Q1: How is a bedbug identified?

A1: A bedbug is about 5 mm in length. It is reddish brown, flat, oval-shaped and wingless.  It relies on six legs for crawling but cannot jump.

Q2: How could the risk of bedbug infestation in domestic premises be minimized after traveling to bedbug-affected areas?

A2: After back to domestic premises, clothing and luggage should be examined.  In case bedbugs are spotted, clothing should be washed in hot water over 60°C and dried in the sun or hot ironed.  Steam treatment can be applied directly to both clothing and luggage. 

Q3: What are the signs of bedbug infestation?

A3: Bedbugs exoskeletons or rusty-colored spots (bedbug feces) may be found on mattress or nearby furniture.  Unpleasant smell may also be noted.

Q4: What are the typical hiding places for bedbugs in an infested household environment?

A4: Since bedbugs are main nocturnal, they usually hide in cracks, crevices and dark places during the day.

Examples of potential hiding places:

Q5: What should we do if bedbug infestation is found at home?

A5: carry out thorough inspection to all possible harbourages of bedbug, e.g. crack and crevices on wall, furniture, mattress and bed linen to identify infested areas.  Hot air/ steam, pesticide or DE treatment could be applied in those affected areas.  For more information on bed bug prevention and control in premises, please refer to https://www.fehd.gov.hk/english/pestcontrol/library/pdf_pest_control/bedbugs.pdf . Seek assistance from professional pest control operators if necessary.

Q6: What insecticides could be used for controlling bedbugs?

A6: Insecticide with residual effect can be applied to treat potential hiding places and pathway of bedbugs, including but not limited to furniture, cracks and crevices in floors and walls.  Product instruction and insecticide label should be strictly followed while application

Q7: Is vacuum cleaning effective for prevention and control of bedbug?

A7: Vacuum cleaning can remove nymph and adult of bedbugs and is recommended to carry out regularly.  Dust bag should be washed in hot water over 60°C or treated with insecticide to kill any collected bedbugs after use.

Q8: Is diatomaceous earth (DE) powder effective for prevention and control of bedbug?

A8: DE can be used for bedbug control.  The DE powder injures bedbug body by demaging its exoskeleton, kill it by dehydration.  DE must be kept dry and humid environment would lower its effectiveness.  Product instruction and insecticide label should be strictly followed while application. Face mask, googles and gloves should be worn when handling DE as the abrasive and absorbent nature may dry out the skin and cause irritation when breathed in or get into the eyes.  DE should be thoroughly cleaned or vacuumed after the use.

Q9: How to use hot air / steam for killing bed bug?

A9: Hot air / steam could be directly applied to the cracks and crevices where the bedbugs are found.

Q10: Before discarding furniture infested by bedbug, what should be done to prevent spreading of bedbug?

A10: Both of the internal and external surfaces of the infested furniture should be sprayed with residual insecticide before discarding.

Q11: What should be done if persist bedbug problems are found in premises?

A11: Public should consider appointing a pest control company for providing professional services on bedbug control and prevention.