What is used to remove bedbugs from a sofa? - briefly
A professional‑grade, EPA‑registered insecticide labeled for bedbugs can be sprayed onto the sofa to kill the pests, while heat treatment—raising the upholstery to at least 120 °F (49 °C) for several hours—offers a chemical‑free alternative. Both methods are effective when applied according to label instructions or by a licensed exterminator.
What is used to remove bedbugs from a sofa? - in detail
Eliminating bedbugs from upholstered furniture requires a combination of physical removal, chemical treatment, and environmental control.
First, isolate the sofa by moving it away from other furniture and sealing any surrounding cracks or crevices with tape. Use a high‑efficiency vacuum equipped with a HEPA filter to extract live insects, eggs, and shed skins. Empty the canister into a sealed bag and discard it outdoors.
Second, apply a contact insecticide approved for indoor use on fabrics. Products containing pyrethroids, neonicotinoids, or desiccant agents such as silica gel dust are effective. Follow label directions precisely: spray evenly over seams, cushions, and the underside of the frame, allowing the solution to penetrate the upholstery.
Third, employ heat treatment. Bedbugs cannot survive temperatures above 120 °F (49 °C) for more than five minutes. Use a portable steam generator that produces steam at 212 °F (100 °C) and direct it into folds, stitching, and padding for at least ten seconds per spot. After steaming, allow the sofa to dry completely to prevent mold growth.
Fourth, consider applying diatomaceous earth or a synthetic desiccant powder to the sofa’s interior cavities. Lightly dust the material, let it sit for 48 hours, then vacuum thoroughly.
Fifth, encase the sofa in a bedbug‑proof cover designed for furniture. The cover must be sealed with a zipper or tape and left on for a minimum of three weeks to trap any surviving insects.
Finally, monitor the situation with sticky traps placed beneath the legs and schedule a follow‑up inspection after two weeks. If infestations persist, professional pest control services equipped with fumigation or cryonite technology may be necessary.