What should I do with house bedbugs? - briefly
Inspect all rooms, isolate infested items, and apply a proven insecticide or heat treatment; then wash bedding and clothing at high temperatures, vacuum thoroughly, and seal disposed materials in sealed bags. Contact a licensed pest‑control professional for confirmation and follow‑up monitoring.
What should I do with house bedbugs? - in detail
Bedbugs in a residence require immediate, systematic action to eradicate the insects and prevent re‑infestation.
First, confirm the presence. Look for live insects, dark spots (feces), shed skins, or tiny blood stains on bedding and furniture. Use a flashlight to inspect seams, mattress tags, picture frames, and cracks in walls.
Second, isolate the affected area. Strip all bedding, curtains, and clothing. Place each item in a sealed plastic bag and transport to a dryer. Run the dryer on high heat (≥ 130 °F / 54 °C) for at least 30 minutes; heat kills all life stages.
Third, treat the environment. Apply one of the following methods, or combine them for greater efficacy:
- Steam: Direct steam at temperatures above 200 °F (93 °C) on mattresses, box springs, upholstered furniture, and baseboards. Move the nozzle slowly to ensure penetration.
- Insecticide: Use EPA‑registered products labeled for bedbugs. Apply to cracks, crevices, and voids where insects hide. Follow label directions precisely, wearing protective gloves and a mask.
- Cold: Freeze infested items in a commercial freezer for 4 days at –4 °F (–20 °C). This method works for small objects that cannot be laundered.
- Encasements: Install zippered mattress and box‑spring covers designed to trap bugs. Leave covers on for at least one year to capture any survivors that emerge.
Fourth, reduce clutter. Remove unnecessary items from the room, especially those stored under the bed or in closets. Vacuum floors, carpets, and upholstery thoroughly; discard the vacuum bag immediately in a sealed container.
Fifth, monitor progress. Place interceptors under each leg of the bed and furniture. Check them weekly for live insects. Continue treatment cycles for 2–3 weeks, as eggs may hatch after the initial round.
Finally, implement preventive measures. Keep bedding and clothing washed regularly in hot water. Seal cracks in walls and baseboards with caulk. Reduce exposure to second‑hand furniture unless it has been inspected and treated.
By following these steps—verification, isolation, targeted treatment, sanitation, ongoing monitoring, and prevention—bedbug populations can be eliminated and the risk of recurrence minimized.