What to do with a bedbug? - briefly
Isolate the infested area, apply heat treatment or an approved insecticide, then wash and dry bedding at high temperature to eradicate the pest.
What to do with a bedbug? - in detail
Bedbugs require immediate identification, isolation, and eradication to prevent spread.
First, confirm presence by inspecting seams of mattresses, box springs, headboards, and furniture for live insects, shed skins, or dark spotting. Use a flashlight and a magnifying glass for accuracy.
Next, isolate the infested area. Strip bedding and wash all textiles in hot water (minimum 60 °C) for at least 30 minutes, then dry on high heat. Place items that cannot be laundered in sealed plastic bags for a minimum of two weeks to starve the insects.
Apply chemical or non‑chemical treatments according to the severity of the infestation:
- Heat treatment: Raise room temperature to 50 °C–60 °C for several hours; heat penetrates cracks and kills all life stages.
- Steam cleaning: Direct steam at seams, folds, and crevices; temperature above 100 °C ensures mortality.
- Insecticide application: Use EPA‑registered products labeled for bedbugs; follow label directions, target cracks, baseboards, and voids.
- Diatomaceous earth: Sprinkle in thin layers along baseboards and under furniture; the abrasive particles desiccate insects.
After treatment, monitor with passive traps such as interceptor cups placed under bed legs. Replace traps weekly and document captures to assess effectiveness.
If infestation persists after several cycles, engage a licensed pest‑control professional. Professionals can perform whole‑room heat treatment, fumigation, or advanced pesticide applications unavailable to consumers.
Prevent future occurrences by maintaining a regular inspection routine, sealing cracks, reducing clutter, and using protective mattress encasements. Travel precautions—inspecting hotel rooms, keeping luggage off beds, and washing clothing immediately upon return—further reduce the risk of reintroduction.
Overall, a systematic approach combining detection, containment, targeted treatment, and ongoing monitoring offers the most reliable resolution.