What should be done at home if bedbugs have infested a sofa? - briefly
Isolate the couch, vacuum all seams and crevices, then apply a labeled bed‑bug spray or steam‑treat the fabric, and wash removable covers in water above 120 °F. Repeat the process after a week and inspect regularly to confirm elimination.
What should be done at home if bedbugs have infested a sofa? - in detail
If a sofa shows signs of bedbug activity, immediate and systematic action is required to eradicate the pests and prevent spread.
First, isolate the affected furniture. Move the sofa away from walls and other upholstered items, and cover it with a sealed plastic sheet to contain insects during treatment.
Next, remove all removable fabrics—cushion covers, slipcovers, and blankets. Wash each item in hot water (minimum 60 °C / 140 °F) and dry on the highest heat setting for at least 30 minutes. Heat kills all life stages of the insect.
Thoroughly vacuum every surface of the sofa, including seams, folds, and crevices. Use a brush attachment to dislodge hidden bugs and eggs. Immediately empty the vacuum canister into a sealed bag and discard it outdoors.
Apply a professional‑grade, residual insecticide labeled for indoor use on furniture. Spray the product according to label directions, focusing on stitching, corners, and undersides. Allow the treated area to dry completely before any further handling.
Steam treatment provides an additional kill step. Use a handheld steamer that reaches at least 100 °C (212 °F). Slowly move the steam nozzle over the entire sofa, ensuring the heat penetrates deep into fabric layers and joints. Over‑wetting should be avoided to prevent mold growth.
After chemical and thermal treatments, encase the sofa in a bedbug‑proof cover. The cover must be rated to contain insects for a minimum of 12 months, preventing any survivors from escaping.
Monitor the situation for at least two weeks. Place sticky traps around the sofa legs and along the floor to detect lingering activity. Inspect the traps daily; if captures occur, repeat vacuuming, steaming, and insecticide application.
If infestations persist after two treatment cycles, enlist a licensed pest‑control professional. They can perform targeted fumigation or apply specialized products not available to consumers.
Finally, adopt preventive measures: inspect new furniture before bringing it indoors, keep the home clutter‑free, and regularly wash bedding and soft furnishings on high heat. Consistent vigilance reduces the risk of re‑infestation.