How to remove insect bodies
The best way to remove dead insects and larvae is to use a vacuum. This removes all the insect debris including very small larvae. Using a round brush end makes it easier to target where the suction is applied and the crevice tool ensures that any debris stuck next to skirting boards, window crevices etc is collected.
Take care if removing insects from carpets, rugs or other textiles as the insects may have chewed through the base of the fibres. Vacuuming may remove the fibres leaving bald spots. When vacuuming this type of object, vacuum carefully in an unobtrusive area with the suction turned down low if possible. If the vacuum does not have variable suction, try brushing with a stiff brush, such as a toothbrush in a small area. If fibres are dislodged, brush the insects towards the vacuum tube using a stiff brush. The remaining debris can then be vacuumed up by vacuuming the textile through a net screen. (Fine net or gauze pulled tight around a frame, giving a rectangular area to vacuum through. The textile is then cleaned in a grid pattern.)
Once all the insects have been removed, empty the vacuum or throw away the bag. Ideally, the debris should be placed into a bag that is sealed before being placed into a waste bin. This ensures that any insects that were living when they were vacuumed up cannot crawl out of the vacuum and infest additional areas. Wash the vacuum tube and tools and wipe out the inside of the vacuum.
Take care if removing insects from carpets, rugs or other textiles as the insects may have chewed through the base of the fibres. Vacuuming may remove the fibres leaving bald spots. When vacuuming this type of object, vacuum carefully in an unobtrusive area with the suction turned down low if possible. If the vacuum does not have variable suction, try brushing with a stiff brush, such as a toothbrush in a small area. If fibres are dislodged, brush the insects towards the vacuum tube using a stiff brush. The remaining debris can then be vacuumed up by vacuuming the textile through a net screen. (Fine net or gauze pulled tight around a frame, giving a rectangular area to vacuum through. The textile is then cleaned in a grid pattern.)
Once all the insects have been removed, empty the vacuum or throw away the bag. Ideally, the debris should be placed into a bag that is sealed before being placed into a waste bin. This ensures that any insects that were living when they were vacuumed up cannot crawl out of the vacuum and infest additional areas. Wash the vacuum tube and tools and wipe out the inside of the vacuum.