What to do if you see a bedbug at home? - briefly
Isolate the affected area, inspect nearby bedding and furniture, and avoid moving items that could spread the insects. Contact a licensed pest‑control service or use a certified insecticide, then wash all fabrics at ≥60 °C and vacuum the space thoroughly.
What to do if you see a bedbug at home? - in detail
If a bed bug is discovered in a dwelling, immediate action reduces the risk of infestation spreading.
First, verify the insect. Look for small, reddish‑brown, oval insects about 5 mm long, and for dark spots (fecal stains) on bedding, mattress seams, and furniture. Capture a specimen with clear tape or a glass jar for identification if needed.
Second, contain the area. Strip the bed of all linens, pillowcases, and blankets. Place each item in a sealed plastic bag and launder on the hottest cycle the fabric can tolerate, followed by a high‑heat dryer for at least 30 minutes. Vacuum the mattress, box spring, bed frame, and surrounding floor, paying special attention to seams, folds, and crevices. Immediately discard the vacuum bag or empty the canister into a sealed bag and dispose of it outdoors.
Third, treat the surroundings. Apply a bed‑bug‑specific insecticide or dust to cracks, baseboards, and furniture joints, following the product label precisely. Use a steam cleaner on mattresses, upholstered furniture, and carpeted areas; steam at 130 °C (266 °F) for a minimum of 10 seconds per spot to ensure mortality. For items that cannot be laundered or heated, seal them in airtight bags for at least 90 days, the duration of the insect’s life cycle, to starve any hidden bugs.
Fourth, monitor continuously. Install interceptor traps beneath each leg of the bed and furniture to capture wandering insects. Check traps daily for two weeks, then weekly for an additional month. Replace bedding and clothing only after confirming that no live bugs are present.
Fifth, consider professional intervention. If the infestation appears extensive, or if DIY measures fail to eliminate all signs, contact a licensed pest‑control service. Professionals can perform thorough inspections, apply residual treatments, and provide a written eradication plan with follow‑up visits.
Throughout the process, maintain rigorous cleanliness: reduce clutter, seal gaps in walls and flooring, and keep laundry in sealed containers until washed. Prompt, systematic response prevents the problem from escalating into a full‑scale outbreak.