What should you do if bedbugs are crawling? - briefly
Locate the source, seal mattresses and furniture, and wash all linens in water above 60 °C. Apply a certified pesticide and monitor daily until no insects are detected.
What should you do if bedbugs are crawling? - in detail
When you detect the presence of crawling bedbugs, immediate containment is essential. Isolate the infested area by sealing the bed, mattress, and surrounding furniture with plastic wrap or fitted encasements that close securely. Remove all visible insects with a disposable cloth, placing the material directly into a sealed bag for disposal.
Next, eliminate sources of shelter and food. Strip the bed of all linens, curtains, and clothing. Wash each item in hot water (minimum 120 °F/49 °C) and dry on the highest heat setting for at least 30 minutes. Items that cannot be laundered should be placed in a sealed bag and stored in a freezer at –4 °F (–20 °C) for a minimum of four days to kill any stages of the pest.
Thoroughly clean the affected space. Vacuum mattresses, box springs, bed frames, carpet edges, and cracks in walls or furniture. Use a brush attachment to dislodge eggs, then immediately empty the vacuum canister into a sealed plastic bag and discard it outdoors. Follow vacuuming with a steam treatment—apply steam at 212 °F (100 °C) for several seconds on fabric, seams, and hard surfaces, ensuring the heat penetrates deep enough to reach hidden insects.
Apply a residual insecticide labeled for bedbug control to crevices, baseboards, and the undersides of furniture. Follow the product’s instructions regarding concentration, application method, and safety precautions. For extensive infestations, professional extermination may be required; licensed pest‑control operators can employ heat chambers, fumigation, or specialized chemicals that are not available to consumers.
After treatment, monitor the site for several weeks. Place interceptors under each leg of the bed and furniture to capture any survivors. Inspect them regularly and replace as needed. Maintain a clutter‑free environment, seal any cracks in walls or floors, and wash bedding weekly on high heat to deter re‑establishment.
By executing these steps—containment, laundering, rigorous cleaning, targeted chemical or professional intervention, and ongoing surveillance—you can effectively eradicate the infestation and prevent recurrence.