Methods for eradicating bedbugs through the combined use of ultraviolet C (UVC) photons and photo catalytic oxidation (PCO) include spraying infested areas with titanium dioxide (TiO2), applying UVC to activate the TiO2 and trigger the PCO process. The PCO process may oxidize organic matter, which is abundantly available in infested articles, to carbon dioxide (CO2) and water. The CO2, along with carrying out the process in a dark environment, may attract bedbugs and force them to leave their hiding places, where the combination of UVC and PCO can destroy the bedbugs. A vacuum cleaner may be used to remove all bedbugs and render the infested area free of bedbugs. Typically, bed sheets should be washed and mattresses and couches should be steam-cleaned following bedbug eradication.
