What should you do if bedbugs have infested the house? - briefly
Wash and dry all bedding, clothing, and washable fabrics on the highest heat setting, then vacuum and seal cracks, crevices, and infested furniture. Immediately engage a licensed pest‑control professional for targeted insecticide application and ongoing monitoring.
What should you do if bedbugs have infested the house? - in detail
If insects are discovered in the bedroom, act immediately to prevent spread. Begin by isolating the infested area: remove bedding, curtains, and clothing, placing each item in sealed plastic bags. Wash all washable fabrics in hot water (minimum 60 °C) and dry on the highest heat setting for at least 30 minutes; non‑washable items should be dry‑cleaned or stored in airtight containers for several months.
Next, treat the environment. Vacuum mattresses, box springs, bed frames, furniture seams, and floor edges thoroughly; discard the vacuum bag or clean the canister immediately. Apply a high‑temperature steam cleaner (above 100 °C) to cracks, crevices, and upholstery, holding the nozzle for several seconds per spot to ensure lethality. Sprinkle a residual insecticide labeled for bedbug control along baseboards, under furniture, and in wall voids, following manufacturer dosage and safety guidelines.
Inspect adjacent rooms for signs of migration. Repeat the cleaning and treatment cycle in any area where live insects, shed skins, or fecal spots appear. Seal all cracks, gaps, and openings around walls, baseboards, and plumbing with caulk or expandable foam to eliminate harborage sites.
Contact a licensed pest‑management professional for comprehensive eradication. Specialists can apply advanced products such as desiccant dusts, aerosols, or heat‑treatment chambers, and they will schedule follow‑up inspections to confirm elimination. Maintain a monitoring plan: place interceptors under each leg of the bed and furniture, and review them weekly for new activity.
Prevent future infestations by regularly inspecting second‑hand furniture, using protective mattress encasements, and keeping clutter to a minimum. Routine vacuuming of floors and upholstery, combined with periodic laundering of bedding, reduces the likelihood of re‑introduction.