What should you do if bedbugs have infested a bed? - briefly
Isolate the mattress, wash all linens in hot water, and treat the area with a certified insecticide or hire a professional exterminator; then encase the mattress and regularly inspect for any signs of return.
What should you do if bedbugs have infested a bed? - in detail
If you discover bedbugs on a mattress or surrounding furniture, immediate action is required to prevent spread and eliminate the infestation.
First, confirm the presence of the insects. Look for live bugs, shed skins, and dark spotting (fecal stains) on seams, folds, and nearby walls. Use a flashlight and a magnifying glass for thorough inspection.
Next, isolate the affected area. Remove all bedding, clothing, and linens from the bed. Place each item in a sealed plastic bag to avoid transporting insects to other rooms.
Proceed with laundering. Wash fabrics in water at a temperature of at least 60 °C (140 °F) for 30 minutes, then dry on the highest heat setting for a minimum of 30 minutes. Heat kills all life stages of bedbugs.
Treat the mattress and box spring. Vacuum every surface, paying special attention to seams, tufts, and crevices. After vacuuming, discard the vacuum bag or clean the canister to prevent re‑infestation. Apply a high‑quality, EPA‑registered insecticide labeled for bedbugs to cracks, edges, and the underside of the bed frame. Follow label directions precisely, including safety precautions and required ventilation time.
Encasement is essential after treatment. Install a zippered, bedbug‑proof mattress and box‑spring cover that remains sealed for at least one year. The enclosure traps any surviving insects and prevents new ones from entering.
Inspect and treat adjacent furniture and flooring. Move nightstands, dressers, and chairs away from the bed. Vacuum floors, baseboards, and carpet edges. If the infestation is extensive, consider applying a residual spray to wall voids and baseboards where bugs hide.
When chemical methods are insufficient, engage a licensed pest‑control professional. Professionals can employ heat treatment (raising room temperature to 50 °C/122 °F for several hours) or fumigation, both proven to eradicate hidden populations.
Finally, adopt preventive measures. Keep clutter to a minimum, regularly inspect sleeping areas, and wash or dry‑clean secondhand furniture before use. Routine vacuuming and periodic monitoring with interceptor traps under bed legs help detect early re‑infestation.
By following these steps—verification, isolation, high‑heat laundering, thorough vacuuming, targeted insecticide application, encasement, professional intervention if needed, and ongoing prevention—you can eliminate bedbugs from a sleeping surface and reduce the risk of recurrence.