What will help kill bedbugs? - briefly
Heat treatment above 50 °C for several hours and professional insecticide applications containing pyrethroids or neonicotinoids effectively eradicate bedbugs. Sealing cracks and laundering infested fabrics at high temperature prevent re‑infestation.
What will help kill bedbugs? - in detail
Effective elimination of bedbugs requires a combination of physical, chemical, and preventive measures. Each approach targets a specific life stage or habitat, increasing overall success.
Heat treatment
- Raise ambient temperature to 50 °C (122 °F) or higher.
- Maintain target temperature for at least 90 minutes to ensure mortality of eggs, nymphs, and adults.
- Use professional equipment to distribute heat evenly; localized heating may leave survivors in insulated areas.
Steam application
- Apply saturated steam at 100 °C (212 °F) directly to seams, folds, and crevices.
- Maintain steam contact for 30 seconds per spot to penetrate protective shells.
- Avoid excessive moisture on fabrics that could promote mold growth.
Chemical insecticides
- Select products labeled for bedbug control, containing pyrethroids, neonicotinoids, or desiccants.
- Follow manufacturer dosage and safety instructions; apply to baseboards, cracks, and upholstered furniture.
- Rotate active ingredients to prevent resistance development.
Desiccant powders
- Distribute diatomaceous earth or silica gel in thin layers along mattress edges, box springs, and baseboard gaps.
- Allow powder to remain undisturbed for several weeks; replace after cleaning or vacuuming.
Cold exposure
- Place infested items in a freezer maintaining –18 °C (0 °F) for at least 4 days.
- Ensure items are fully sealed to prevent condensation upon thawing.
Vacuuming
- Use a high-efficiency vacuum with HEPA filter.
- Extract from mattress seams, furniture joints, and floor crevices.
- Immediately seal vacuum bag or canister in a plastic bag and dispose of in an outdoor trash receptacle.
Encasements
- Install zippered mattress and box‑spring covers rated to contain bedbugs.
- Keep encasements on for a minimum of 12 months; wash covers regularly at high temperature.
Professional pest‑management services
- Engage licensed exterminators for integrated pest‑management plans.
- Combine treatments such as heat, targeted insecticides, and monitoring devices.
- Request post‑treatment inspection to verify eradication.
Preventive practices
- Reduce clutter that offers hiding places.
- Inspect second‑hand furniture before introduction to living spaces.
- Regularly wash bedding at ≥60 °C (140 °F) and dry on high heat.
Combining multiple tactics, adhering to recommended exposure times, and maintaining rigorous sanitation constitute the most reliable strategy for eradicating bedbugs.