What should I do to quickly get rid of bedbugs in an apartment using home methods? - briefly
Seal and launder all fabrics on the hottest setting, then vacuum seams, cracks, and furniture thoroughly, discarding the vacuum contents immediately. Apply a high‑temperature steam cleaner or a diluted rubbing‑alcohol spray to all suspected hiding spots and repeat the process daily for a week.
What should I do to quickly get rid of bedbugs in an apartment using home methods? - in detail
Treat the infestation as a priority and act immediately. Begin by isolating the affected area. Remove all bedding, curtains, and clothing; place them in sealed plastic bags and wash at the hottest temperature the fabric tolerates (≥ 60 °C) for at least 30 minutes, then dry on high heat. Items that cannot be laundered should be placed in a freezer at –18 °C for a minimum of four days.
Next, declutter the space. Dispose of unnecessary cardboard, paper piles, and fabric scraps where insects can hide. Vacuum every surface—mattress seams, box‑spring frames, upholstered furniture, floor cracks, and baseboards—using a brush attachment. After each pass, immediately empty the vacuum canister into a sealed bag and discard it outside the building.
Apply a series of non‑chemical treatments:
- Steam – Use a commercial‑grade steamer (≥ 100 °C) on mattresses, sofa cushions, and hard‑to‑reach cracks. Steam for at least 10 seconds per spot; the heat kills all life stages.
- Diatomaceous earth – Lightly dust food‑grade diatomaceous earth along baseboards, under furniture, and in crevices. Reapply after cleaning or when it becomes damp.
- Isopropyl alcohol – Spray a 70 % solution directly onto visible bugs and their hiding places. Alcohol evaporates quickly, delivering a lethal dose on contact.
Seal all entry points. Install or replace weather‑stripping on doors, close gaps around windows, and use caulk to fill cracks in walls or flooring. Cover mattress and box‑spring with encasements designed to trap bedbugs; leave them on for at least three months.
Maintain vigilance. Conduct daily inspections of seams, folds, and edges using a flashlight. Repeat vacuuming and steaming every 5–7 days for three weeks to intercept any newly hatched insects. Dispose of vacuum bags and cleaning cloths in sealed containers each time.
If the population persists after two weeks of rigorous home treatment, consider contacting a professional exterminator, as larger infestations often require licensed insecticides and specialized equipment.