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Bedbugs are small, reddish-brown insects that feed on human blood, usually at night. Although they do not spread disease, their bites can cause severe itching, allergic reactions, and emotional distress.
Getting rid of bedbugs can be challenging, but a combination of chemical and non-chemical methods, used consistently, can help eliminate them completely.
Below is a step-by-step guide to deal with a bedbug infestation effectively.
Step 1: Identify all infested areas
Before treatment can begin, you must identify where the bedbugs are hiding. These insects are excellent at concealing themselves in small spaces.
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Common hiding spots include mattress seams, box spring tags, and cracks in bed frames and headboards. You should also check couch cushions, furniture joints, baseboards, electrical outlets, behind loose wallpaper, and under picture frames.
Signs of an infestation include live bugs, black droppings that look like pepper flakes, reddish stains on bedding from crushed bugs, and pale yellow eggs or exoskeletons.
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Step 2: Contain the infestation
Once you’ve found signs of bedbugs, the next step is to stop them from spreading further. Begin by vacuuming all infested areas thoroughly, including mattresses, bed frames, and carpets.
After vacuuming, seal and dispose of the vacuum contents in a plastic bag. Wash all bedding, clothes, and curtains in hot water and dry them on the highest heat setting for at least 30 minutes.
For items that cannot be washed, seal them in plastic bags and store them for several months or treat them using heat or cold. If any furniture is beyond saving, it’s best to discard it and clearly mark it as infested so others won’t reuse it.
Step 3: Prep for treatment
Preparation is critical to ensure that the treatment is effective. Start by decluttering your home, especially in sleeping areas, as clutter provides more places for bedbugs to hide.
Repair cracks in walls, seal baseboards, and fix peeling wallpaper. Use protective covers on mattresses and box springs to trap bugs and prevent re-infestation.
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Avoid moving infested items into clean areas to reduce the risk of spreading the problem further.
Step 4: Kill the bedbugs
There are two main approaches to killing bedbugs: non-chemical and chemical treatments. Both methods are most effective when used together.
Non-chemical methods include washing and drying infested clothing and linens at high temperatures, which kills both bugs and their eggs.
Steam cleaners can also be used on furniture, carpets, and mattress surfaces, as the high temperature is lethal to bedbugs.
Use bedbug insecticides
Chemical treatments are one of the most direct ways to kill bedbugs. Common types of bedbug insecticides include:
Pyrethrins and pyrethroids – The most commonly used chemicals. They are fast-acting and target the bug’s nervous system, though some bedbugs have developed resistance.
Pyrroles (e.g., chlorfenapyr) – These activate only after being ingested by the bedbug and disrupt internal cell functions, killing them over several days.
Neonicotinoids – Synthetic forms of nicotine that affect the nervous system. Effective even against bedbugs that resist other pesticides.
Desiccants (e.g., diatomaceous earth or silica gel) – These dry out the bedbug’s protective outer layer, killing them slowly but effectively. Best used in dry, undisturbed areas.
Foggers (bug bombs) – Not very effective against bedbugs since they rarely penetrate cracks or hidden spots.
Plant oil-based products (e.g., EcoRaider, Bed Bug Patrol) – These natural, low-toxicity products can help in light infestations but usually require repeated use.
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Use heat treatment
Heat is a highly effective, non-chemical method to kill bedbugs and their eggs.
You can apply heat in the following ways:
Wash and dry infested clothes and bedding at the highest heat setting for at least 30 minutes.
Use a steam cleaner on furniture, mattresses, and cracks. The steam should be at least 49°C (120°F) to be effective.
Place small items in sealed black plastic bags and leave them in direct sunlight or a hot car to raise internal temperatures above 49°C.
Heat treatment is safe, environmentally friendly, and effective when applied thoroughly.
Step 5: Evaluate and prevent future infestations
After treatment, you should monitor the infested areas closely. Inspect the rooms weekly to check for any signs of lingering bedbugs.
Bedbug interceptors plastic devices placed under bed and furniture legs can trap bugs and help you detect their presence.
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It’s advisable to continue monitoring for several months, as bedbug eggs can hatch weeks after the initial treatment.
Step 6: Call a professional
If you’ve tried everything and the infestation persists, calling a licensed pest control professional is your best bet.
Professionals have access to stronger insecticides and advanced methods, such as whole-room heat treatments, which can raise the temperature to lethal levels for bedbugs in just one session.
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Bedbugs(Walker Pest Management)
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In extreme cases, fumigation may be used, although it typically requires vacating the home for a period of time.
Always follow the preparation and safety instructions provided by the exterminator to ensure the success of the treatment.
Step 7: Prevent reinfestation
Once you’ve eliminated the bedbugs, it’s crucial to prevent them from coming back. Continue reducing clutter and regularly vacuum your home, especially sleeping areas.
Keep using bedbug-proof covers on your mattresses and box springs. Repair any cracks or openings in walls and flooring that could serve as hiding spots.
After travelling, wash all clothing on high heat and inspect your luggage carefully. You might even consider storing suitcases in sealed plastic bags between trips.
How to know if bedbugs are gone
It’s not always easy to tell if the bedbugs are truly gone. If you don’t experience bites or see signs of bugs for several weeks, that’s a good sign, but it’s not a guarantee.
Since bedbug eggs can take up to 20 days to hatch, ongoing monitoring for at least a few months or even up to a year is necessary before declaring your home bedbug-free.