How to Prevent and Eliminate Bedbugs

Bedbugs are tiny parasites that can cause significant problems. In Switzerland, these insects are visible to the naked eye, about the size of an apple seed, and are typically brown. Contrary to what one might think, they neither jump nor fly. These nocturnal pests feed on human blood and can survive for several months without a meal. Their rapid reproductive ability makes them formidable, emphasizing the importance of swift action in the event of an infestation to prevent it from spreading.

Indicators of Infestation

At home, be vigilant for signs of their presence. You may notice concentrations of small droppings, resembling tiny black dots, on mattresses, bed slats, cracks in the bed frame, wooden bed frames, baseboards, and even in wall corners. Bedbugs tend to hide in dark, narrow, and inaccessible places, primarily in the bedroom, as they shy away from light.

On your skin, you may experience itching caused by bedbug bites, which resemble mosquito bites. These bites typically occur at night when bedbugs are active. They may appear in groups of 3 or 4 on your skin, sometimes in a linear pattern, and are usually located on exposed parts of the body, such as the face, hands, arms, and legs. While bedbugs do not transmit diseases, they can cause intense itching and, in some cases, allergic reactions, such as hives.

Prevention: How to Avoid These Pests

Bedbugs have temperature preferences. Here are some measures to prevent them at home and during your travels:

At Home:

1. Avoid cluttering spaces to reduce potential hiding spots.
2. Wash secondhand clothes at temperatures above 60°C after purchase, or tumble dry them for at least 30 minutes, or freeze them for 72 hours.
3. Thoroughly clean secondhand furniture from the street or flea markets with a specialized heat-generating device available for rent.

At Hotels:

1. Do not place your luggage on the floor or the bed; instead, use a pre-inspected luggage rack.
2. Inspect the bed meticulously, including the mattress, zippers, seams, and padding.

Upon Returning from a Trip:

1. Check your luggage for bedbugs.
2. Remove clothes and inspect personal belongings.
3. Wash clothes in hot water (if possible at 60°C), even if they haven’t been worn.
4. Use a high-temperature setting on your dryer for at least 30 minutes.
5. Vacuum your suitcases and immediately dispose of the vacuum bag in a tightly sealed plastic bag.

Eradication: How to Get Rid of Them

The severity of infestation determines the extent of bedbug movement to other rooms and residences. They can infiltrate unexpected places, even in spotless homes and hotels. Mobility and places with a high concentration of immobile or resting people, such as schools, theaters, cinemas, and public transportation, facilitate the transmission and spread of bedbugs.

Mechanical control is the essential first step in eradicating these pests, involving several measures:

1. Start with the most exposed areas, such as the bed and its immediate surroundings.
2. Wash bedding and clothing at temperatures above 60°C to eliminate adults, nymphs, and eggs.
3. Dry at high temperatures for at least 30 minutes.
4. Use a high-temperature dry steam device (at least 120°C) to eliminate bedbugs in corners or upholstered furniture.
5. Freeze bedding or small items at -20°C for a minimum of 72 hours.
6. Vacuum eggs, nymphs, and adults, ensuring to immediately seal the vacuum bag in a plastic bag.
7. Clean the vacuum cleaner hose with soapy water or a household cleaning product.
8. Dry brushing: dry brush or use a surface cleaner on some corners or fabrics to remove eggs or hard-to-spot young insects. Note that brushing alone does not kill them, so it should be accompanied by vacuuming or a thorough floor cleaning.
9. Removal of infested furniture: It should not be a knee-jerk reaction but a thoughtful and organized process to avoid contaminating other sites. Contaminated mattresses or furniture should not be sold or left on the street; ensure they are disposed of properly.

Chemical control with insecticides should be reserved for professionals in case of persistent infestation. Bedbugs have developed resistance to most over-the-counter insecticides, and some of these products can pose significant risks to the environment and human health when used without caution. If necessary, enlist the services of specialized companies in bedbug detection and treatment, ensuring they are certified and employ safe methods.

Remain vigilant for one to two months after treatment to ensure the complete elimination of bedbugs. Plan follow-up visits with professionals as needed to ensure a bedbug-free environment.