What should be done if bedbugs appear in an apartment, in a sofa? - briefly
Contact a licensed pest‑control professional immediately, isolate the sofa by moving it away from sleeping areas and launder all bedding and clothing in hot water. Treat the furniture with approved insecticide or, if infestation is severe, arrange for its removal and proper disposal.
What should be done if bedbugs appear in an apartment, in a sofa? - in detail
When bedbugs are discovered in a dwelling, immediate containment is essential. Begin by confirming the infestation: examine seams, folds, and stitching of upholstered furniture; look for live insects, shed skins, and dark spotting on fabric. Isolate the affected sofa by moving it away from walls and other furniture, and cover it with a sealed plastic sheet to limit dispersal.
Next, remove all removable covers, cushions, and removable fabric components. Place each item in a heavy‑duty garbage bag, seal tightly, and wash at the highest temperature the material tolerates (≥ 60 °C). For items that cannot be laundered, place in a freezer set to –18 °C for at least four days to kill all life stages.
After removal, treat the sofa frame and internal cavities. Apply a residual insecticide labeled for bedbug control, following label directions precisely. Use a spray nozzle to reach seams, joints, and crevices. Allow the product to dry completely before re‑assembling any components.
Simultaneously, address the surrounding environment. Vacuum all floors, carpets, and adjacent upholstery thoroughly; discard the vacuum bag or empty the canister into a sealed container. Steam‑clean surfaces where heat can reach 100 °C for a minimum of ten minutes, concentrating on cracks, baseboards, and mattress edges.
If the infestation persists after these measures, enlist a licensed pest‑management professional. Professionals can perform heat treatment (raising ambient temperature to 50 °C for several hours) or apply advanced chemical formulations unavailable to consumers. Their expertise also includes monitoring for re‑infestation and providing a documented eradication plan.
Finally, implement preventive steps to avoid recurrence. Encase remaining furniture in bedbug‑proof covers, reduce clutter that offers hiding places, and inspect any second‑hand items before introducing them into the home. Regularly examine high‑risk areas—especially seams of upholstered pieces—to detect early signs of activity.