What should be applied to treat bedbugs? - briefly
Apply a licensed insecticide containing pyrethroids or neonicotinoids, then use heat treatment to eradicate all life stages. Combine chemical control with mattress encasements and frequent laundering to prevent reinfestation.
What should be applied to treat bedbugs? - in detail
Effective control of bed‑bug infestations requires a combination of chemical and non‑chemical measures applied systematically.
First, eliminate harborages. Reduce clutter, launder all bedding and clothing at temperatures above 60 °C, and vacuum mattresses, box springs, and surrounding furniture. Dispose of vacuum bags in sealed plastic and discard infested items when possible.
Second, apply insecticidal treatments. Use products registered for bed‑bug control, such as pyrethroid‑based sprays, desiccant dusts (silica gel, diatomaceous earth), and neonicotinoid‑containing aerosols. Follow label instructions regarding dosage, contact time, and re‑application intervals. Rotate active ingredients to mitigate resistance development.
Third, integrate heat or cold methods. Expose infested objects to temperatures exceeding 50 °C for at least 30 minutes, or to freezing conditions below –17 °C for a minimum of four days. Portable heating units can treat entire rooms when professional equipment is unavailable.
Fourth, consider professional pest‑management services. Certified technicians can perform thorough inspections, apply residual treatments, and monitor populations with detection devices (interceptors, sticky traps).
Finally, maintain ongoing surveillance. Place interceptor cups under each leg of the bed, inspect seams and crevices weekly, and repeat the entire protocol until no live insects are detected for at least two consecutive months.
Adhering to this layered approach maximizes eradication success and reduces the likelihood of re‑infestation.