What should I do if there are bed bugs in the house? - briefly
If you discover bed bugs in your residence, immediately isolate and launder all bedding and clothing on high heat, seal infested items in plastic bags, and thoroughly vacuum cracks, seams, and furniture. Then contact a licensed pest‑control service for a professional inspection and treatment plan.
What should I do if there are bed bugs in the house? - in detail
If you discover bed‑bug activity, begin with a thorough inspection. Examine seams of mattresses, box springs, headboards, nightstands, and cracks in walls or flooring. Use a flashlight and a fine‑toothed comb to spot live insects, dark‑colored shed skins, or tiny rust‑colored spots of feces. Document the locations for later reference.
- Isolate the infested area. Remove bedding, curtains, and clothing; place each item in a sealed plastic bag to prevent spreading.
- Wash all washable fabrics in hot water (minimum 120 °F/49 °C) and dry on the highest heat setting for at least 30 minutes. For non‑washable items, consider professional dry‑cleaning or heat‑treatment in a dryer.
- Vacuum floors, carpets, upholstered furniture, and crevices with a HEPA‑rated vacuum. Immediately discard the vacuum bag or empty the canister into a sealed bag and dispose of it outside the home.
- Apply a suitable insecticide labeled for bed‑bug control to cracks, baseboards, and voids. Follow label instructions precisely; over‑application can cause resistance or health hazards.
- Deploy interceptors under each leg of the bed frame and furniture. The devices capture crawling insects, allowing ongoing monitoring of population levels.
- Consider encasing mattresses and box springs in certified, zippered covers designed to trap bugs inside and deny new access.
- Schedule a second thorough inspection after 7–10 days. Repeat vacuuming, laundering, and targeted insecticide applications as needed until no live bugs or evidence remain.
- If infestation persists despite diligent effort, contact a licensed pest‑management professional. Request an integrated pest‑management plan that combines chemical, heat, and mechanical controls.
Maintain preventive habits: keep clutter to a minimum, seal cracks in walls and baseboards, and inspect second‑hand furniture before bringing it indoors. Regularly wash bedding and use protective encasements to reduce the risk of re‑infestation.