What to do if bedbugs have infested a private house? - briefly
Inspect all sleeping areas, seal off infested rooms, and apply a licensed pesticide or engage a certified exterminator; then wash and heat‑dry all linens, vacuum seams and crevices, and seal cracks to prevent re‑infestation.
What to do if bedbugs have infested a private house? - in detail
Bedbug infestations in a private residence require immediate, systematic action to eliminate the pests and prevent re‑establishment. Begin with a thorough inspection: examine seams of mattresses, box springs, bed frames, upholstered furniture, baseboards, and cracks in walls. Use a flashlight and a fine‑toothed comb to locate live insects, shed skins, and dark spotting. Mark all confirmed sites with tape or a removable label to guide treatment.
Next, contain the problem. Strip bedding, curtains, and removable fabrics; place each item in a sealed plastic bag. Wash textiles in hot water (≥ 60 °C) and dry on high heat for at least 30 minutes. For items that cannot be laundered, seal them in airtight containers for a minimum of two weeks, a period that kills dormant bugs.
Apply an integrated pest‑management plan:
- Chemical control – Use a registered insecticide formulated for bedbugs. Apply according to label directions on cracks, crevices, and the undersides of furniture. Rotate products with different active ingredients to reduce resistance.
- Heat treatment – Raise ambient temperature in affected rooms to 50–55 °C for several hours, using professional equipment or portable heaters. Verify temperature with calibrated thermometers.
- Cold treatment – Expose smaller items to temperatures below –18 °C for at least four days if heat is unavailable.
- Physical removal – Vacuum carpets, floor mats, and upholstery thoroughly; empty the canister into a sealed bag and discard immediately.
- Encasement – Install bedbug‑proof covers on mattresses and box springs, sealing all seams to trap surviving insects inside.
After treatment, monitor the environment. Place sticky traps around bed legs and furniture to detect lingering activity. Repeat inspections weekly for at least one month; if any signs reappear, re‑apply the chosen control methods. Maintain cleanliness, reduce clutter, and seal cracks to diminish hiding places, thereby lowering the risk of future infestations.