What should you do when you find a bedbug? - briefly
Isolate the infested area, wash and dry all bedding and clothing on high heat, and apply an approved insecticide or contact a pest‑control professional for eradication.
What should you do when you find a bedbug? - in detail
Discovering a bed bug requires immediate, systematic action. First, confirm the presence by inspecting seams, mattress tags, and cracks for live insects, shed skins, or dark spotting. Use a bright flashlight and a magnifying lens to increase accuracy.
Next, isolate the infested area. Strip the bed of all linens, pillowcases, and blankets; place them in sealed plastic bags and launder on the hottest cycle the fabric can tolerate, followed by a high‑temperature dryer for at least 30 minutes. For items that cannot be washed, seal them in airtight containers and freeze at –18 °C (0 °F) for a minimum of four days.
Proceed to treat the environment. Vacuum carpets, baseboards, and upholstered furniture thoroughly, discarding the vacuum bag or emptying the canister into a sealed bag outside the home. Apply an EPA‑registered insecticide labeled for bed‑bug control to cracks, crevices, and the perimeter of the mattress. Follow label instructions regarding concentration, ventilation, and re‑application intervals.
After chemical treatment, encase the mattress and box spring in a zippered, bed‑bug‑proof cover. Keep the cover on for at least a year to prevent any surviving insects from escaping. Install interceptors under each leg of the bed to capture wandering bugs and monitor ongoing activity.
If the infestation persists after two weeks of diligent cleaning and treatment, contact a licensed pest‑management professional. Specialists can perform heat‑treatment, steam‑treatments, or targeted pesticide applications that exceed DIY capabilities.
Finally, implement preventive measures: regularly inspect bedding, reduce clutter that offers hiding places, seal gaps around walls and baseboards, and wash linens weekly in hot water. Consistent vigilance minimizes the risk of re‑infestation.