What should I do to get rid of bedbugs? - briefly
Apply high‑temperature washing, steam, and a certified insecticide («heat», «steam», «insecticide») to all affected surfaces, then encase mattresses and set monitoring traps. Eliminate clutter, seal cracks, and repeat treatments weekly for a minimum of four weeks.
What should I do to get rid of bedbugs? - in detail
Eliminate bedbugs through a systematic approach that combines detection, isolation, treatment, and prevention.
Begin with thorough inspection. Remove bedding and examine seams, folds, and tags for live insects, shed skins, or dark spots. Use a bright flashlight and a magnifying lens to check mattress edges, box springs, headboards, and furniture joints. Document infested zones to direct subsequent actions.
Prepare the environment. Wash all linens, curtains, and clothing in hot water (≥ 60 °C) and dry on high heat for at least 30 minutes. Seal items that cannot be laundered in airtight bags for a minimum of two weeks, depriving pests of food and moisture. Vacuum carpets, upholstery, and cracks, discarding the vacuum bag or cleaning the canister immediately.
Apply non‑chemical methods.
- Encase mattresses and box springs in certified bedbug‑proof covers; keep encasements on for at least one year.
- Deploy steam cleaners set to ≥ 100 °C on furniture, baseboards, and wall voids; maintain steam contact for 20 seconds per spot.
- Place interceptors beneath legs of beds and chairs to trap migrating insects.
Introduce chemical treatments when infestation persists.
- Select a registered insecticide formulated for bedbugs; follow label instructions regarding dilution, application rate, and safety precautions.
- Treat cracks, crevices, and hidden harborage areas with a residual spray, ensuring coverage without overspray.
- Apply aerosol dusts (e.g., silica gel or diatomaceous earth) to voids where liquids cannot reach; repeat after two weeks to address newly hatched nymphs.
Monitor progress. Re‑inspect weekly, focusing on previously affected spots. Continue vacuuming and laundering as needed. If live bugs appear after two treatment cycles, consider professional heat‑treatment services that raise room temperature to 50–55 °C for several hours, guaranteeing mortality across all life stages.
Prevent re‑infestation by maintaining cleanliness, reducing clutter, and sealing gaps around walls, baseboards, and plumbing. Inspect second‑hand furniture before introduction into the home. Regularly rotate and wash bedding, and keep interceptors in place as an early‑warning system.
Following these steps systematically reduces bedbug populations and minimizes the risk of recurrence.