What to do if there are many bedbugs at home? - briefly
Perform a comprehensive inspection, seal and launder all bedding and clothing at ≥ 60 °C, vacuum cracks and crevices, and encase mattresses in a certified cover. Then engage a licensed pest‑control service to apply an approved residual insecticide and schedule follow‑up treatments.
What to do if there are many bedbugs at home? - in detail
When a severe bed‑bug infestation is confirmed, immediate, systematic action is required to eradicate the pests and prevent re‑colonisation.
First, isolate the problem area. Remove bedding, curtains, and clothing from the infested rooms and place them in sealed, airtight plastic bags. Wash all textiles at the highest temperature the fabric tolerates, then dry on the hottest setting for at least 30 minutes. Items that cannot be laundered should be dry‑cleaned or stored in sealed containers for several months, as bed‑bugs cannot survive without a blood meal for that length of time.
Second, treat the environment. Conduct a thorough inspection of all furniture, seams of mattresses, baseboards, and cracks in walls. Apply a certified residual insecticide to cracks, crevices, and hiding places, following label instructions and safety precautions. For highly resistant populations, combine chemical treatment with heat therapy: raise room temperature to 50 °C (122 °F) for a minimum of 90 minutes, using professional‑grade equipment to ensure penetration into furniture and wall voids.
Third, employ physical removal methods. Use a high‑efficiency vacuum equipped with a HEPA filter to extract live insects and eggs from surfaces. Immediately empty the vacuum canister into a sealed bag and discard it in an outdoor trash container. Install mattress encasements that are certified to be bed‑bug proof, sealing all seams to trap any remaining bugs inside.
Fourth, monitor progress. Place interceptor traps beneath each leg of the bed and furniture to capture wandering insects. Replace traps weekly and record captures to assess treatment efficacy. Continue surveillance for at least three months, as dormant eggs may hatch after initial treatments.
Fifth, prevent recurrence. Reduce clutter that offers hiding places, seal cracks in walls and baseboards, and maintain regular vacuuming of floors and upholstery. When travelling, inspect hotel rooms, keep luggage elevated, and launder clothing promptly upon return.
Finally, consider professional assistance. Certified pest‑management operators possess expertise in integrated pest‑management (IPM) strategies, can access advanced tools such as fumigation chambers and desiccant dusts, and provide warranties that guarantee follow‑up actions if the infestation persists.
By following these coordinated steps—containment, chemical and thermal treatment, mechanical removal, ongoing monitoring, and preventative measures—effective elimination of a large bed‑bug population can be achieved.