What should be done if bedbugs are present in an apartment, and how can they be eliminated at home? - briefly
Inspect and isolate the infestation, then apply heat or steam treatment, wash all fabrics at ≥60 °C, vacuum thoroughly, and seal cracks or crevices. Monitor with traps and repeat the process until no bedbugs are detected.
What should be done if bedbugs are present in an apartment, and how can they be eliminated at home? - in detail
If an infestation is discovered in a dwelling, immediate containment and eradication are essential. Begin by isolating the affected rooms: seal doors with plastic sheeting, close vents, and keep clothing and bedding inside sealed bags to prevent spread.
Inspect all furniture, seams of mattresses, box springs, headboards, and upholstered chairs. Use a bright flashlight and a fine-toothed comb to locate live insects, shed skins, and dark spots of excrement. Mark each detection point with a label for later reference.
Implement a thorough cleaning regimen:
- Remove all linens, curtains, and removable fabric covers; launder on the hottest cycle the material tolerates (minimum 60 °C/140 °F) and dry on high heat for at least 30 minutes.
- Vacuum carpets, floorboards, and upholstery slowly, pressing the nozzle into cracks and crevices. Empty the vacuum canister into a sealed bag and discard it outdoors.
- Steam‑treat surfaces that can withstand temperatures above 50 °C (122 °F) for a minimum of 10 minutes; steam penetrates fabric and eliminates hidden stages.
- Apply a certified residual insecticide spray or dust to baseboards, bed frames, and hidden voids. Follow the product label for dosage, safety precautions, and re‑application intervals.
For items that cannot be heat‑treated or washed, consider:
- Encasing mattresses and box springs in zippered, bedbug‑proof covers; leave the encasement on for at least 12 months to ensure any survivors die.
- Freezing small objects (e.g., books, electronics) at –18 °C (0 °F) for a minimum of four days.
- Disposing of heavily infested furniture that cannot be salvaged.
Monitor progress by placing sticky traps near suspected harborage zones and checking them weekly. Repeat inspections and treatments for 2–3 months, as bedbug life cycles can extend up to 12 weeks. If recurring activity persists despite diligent home measures, enlist a licensed pest‑control professional for integrated pest‑management services, which may include advanced heat treatments, fumigation, or specialized chemical applications.