What should be treated when bedbugs appear? - briefly
Eliminate the insects and any contaminated surfaces, including mattresses, box springs, bedding, and adjacent furniture. Apply professional insecticide treatments and use protective encasements or replace heavily infested fabrics.
What should be treated when bedbugs appear? - in detail
When bedbugs are detected, immediate actions must target the insects, the infested items, and the surrounding environment to prevent recurrence.
First, confirm the presence of bedbugs by inspecting seams of mattresses, box springs, headboards, furniture joints, and cracks in walls. Look for live insects, shed skins, and small dark spots of excrement.
Second, treat the sleeping surfaces. Wash all bedding, curtains, and clothing in water at ≥ 60 °C (140 °F) for at least 30 minutes; dry on high heat. Encase mattresses and box springs in certified, zip‑tight covers that trap any remaining bugs and prevent new ones from entering.
Third, apply appropriate insecticidal measures. Options include:
- Residual sprays approved for indoor use, applied to baseboards, bed frames, and crevices. Follow label instructions regarding concentration and re‑application intervals.
- Dust formulations (e.g., silica gel, diatomaceous earth) placed in voids where sprays cannot reach. Dust remains effective as long as it stays dry.
- Heat treatment using professional equipment to raise room temperature to 50–55 °C (122–131 °F) for a minimum of 90 minutes, killing all life stages.
- Cold treatment for items that can tolerate freezing, exposing them to ≤ ‑20 °C (‑4 °F) for at least 48 hours.
Fourth, eliminate harborages. Vacuum carpets, upholstered furniture, and floor seams thoroughly; discard the vacuum bag or clean the canister immediately. Seal removed debris in plastic bags before disposal.
Fifth, monitor progress. Place sticky traps around the bed and in adjacent rooms to capture any survivors. Conduct weekly inspections for at least six weeks, repeating treatments if activity persists.
Finally, address personal health concerns. Clean bite areas with mild antiseptic; apply topical corticosteroids or antihistamines to reduce itching if needed. Seek medical advice for severe reactions or secondary infections.
Coordinating these steps—verification, laundering, chemical or thermal eradication, habitat removal, ongoing surveillance, and medical care—provides a comprehensive response to a bedbug infestation.