What should be done if you have bed bugs? - briefly
Inspect and isolate all affected fabrics, wash them at ≥60 °C, vacuum seams and cracks, apply a registered bed‑bug insecticide according to label directions, and contact a licensed pest‑control professional for thorough treatment.
What should be done if you have bed bugs? - in detail
If bed bugs are confirmed, begin with a thorough inspection. Identify all infested areas by checking seams, folds, and crevices of mattresses, box springs, headboards, bed frames, nightstands, and upholstered furniture. Use a flashlight and a magnifying glass to locate live insects, shed skins, and dark spotting.
Next, isolate the sleeping environment. Remove bedding, blankets, and clothing and place them in sealed plastic bags. Wash fabrics in hot water (minimum 120 °F/49 °C) and dry on the highest heat setting for at least 30 minutes. For items that cannot be laundered, seal them in airtight containers for several weeks to starve the insects.
Proceed with mechanical removal. Vacuum carpets, floors, and upholstered surfaces meticulously, focusing on seams and cracks. Empty the vacuum canister into a sealed bag and discard it outside the home. Steam‑clean mattresses, curtains, and furniture using a steamer that reaches 212 °F/100 °C; steam penetrates hiding places and kills all life stages on contact.
Apply chemical treatments only after the area is cleaned and dried. Use EPA‑registered bed‑bug insecticides, following label directions precisely. Target cracks, baseboards, and voids where insects hide. For resistant infestations, consider an insect growth regulator (IGR) to disrupt development.
Engage a licensed pest‑control professional for severe or persistent cases. Professionals can perform heat‑treatment (raising interior temperatures to 130 °F/54 °C for several hours) or fumigation, both proven to eradicate entire colonies.
Finally, implement preventive measures. Encase mattresses and box springs in zippered protective covers rated for bed‑bug protection. Reduce clutter to eliminate hiding spots. Regularly inspect travel luggage and second‑hand furniture before introducing them into the home. Maintain a schedule of routine inspections to detect re‑infestations early.