What are bed bugs afraid of in an apartment and how to get rid of them? - briefly
Bed bugs are repelled by extreme heat, freezing temperatures, low‑humidity environments, and contact with diatomaceous earth or approved insecticides. Effective eradication combines thorough heat or cold treatment, precise pesticide application, regular vacuuming, and the use of mattress encasements to eliminate the infestation.
What are bed bugs afraid of in an apartment and how to get rid of them? - in detail
Bed bugs retreat from temperatures above 45 °C (113 °F) and below –10 °C (14 °F); exposure to either extreme kills them quickly. Direct sunlight and high‑intensity UV light also cause rapid desiccation, forcing the insects to hide in deeper cracks. Certain natural compounds—such as diatomaceous earth, silica aerogel, and essential oils containing geraniol or tea‑tree terpene—disrupt the waxy cuticle, leading to dehydration. Predatory insects (e.g., certain ant species) and fungal pathogens (e.g., Beauveria bassiana) act as biological deterrents, reducing bed‑bug populations when they establish in the environment.
Effective eradication combines physical, chemical, and preventive actions:
- Heat treatment: Raise room temperature to 50–55 °C for 90 minutes, ensuring all furniture, bedding, and wall voids reach target heat.
- Steam application: Use a portable steamer delivering steam above 100 °C for at least 30 seconds on seams, mattress tags, and baseboard cracks.
- Vacuuming: Employ a HEPA‑rated vacuum on mattresses, box springs, and floor surfaces; immediately seal the bag and discard.
- Encasements: Install zippered, bed‑bug‑proof covers on mattresses and box springs; keep them on for a minimum of one year.
- Interceptors: Place slip‑under traps on each leg of the bed; monitor and replace weekly to capture wandering insects.
- Insecticide sprays: Apply EPA‑registered products containing pyrethroids, neonicotinoids, or desiccant dusts to cracks, crevices, and baseboards; follow label directions precisely.
- Diatomaceous earth: Lightly dust infested zones; reapply after cleaning or moisture exposure.
- Professional pest control: Request integrated pest management, which may include whole‑room heat chambers, targeted fumigation, or advanced insect growth regulators.
Prevention hinges on reducing harborages: declutter rooms, seal baseboard gaps, repair wall cracks, and wash bedding at 60 °C weekly. Regular inspection of seams, headboards, and luggage after travel helps catch re‑infestations before they spread. Combining the above tactics creates a hostile environment that eliminates the insects and prevents resurgence.