What to do if bedbugs start biting? - briefly
Isolate the affected sleeping area, launder all bedding and clothing in hot water, and treat the mattress and surrounding surfaces with a certified bed‑bug insecticide or encasements. Afterwards, contact a licensed pest‑control professional to verify elimination and prevent recurrence.
What to do if bedbugs start biting? - in detail
If you discover that you are being bitten by bedbugs, begin by confirming the presence of the insects. Look for small, reddish‑brown bugs about the size of an apple seed, shed skins, and tiny dark spots (fecal stains) on mattresses, box springs, and surrounding furniture.
Isolate the affected sleeping area. Remove all bedding, clothing, and fabrics from the bed and place them in sealed plastic bags. Wash each item in hot water (minimum 120 °F/49 °C) and dry on the highest heat setting for at least 30 minutes. Items that cannot be laundered should be sealed in airtight bags for several weeks to starve any hidden insects.
Thoroughly vacuum the mattress, bed frame, headboard, and nearby cracks or crevices. Use a brush attachment to dislodge eggs and nymphs, then immediately empty the vacuum canister into a sealed bag and discard it outdoors. Follow the vacuuming with a steam treatment: apply steam at 212 °F (100 °C) for several seconds on all surfaces, focusing on seams, folds, and hidden corners.
Apply an EPA‑registered insecticide label‑approved for bedbugs. Choose a product that combines a residual spray with a growth regulator where possible. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions precisely, covering mattress edges, box springs, bed rails, baseboards, and any adjacent furniture. Avoid over‑application; treat only the target areas to reduce health risks.
If the infestation persists after these measures, contact a licensed pest‑control professional. Request a comprehensive inspection, heat‑treatment plan, or fumigation service based on the severity of the problem. Professionals can access specialized equipment and chemicals that are not available to consumers.
Maintain vigilance for at least two months after treatment. Conduct weekly inspections of the sleeping environment, re‑vacuuming and re‑steaming any suspect areas. Replace damaged mattress covers with encasements designed to trap bedbugs, and keep clutter to a minimum to eliminate hiding places. Continuous monitoring and prompt action at the first sign of recurrence will prevent re‑infestation.