Before engaging someone for treatment, it is essential to perform a thorough visual inspection (moving furniture, removing baseboards, flipping mattresses, inspecting box springs, etc.). The earlier the detection (see article), the higher the chances of success for the treatment program.

You can also call on professional canine bed bug detection services.

There are two ways to eradicate bed bugs:

A. Mechanical or Natural Control

These natural methods have the advantage of not causing resistance, limiting exposure to insecticides, and being used together.

• Infested laundry can be heated in a ZappBug tent or washed at 60°C at least (effective against all stages of bed bug development). Be careful not to overload the washing machine, which would prevent the temperature from spreading properly. Once the laundry is treated, it is important to place it in sealed bags (e.g. anti-bed bug bags) in a bed bug-free area. The tumble dryer can be used directly without washing, for a long enough time (drying temperature over 60°C). Dry cleaning seems lethal for bed bugs, probably due to the solvents used. It can be used occasionally for delicate fabrics. Be sure to take the packaged laundry to the dry cleaner and inform them about the infestation so they can open the bag in the dry-cleaning machine.

• All infested items and furniture must be treated either with dry steam (Cimex Eradicator), which is more effective than wet steam, or in a ZappBug heating tent, then packaged in hermetically sealed plastic bags.

• Vacuuming reduces the number of bed bugs but is only partially effective on eggs, which remain attached to their support. Bed bugs are not always killed by this action, although bagless vacuum cleaners tend to strongly damage or even kill bed bugs due to centrifugal force and shock. The vacuum cleaner should be stored in a very easily cleanable area (shower, bathroom, etc.), and its bag should be changed immediately, packed in a hermetically sealed plastic bag, and thrown away. The vacuum hose should be treated by vacuuming diatomaceous earth.

• A bed bug cannot puncture or pierce a fabric or other surface. A mattress in good condition should not be infested "inside," so it does not need to be thrown away. It is recommended to place a bed bug-proof cover on it. Covers also protect your box spring and pillow.
  

• The diatomaceous earth (also known as diatomite) is a natural product made from crushed fossilized microscopic algae. Its insecticidal effect is not chemical but physical/mechanical, as the sharp particles act like microscopic razors. When spread along insect pathways, diatomaceous earth will adhere to the cuticle of the bed bugs, causing lesions leading to the insect's death through dehydration. Silica particles will also be absorbed by the insect and damage its digestive tract. Diatomaceous earth can be carried and self-disseminated by the bugs, having an effect even in their hideouts and resting places. Diatomaceous earth is available in spray or powder form. The powder should be sprayed in a very thin layer, ideally with a dedicated sprayer. The uncalcined powder is non-toxic to living beings if ingested. Diatomaceous earth is more effective than sprays based on pyrethroids.

• Bed bug interceptors allow you to detect, monitor, and isolate your bed from the bugs. Add diatomaceous earth in the center to kill the bed bugs trapped inside.

B. Chemical Control:

The chemical phase should always be considered as the last control option when managing an infestation. In practice, it is often the first strategy, which leads to treatment failure and resistance to insecticides. For low infestations, the chemical phase can be avoided.

Disadvantages of this method:

• Resistance to certain insecticides, mainly pyrethroids.

• This operation should be performed by a properly trained professional.

Bed bug control usually takes several weeks. Complete eradication is typically achieved after 1 or 2 months, marked