What home remedy can be used to eradicate bed bugs in an apartment? - briefly
Mix equal parts distilled white vinegar and hot water, spray the solution onto mattress seams, baseboard cracks, and other hiding spots, then vacuum and follow with a steam treatment. Repeat the process weekly until no insects are detected.
What home remedy can be used to eradicate bed bugs in an apartment? - in detail
A practical, non‑chemical approach for eliminating bed‑bug infestations in a rental unit relies on high temperature and physical removal. The method consists of three coordinated actions: thorough laundering, targeted steam treatment, and the application of diatomaceous earth.
First, strip all bedding, curtains, and removable fabrics. Wash each item in water that reaches at least 60 °C (140 °F) and dry on the highest heat setting for a minimum of 30 minutes. Heat penetrates the insects’ exoskeleton, causing rapid mortality, while the drying cycle kills eggs that may have survived washing.
Second, employ a commercial-grade steamer capable of producing steam at 100 °C (212 °F). Move the nozzle slowly over seams, mattress edges, headboards, baseboards, and any cracks where insects hide. Maintain steam contact for at least 10 seconds per spot to ensure lethal temperatures reach both adults and nymphs. Pay special attention to folds in upholstery and the interior of furniture frames.
Third, after steam treatment, spread a thin layer of food‑grade diatomaceous earth (DE) around perimeter baseboards, under bed legs, and in any crevices uncovered by steam. DE’s abrasive particles abrade the insects’ waxy cuticle, leading to dehydration. Leave the powder in place for 48–72 hours, then vacuum thoroughly, repeating the process weekly for two weeks to capture newly hatched bugs.
Additional precautions include sealing any openings that allow pest migration, such as gaps around pipes or vents, and isolating infested items in sealed plastic bags for at least two weeks. Avoid using household cleaners that mask the presence of bugs; detection relies on visual inspection of live insects or shed skins.
When executed systematically, the combination of high‑heat laundering, sustained steam exposure, and diatomaceous earth creates an environment unsuitable for bed‑bug survival, offering an effective home‑based solution without resorting to professional pesticide applications.