How do I eradicate a bed bug infestation from my house?

From the Guidelines

To eradicate a bed bug infestation from your house, you need to implement a comprehensive approach combining thorough cleaning, chemical treatments, and preventative measures, prioritizing sealing all entry holes and using EPA-registered insecticides specifically labeled for bed bugs. The most effective strategy starts with washing all bedding, clothing, and fabric items in hot water (at least 120°F) and drying them on high heat to kill bed bugs and their eggs, as suggested by general pest control guidelines 1. Vacuuming your entire home thoroughly, focusing on cracks, crevices, mattress seams, and furniture joints, then immediately disposing of the vacuum bag in a sealed plastic bag outside your home, is also crucial 1. Key steps include:

• Applying EPA-registered insecticides specifically labeled for bed bugs, such as pyrethrins, pyrethroids, or desiccants like diatomaceous earth or CimeXa (silica gel), which work by attacking the bugs' nervous systems or drying out their exoskeletons.
• Considering hiring a professional exterminator for severe infestations, as they can use stronger chemicals and heat treatments reaching 118-130°F throughout your home.
• Encasing mattresses and box springs in special bed bug-proof covers to trap any remaining bugs and prevent new infestations.
• Reducing clutter in your home to eliminate hiding spots and regularly inspecting for signs of bed bugs to catch any reinfestation early. Given the provided evidence, sealing all gaps and holes inside and outside the home that are >¼-inch (>6 mm) in diameter with materials like cement, lath screen, or hardware cloth, as recommended for rodent control 1, can also be beneficial in preventing bed bug reinfestation, although the primary focus should be on targeted bed bug treatments. It's essential to be persistent with treatments, as bed bugs are resilient and may require multiple applications over 2-3 weeks to completely eliminate all life stages.

From the Research

Eradicating Bed Bug Infestations

To clear your house of bed bugs, it's essential to use a combination of methods, including physical and chemical controls. Here are some steps you can take:

• Wash and dry all bedding, clothing, and fabrics in hot water and high heat to kill bed bugs and their eggs.
• Dry clean or seal in plastic bags any items that can't be washed or dried.
• Use a steam cleaner to kill bed bugs and their eggs on surfaces that can't be washed or dried.
• Use desiccant dusts, such as diatomaceous earth or silica gel, to dehydrate and kill bed bugs 2, 3, 4.
• Consider using essential oil-based pesticides, such as EcoRaider, which have been shown to be effective in controlling bed bug infestations 5.

Using Desiccant Dusts

Desiccant dusts can be an effective way to control bed bug infestations. Here are some things to consider:

• Diatomaceous earth and silica gel are two common types of desiccant dusts used to control bed bugs 2, 3, 4.
• These dusts work by dehydrating the bed bugs, causing them to die.
• The effectiveness of desiccant dusts can be improved by adding alarm pheromone components, which can prompt bed bugs to leave their protective harborages and move through the dust 6.
• It's essential to use desiccant dusts in combination with other methods, such as washing and drying bedding and clothing, to ensure effective control of bed bug infestations.

Choosing the Right Desiccant Dust

When choosing a desiccant dust, consider the following:

• Diatomaceous earth and silica gel are both effective against bed bugs, but they may have different efficacy rates and durations 2, 3.
• Sommières earth has been shown to be effective against bed bugs, with efficacy rates ranging from 75% to 100% 3.
• The quality of the desiccant dust can affect its efficacy, so it's essential to choose a high-quality product 3.