and a mask.
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Encase mattresses and box springs: Install zippered encasements designed for bedbugs. Keep them on for at least one year to ensure any hidden insects die.
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Monitor with traps: Place interceptors under each bed leg and sticky traps near suspected hiding spots. Check daily and record captures.
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Consider professional assistance: If the infestation covers more than a single room or persists after initial treatment, contact a licensed pest‑control operator. They can apply heat treatment, fumigation, or advanced chemical methods unavailable to consumers.
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Prevent re‑introduction: Inspect second‑hand furniture before bringing it inside, wash travel luggage after trips, and avoid placing clothing on the floor in hotels or dormitories.
Executing these steps promptly reduces population size, limits migration to other areas, and increases the likelihood of complete eradication.