Wash and dry all bedding, linens, curtains, and clothing on the hottest settings the fabric allows
Place non-washable items in a dryer on high heat for 30 minutes, if the item can tolerate heat
Seal infested items in airtight plastic bags and keep sealed for at least 12 months, or use professional disposal/handling
Vacuum mattresses, box springs, baseboards, bed frames, and nearby seams; immediately empty the vacuum into a sealed bag and discard
Use mattress and box spring encasements labeled for bed bugs; keep encasements on for at least 12 months
Remove clutter and reduce hiding places near sleeping areas
Disassemble bed frames and inspect all joints, crevices, and seams; treat accordingly
Apply bed-bug-rated insecticides labeled for bed bugs to cracks/crevices and resting areas only, following label directions
Use desiccant dusts (bed-bug labeled) in cracks/crevices and voids where bed bugs hide, following label directions
Treat along bed and furniture edges, wall/floor junctions, and other harborages as directed on the product label
Avoid over-reliance on sprays; focus on targeted application to hiding spots
Consider professional pest control if infestation is heavy, widespread, or not improving after initial treatment
Use heat treatment from a qualified provider to raise room temperatures to levels lethal to bed bugs, covering all infested areas
Treat every room or area where bed bugs are found, not just the bedroom
Inspect and treat regularly (at least weekly) until no signs are found
Use interceptors under bed legs (where applicable) to monitor and reduce access to the bed
Keep records of sightings, treatment dates, and locations
Replace or discard items only when necessary and after confirming treatment options are exhausted