What should you use to wash floors to remove bedbugs? - briefly
Use a hot‑water detergent solution (minimum 120 °F/49 °C) or a commercial steam cleaner to scrub the floor. Rinse with clean water and dry thoroughly to eliminate any remaining insects.
What should you use to wash floors to remove bedbugs? - in detail
To eliminate bedbugs from hard‑surface flooring, use a combination of high‑temperature cleaning and an approved insecticidal solution.
First, remove loose debris. Vacuum the area thoroughly, using a brush‑roll attachment to dislodge eggs and nymphs. Immediately seal the vacuum bag or empty the canister into a plastic bag and discard it.
Second, apply steam. A commercial-grade steamer that reaches at least 120 °C (248 °F) penetrates cracks and kills all life stages on contact. Move the steam head slowly, allowing the heat to saturate seams, grout lines, and floor joints.
Third, follow with a detergent wash. Mix a concentrate of a neutral pH floor cleaner with hot water (minimum 60 °C or 140 °F). Mop the surface, ensuring the solution remains wet for at least five minutes before rinsing. The detergent removes residual waxes and lipids that can protect insects from chemicals.
Fourth, treat with an EPA‑registered residual spray. Choose a product labeled for bedbug control on hard surfaces, such as a pyrethroid‑based or neonicotinoid formulation. Apply according to label directions, covering the entire floor area with a fine, even mist. Allow the surface to dry completely before re‑occupying the room.
Finally, repeat the process. A second steam treatment and a follow‑up insecticide application after 7–10 days address any survivors that emerged from eggs after the initial exposure.
Key materials
- High‑efficiency vacuum with brush‑roll attachment
- Commercial steamer capable of ≥120 °C
- Neutral‑pH floor detergent (hot‑water compatible)
- EPA‑registered residual insecticide for hard surfaces
Procedure summary
- Vacuum and seal debris.
- Steam entire floor, focusing on seams.
- Mop with hot‑water detergent solution, keep wet for five minutes.
- Apply residual insecticide, let dry.
- Re‑treat after 7–10 days.
Using this sequence maximizes mortality across all life stages and reduces the likelihood of re‑infestation.