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Best practice eliminating Bedbugs. #853619

Asked October 20, 2023, 4:13 PM EDT

What is the best way to eliminate bedbugs out of a vehicle like a transit van?

Linn County Oregon

Expert Response

Good afternoon and apologies for the delayed reply.

For bedbug control, it's pretty extensive and expensive because you have to thoroughly examine each seat, including between the folds of the fabric, and the floor corners of the transportation unit (cracks and crevices) for any bedbug harborages. If the vehicle has floor mats, remove those and inspect them for bed bugs. You will also have to inspect every vehicle because bed bugs migrate via human movement.

If there's only one vehicle that is infested, isolate it and treat it with pesticides labeled for bed bug control. This, however, will most likely involve an applicator who has the appropriate license to apply pesticides for bed bug control. 

You can also steam clean the vehicle as steam works well against bed bugs. I must caution that non-chemical treatments may not be as effective if the infestation is severe, especially if there is more than one vehicle that is contaminated. You have to treat all vehicles, even if you only see one bed bug in another vehicle. 

Commercial grade vacuuming and cleaning also works well if you do not wish to use pesticides. Please review this website below as it can also give you tips on how to control and monitor for bed bugs that I may have not listed.

Side note, if you use a vacuum, I recommend disposing any filters and bags in a sealed trash bin. I sometimes suggest taking the vacuum bags to the landfill immediately afterwards.


https://solvepestproblems.oregonstate.edu/insects-spiders/bed-bugs


Thank you for contacting OSU Extension and apologies for the delayed response.

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Brittny Jones

Brittny M. Jones Replied November 16, 2023, 4:05 PM EST

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