What to use to eradicate bed bugs from the house? - briefly
Use professional heat treatment or a certified bed‑bug insecticide spray, followed by mattress encasements and thorough laundering of all bedding at ≥60 °C. This integrated approach eliminates the insects and prevents re‑infestation.
What to use to eradicate bed bugs from the house? - in detail
Effective elimination of Cimex lectularius requires a multi‑step approach that combines chemical, physical, and preventive measures.
Begin with thorough inspection. Identify all harborages—mattress seams, box‑spring frames, headboards, cracks in walls, baseboards, and upholstered furniture. Use a bright flashlight and a fine‑toothed comb to expose live insects and their whitish eggs.
Physical interventions
- Heat treatment: Raise ambient temperature to 50 °C (122 °F) for a minimum of 90 minutes. Portable heaters or professional steam units can penetrate crevices, killing all life stages. Verify temperature with calibrated thermometers.
- Steam: Apply saturated steam (≥100 °C) directly to seams, folds, and voids. Hold the nozzle for 30 seconds per spot to ensure lethality.
- Cold exposure: Seal infested items in polyethylene bags and place them in a freezer at –18 °C (0 °F) for at least four days.
- Vacuuming: Use a HEPA‑rated vacuum on all surfaces. Immediately discard the bag or empty the canister into a sealed container.
Chemical control
- Pyrethroid‑based aerosols: Apply to cracks, baseboards, and furniture undersides. Follow label‑specified concentrations; repeat after 7 days to target newly emerged nymphs.
- Neonicotinoid sprays: Use for residual activity on fabric and wood. Limit indoor exposure; ventilate after application.
- Insect growth regulators (IGRs): Apply alongside adulticides to disrupt molting cycles, reducing population rebound.
- Silicone‑based dusts (e.g., diatomaceous earth, silica gel): Lightly dust voids and mattress edges. The abrasive particles desiccate insects upon contact.
Encasement and isolation
- Install zippered mattress and box‑spring covers rated to retain insects for at least one year. Ensure all seams are sealed.
- Place infested items in sealed plastic bags for a minimum of 14 days to starve occupants.
Sanitation and prevention
- Launder clothing, bedding, and curtains on the hottest cycle the fabric tolerates; dry‑heat for at least 30 minutes.
- Reduce clutter to eliminate hiding places.
- Seal cracks and crevices with caulk or expanding foam.
Professional assistance
When infestation exceeds moderate levels, engage licensed pest‑control operators. They can deliver whole‑room heat treatment, apply regulated residual products, and provide warranty‑backed follow‑up visits.
Implement each step systematically, monitor for live insects weekly, and repeat the cycle until no activity is observed for two consecutive inspections. This comprehensive protocol maximizes eradication efficacy while minimizing re‑infestation risk.