What should be done with bedbugs? - briefly
Apply integrated pest management: confirm the presence, isolate the area, eradicate insects with heat treatment or approved insecticides, then prevent recurrence by sealing cracks, reducing clutter, and regularly washing bedding at high temperatures.
What should be done with bedbugs? - in detail
Bedbugs require prompt, systematic response to eliminate the infestation and prevent recurrence.
When the insects are first noticed, isolate the affected area. Remove bedding, clothing, and linens; place them in sealed plastic bags and launder at temperatures above 60 °C (140 °F) for at least 30 minutes. Vacuum mattresses, box springs, and surrounding furniture, discarding the vacuum bag or emptying the canister into a sealed container.
Conduct a thorough inspection of all sleeping surfaces, seams, and cracks. Use a flashlight and a magnifying lens to locate live insects, shed skins, and fecal spots. Mark each positive site with a colored sticker to track treatment coverage.
Select an appropriate control method:
- Chemical treatments: Apply EPA‑registered insecticides labeled for bedbug control to crevices, baseboards, and mattress seams. Follow label directions regarding concentration, contact time, and personal protective equipment.
- Heat treatment: Raise ambient temperature of the infested space to 50 °C (122 °F) for a minimum of 90 minutes, ensuring uniform heat distribution with calibrated sensors.
- Cold treatment: Expose infested items to –18 °C (0 °F) for at least 4 days when heat is impractical.
- Encasement: Install bedbug‑proof mattress and box‑spring covers that seal all openings, trapping any remaining insects inside.
After treatment, monitor the area for at least four weeks. Place passive traps under legs of beds and furniture; inspect weekly for new activity. Repeat vacuuming and laundering as needed.
Prevent future infestations by maintaining clutter‑free rooms, sealing cracks in walls and flooring, and inspecting secondhand furniture before introduction. Regularly wash bedding at high temperatures and use protective encasements on all sleeping surfaces.