Confirm bed bugs (small dark spots, shed skins, live bugs; check mattress seams, box springs, headboards, and bed frames)
Strip the bed and bag all bedding immediately (wash hot and dry high heat)
Heat-treat bedding, clothing, curtains, and washable items (dryer high heat 30–60 minutes or hotter wash + high-heat dry)
Seal non-washable items in bags and heat-treat if possible; otherwise isolate them
Vacuum thoroughly (mattress seams, box spring, headboard, bed frame joints, baseboards, nearby furniture) and discard vacuum contents immediately
Use mattress and box-spring encasements rated for bed bugs (leave on for 12+ months)
Apply bed-bug-rated residual insecticides per label instructions (mattress-safe products for seams; treat bed frame joints and harborages)
Use a professional-grade treatment if infestation is significant (licensed pest control)
Consider whole-room heat treatment (professional) for fast, effective results
Reduce clutter near sleeping areas to remove hiding spots
Isolate the bed (move away from walls; keep bedding and items off the floor)
Use bed-bug interceptors under bed legs to monitor and reduce bites
Do not move infested items to “clean” rooms (bag and treat first)
Repeat treatments as directed (often multiple visits or follow-up heat/chemical applications)
Monitor with traps/interceptors and periodic inspections until no activity is seen for several weeks
If you rent, notify landlord/property manager immediately and coordinate treatment
Contact a professional urgently if there are heavy stains, large numbers, or spread to multiple rooms