Baby-Safe Pest Control Checklist (No Pesticides)

Install high-density window screens (mesh smaller than 1mm) and check that window frame seals are intact — physical barriers are the first and only choice for pest control in nurseries

Install door sweeps, keeping gaps under 3mm — blocks crawling pest entry routes while maintaining room airflow

Place the crib's four legs inside bed bug interceptor traps — these have smooth outer walls that bed bugs cannot climb, and also serve as monitoring devices

Apply a thin layer of food-grade diatomaceous earth along baseboard edges and corners — in dry conditions DE scratches pests' waxy cuticle causing dehydration death; vacuum and reapply if it gets damp

Cover mattresses and pillows with bed bug-proof and dust mite-proof certified encasements (look for bed bug proof or dust mite proof labels)

Use a dehumidifier to keep relative humidity below 50% — dust mites cannot survive or reproduce below 50% humidity, and flea larvae also require high humidity

Wash fabric toys and comfort blankets weekly in 60°C+ hot water; for non-washable items, seal in a freezer bag for 24 hours (low temperature kills insect eggs)

Do NOT use any chemical insecticide sprays, mosquito coils, or electric liquid repellents in or near the nursery — infant respiratory systems are extremely sensitive to chemical fumes

Use cockroach sticky traps and fly glue boards instead of chemical treatments for pest monitoring — place in corners and under furniture, check and record captures weekly

Open windows for ventilation at least 30 minutes daily to maintain air circulation and dryness — stagnant indoor air accumulates dust mite allergens

If any pest activity is discovered (live insects, droppings, shed skins), immediately contact a licensed pest control professional — clearly inform them there is an infant/pregnant woman in the home and request physical or low-toxicity treatment methods