What should I do if I cannot get rid of bed bugs? - briefly
Seek licensed pest‑control services for a comprehensive chemical and heat treatment, and follow their guidance on isolating infested items, laundering fabrics at high temperatures, and sealing belongings in airtight containers. Simultaneously inspect neighboring units and report the problem to property management or local health authorities to prevent re‑infestation.
What should I do if I cannot get rid of bed bugs? - in detail
If repeated attempts to eliminate bed‑bug infestations prove ineffective, follow a systematic approach that combines thorough inspection, targeted treatments, and preventive measures.
Begin with a comprehensive survey of all sleeping areas, furniture, and surrounding walls. Use a flashlight and a fine‑toothed comb to locate live insects, shed skins, and dark‑brown spots (fecal stains). Mark each infested location to guide subsequent actions.
Apply a multi‑modal treatment plan:
- Professional heat treatment: Raise room temperature to 50 °C (122 °F) for at least four hours. Heat penetrates cracks and voids where insects hide, achieving complete mortality without chemicals.
- Chemical applications: Deploy EPA‑registered insecticides labeled for bed‑bug control. Rotate products with different active ingredients (e.g., pyrethroids, neonicotinoids, desiccants) to prevent resistance. Apply to baseboards, mattress seams, and crevices according to label directions.
- Encasements: Install zippered, bed‑bug‑proof covers on mattresses and box springs. Keep covers on for a minimum of one year to trap any remaining bugs and their eggs.
- Steam cleaning: Use a handheld steamer delivering at least 100 °C (212 °F) to treat upholstered furniture, curtains, and luggage. Steam kills bugs on contact and loosens eggs.
- Vacuuming: Employ a vacuum with a HEPA filter. Immediately empty the canister into a sealed bag and discard outdoors. Vacuuming reduces population size and removes debris that shelters bugs.
- Clutter reduction: Remove or seal items stored under beds and in closets. Dispose of heavily infested belongings in sealed plastic bags.
After treatment, implement a monitoring phase:
- Place interceptor cups beneath each leg of the bed. Check cups weekly; replace traps when necessary.
- Re‑inspect all previously marked sites every 7–10 days for new activity.
- Continue using encasements and maintain low humidity levels, as dry environments deter reproduction.
If infestations persist despite these measures, consider additional steps:
- Engage a licensed pest‑control contractor with specialized bed‑bug certification.
- Request a written treatment plan, including follow‑up visits and guarantees.
- Explore legal recourse if the problem originated from a rental property or hotel; document evidence and consult local housing authorities.
By adhering to this structured protocol, the likelihood of complete eradication increases markedly, even when earlier efforts have failed.