Bedbugs: Treatments and drugs – MayoClinic.com – Mayo Clinic

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The itchy red spots associated with bedbug bites usually disappear on their own within a week or two. You might speed your recovery by using:

If you develop a skin infection from scratching bedbug bites, your doctor may prescribe an antibiotic.

Treating your home Once your symptoms are treated, you must tackle the underlying infestation. This can be difficult because bedbugs hide so well and can live for months without eating. Your best bet may be to hire a professional exterminator, who may use a combination of pesticides and nonchemical treatments.

Nonchemical treatments may include:

Some professional exterminators use portable devices to raise the temperature of a room to a lethal temperature. All stages of bedbugs can be killed at 122 F (50 C). In some cases, you may have to throw out heavily infested items such as mattresses or couches.

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Bedbugs: Treatments and drugs - MayoClinic.com - Mayo Clinic