What can be done against bedbugs? - briefly
Effective control relies on thorough cleaning, laundering infested fabrics at ≥ 60 °C, applying EPA‑registered insecticides, using mattress encasements, and, when needed, professional heat or fumigation treatments.
What can be done against bedbugs? - in detail
Bedbugs thrive in cracks, seams, and fabric folds, making early detection essential. Inspect mattress edges, headboards, and box springs for live insects, dark‑brown exoskeletons, or tiny rust‑colored spots. Use a bright flashlight and a magnifying lens to examine seams and folds daily after travel or when new furniture arrives.
Preventive actions focus on reducing harborage and limiting transport. Wash all bedding, curtains, and clothing at 60 °C (140 °F) for at least 30 minutes; tumble‑dry on high heat for 20 minutes. Store items that cannot be laundered in sealed plastic containers or zip‑lock bags. Vacuum carpets, upholstered furniture, and floor joints thoroughly, discarding the vacuum bag or cleaning the canister immediately. Apply double‑sided tape or sticky traps around bed legs and furniture legs to monitor activity.
Chemical interventions include residual insecticides, aerosols, and dusts. Choose products labeled for bedbug control, following label directions for concentration and application sites. Apply spray to mattress seams, bed frames, baseboards, and behind wall outlets, avoiding direct contact with skin. Use silica‑based dust in voids and cracks where insects hide; the dust adheres to the cuticle and desiccates the bug. Rotate active ingredients to prevent resistance buildup.
Non‑chemical tactics complement chemicals and reduce reliance on toxic substances. Heat treatment raises ambient temperature to 50 °C (122 °F) for a minimum of 90 minutes, killing all life stages. Professional steamers deliver 100 °C (212 °F) steam directly to crevices. Cold treatment involves freezing infested items at –18 °C (0 °F) for at least four days, effective for small articles.
When infestation severity exceeds a few dozen insects, enlist a licensed pest‑management professional. Experts conduct thorough inspections, map infestation zones, and integrate multiple control methods—heat, fumigation, and targeted chemicals—to achieve eradication. Request a written work plan, safety data sheets for all chemicals used, and a post‑treatment monitoring schedule.
After treatment, maintain vigilance. Conduct weekly visual checks for several months, re‑vacuum high‑traffic areas, and replace or rotate mattress encasements annually. Limit secondhand furniture acquisition; if necessary, treat items before placement. Consistent monitoring and prompt response to any resurgence prevent re‑infestation and protect occupants’ health.