What should be done if bedbugs are in a toilet? - briefly
Cover the bowl with a disposable liner and clean it thoroughly using hot water and detergent. Then contact a licensed pest‑control service to inspect and treat the infestation.
What should be done if bedbugs are in a toilet? - in detail
If bedbugs appear in the bathroom’s toilet, immediate action is required to prevent spreading.
First, isolate the area. Close the bathroom door and seal any vents or cracks that could allow insects to move to adjacent rooms.
Next, eliminate the insects present in the bowl and surrounding surfaces:
- Flush the toilet several times with hot water; add a cup of bleach to the tank and let it sit for 15 minutes before flushing again.
- Scrub the rim, seat, and exterior with a solution of 1 part bleach to 10 parts water, using a disposable brush.
- Dispose of the brush and any cleaning cloths in a sealed plastic bag, then place the bag in an outdoor trash container.
After cleaning, treat the surrounding environment to eradicate hidden specimens:
- Vacuum the entire bathroom, focusing on cracks, grout lines, and behind the toilet base. Empty the vacuum canister into a sealed bag and discard it outside.
- Apply a residual insecticide labeled for bedbugs to baseboards, under the toilet, and any crevices. Follow label directions for concentration and safety.
- Place interceptors or sticky traps beneath the toilet legs to monitor any remaining activity.
Finally, address the source of the infestation:
- Inspect bedding, furniture, and clothing in nearby rooms for signs of bedbugs.
- Wash all fabrics in the affected area at 60 °C (140 °F) or higher; dry on the highest heat setting.
- Consider professional pest‑control services if multiple rooms show evidence of infestation or if DIY measures fail to reduce the population within a week.
Maintain regular sanitation: clean the toilet weekly with hot water and bleach, keep the bathroom dry, and periodically check traps for new activity. Prompt, thorough measures limit the risk of a larger outbreak.