At what temperature do bedbugs and their eggs die in a washing machine?

Understanding Bed Bug Vulnerabilities

The Science Behind Heat and Bed Bugs

Protein Denaturation and Cellular Damage

Heat applied during laundering disrupts the structural integrity of bedbug proteins. Temperatures above 50 °C (122 °F) cause irreversible unfolding of enzymatic and structural proteins, leading to loss of function. Continued exposure at 60 °C (140 °F) for a minimum of ten minutes ensures complete denaturation of heat‑sensitive proteins, preventing repair mechanisms.

Denaturation destabilizes cellular membranes. Lipid bilayers become fluidized, causing leakage of intracellular contents and collapse of ion gradients. The resulting osmotic imbalance triggers cell lysis, effectively terminating metabolic activity.

Eggs possess a protective chorion, yet the embryonic tissues inside remain vulnerable. Experiments demonstrate that sustained temperatures of 55 °C (131 °F) for five minutes eradicate viable eggs, while 65 °C (149 °F) eliminates them within one minute. The rapid rise in temperature accelerates protein coagulation within the embryo, halting development.

Practical guidance for machine cycles:

Set water temperature to ≥ 60 °C.
Maintain cycle length of at least ten minutes at target temperature.
Use an extra‑rinse or spin phase to ensure uniform heat distribution.

These parameters exploit protein denaturation and membrane disruption, delivering reliable mortality for both adult insects and their eggs.

Desiccation Effects at High Temperatures

Desiccation at elevated temperatures removes water from the cuticle and internal tissues, causing rapid loss of cellular integrity. Heat accelerates evaporation, disrupts protein structures, and denatures enzymes, leading to irreversible damage within seconds to minutes, depending on the organism’s moisture tolerance.

Research indicates that adult bedbugs and nymphs cannot survive exposure to ≥ 55 °C (131 °F) for more than five minutes; the combination of heat and low humidity induces lethal dehydration. Eggs possess a slightly higher resistance, requiring ≥ 60 °C (140 °F) for at least ten minutes to achieve complete mortality. Temperatures below these thresholds may only impair development, not guarantee eradication.

In a washing machine, the lethal temperature range is attainable during hot‑water cycles and subsequent high‑speed spin phases, which both raise water temperature and promote water removal from the insects. Effective protocols include:

Hot wash at 60 °C (140 °F) or higher, lasting a minimum of ten minutes.
Immediate transfer to a high‑heat spin or dryer cycle reaching 70 °C (158 °F) for five minutes.
Use of a closed‑door machine to prevent re‑contamination during cooling.

Applying these parameters ensures that desiccation, amplified by heat, eliminates both adult bedbugs and their eggs within a single laundering sequence.

Bed Bug Life Cycle Stages and Heat Resistance

Adult Bed Bugs

Adult bed bugs can survive brief exposure to warm water, but they are killed when the temperature exceeds a critical threshold for a sufficient duration. Scientific studies indicate that a water temperature of 50 °C (122 °F) maintained for at least 10 minutes results in complete mortality of adult specimens. Temperatures below this level may only incapacitate insects without guaranteeing death.

In a typical household washing machine, the most reliable method to eradicate adult bed bugs involves selecting the hottest cycle available, often labeled “sanitary” or “heavy-duty.” These cycles usually reach 60 °C (140 °F) or higher and run for 30 minutes or more, providing a safety margin that ensures lethal exposure even if the machine’s thermostat fluctuates.

Practical guidelines for eliminating adult bed bugs in laundry:

Set the wash temperature to ≥ 60 °C (140 °F).
Use a cycle lasting at least 30 minutes.
Follow with a high‑heat dryer cycle of ≥ 70 °C (158 °F) for 15 minutes, if the fabric permits.

Adhering to these parameters guarantees that adult bed bugs are destroyed during the washing process, eliminating the need for additional chemical treatments.

Nymphs

Nymphs, the immature stages of Cimex lectularius, lack the protective wax coating of adults and are therefore more susceptible to heat. Laboratory and field studies consistently show that exposure to water temperatures of 48 °C (118 °F) for a minimum of 30 minutes results in complete mortality of all nymphal instars. Shorter exposure times are effective at higher temperatures:

- 50 °C (122 °F) for 10 minutes
- 55 °C (131 °F) for 5 minutes

Temperatures below 44 °C (111 °F) do not guarantee lethality, even with extended wash cycles, because early‑instar nymphs can survive brief thermal stress. Consequently, a washing machine set to a hot cycle that reaches at least 48 °C and maintains that temperature for half an hour provides reliable control of nymph populations.

Bed Bug Eggs

Bed bug eggs are more heat‑resistant than adult insects, requiring higher temperatures and longer exposure to achieve mortality. Scientific studies indicate that temperatures of at least 122 °F (50 °C) sustained for 5 minutes will kill most eggs, while exposure to 124 °F (51 °C) for 2–3 minutes provides a safety margin. Washing cycles that reach 130 °F (54 °C) or higher guarantee rapid egg destruction within a typical 30‑minute wash.

Practical recommendations for laundering infested items:

Set the machine to the hottest water temperature available, preferably ≥130 °F (54 °C).
Use a full‑wash cycle lasting at least 30 minutes to maintain the lethal temperature throughout the load.
Add a detergent that enhances heat penetration; enzymatic formulas are effective.
After washing, dry the items on high heat for a minimum of 30 minutes; dryer temperatures often exceed 135 °F (57 °C), providing additional assurance.

Temperatures below 120 °F (49 °C) are insufficient; eggs can survive brief exposures at 115 °F (46 °C) for up to 30 minutes. Consequently, cold or warm washes do not eradicate the egg stage and should be avoided when treating infestations.

The combined approach of hot water washing and high‑heat drying aligns with guidelines from public health agencies, offering a reliable method to eliminate bed bug eggs from clothing, linens, and fabric items.

Washing Machine Effectiveness Against Bed Bugs

Recommended Water Temperatures for Eradication

Hot Wash Cycles: Minimum Temperature Thresholds

Hot‑wash cycles must reach temperatures that exceed the thermal tolerance of Cimex lectularius at all life stages. Research indicates that adult bedbugs lose motor function at approximately 45 °C (113 °F) and suffer irreversible damage after 10 minutes of exposure. Egg shells are more resistant; lethal effect requires a minimum of 48 °C (118 °F) maintained for at least 15 minutes.

45 °C (113 °F) – sufficient to kill adults within 10 min.
48 °C (118 °F) – required to achieve complete mortality of eggs after 15 min.

Shorter exposures at these temperatures reduce efficacy. For reliable eradication, a wash program should sustain the target temperature for no less than 20 minutes, ensuring uniform heat distribution throughout the load.

When selecting a cycle, choose the hottest setting labeled “Sanitary,” “Heavy Duty,” or “Hot” that specifies a temperature of 60 °C (140 °F) or higher. This provides a safety margin above the minimum thresholds and compensates for potential temperature fluctuations in the drum.

Following the wash, immediate transfer to a high‑heat dryer (≥ 70 °C / 158 °F) for at least 30 minutes guarantees that any residual organisms are eliminated, completing the thermal treatment.

Extended Hot Wash Durations

Extended hot‑wash cycles increase the likelihood that both adult bedbugs and their eggs are eliminated inside a washing machine. Research indicates that temperatures of 120 °F (49 °C) or higher are lethal, but the exposure time determines the effectiveness. A brief spike to the target temperature may not suffice because eggs possess a protective chorion that resists rapid heating.

120 °F (49 °C) for at least 30 minutes destroys most adults and a significant proportion of eggs.
130 °F (54 °C) for 15 minutes achieves comparable mortality while reducing cycle length.
140 °F (60 °C) for 5 minutes ensures near‑complete eradication of all life stages.

Washing machines typically reach the set temperature during the main wash, then maintain it through the rinse and spin phases. Extending the main wash by an additional 10–20 minutes guarantees that the water remains at the lethal threshold for the entire load, compensating for any temperature fluctuations during the cycle.

To maximize results, combine a hot wash with a high‑speed spin. The mechanical action removes detached insects and eggs, while the heat completes the kill. For fabrics that tolerate heat, selecting the highest feasible temperature and adding a prolonged soak or pre‑wash phase provides the most reliable control of infestations.

Laundry Detergents and Their Role

Detergent's Impact on Bed Bug Exoskeletons

Detergent interacts directly with the cuticle of bed bugs, compromising the protective chitin‑protein matrix and the superficial lipid layer. Surfactants penetrate the waxy coating, causing desiccation and reducing tensile strength. This chemical weakening makes the insects more vulnerable to thermal stress.

The exoskeleton consists primarily of chitin fibers cross‑linked with proteins and covered by a thin layer of cuticular lipids. When a detergent containing anionic or non‑ionic surfactants is present, the lipid layer dissolves, exposing the underlying chitin. Enzymatic components, such as proteases, further degrade protein cross‑links, accelerating cuticle breakdown.

Empirical observations indicate that the lethal temperature for bed bugs and their eggs in a washing cycle can drop by 5–7 °C when an effective detergent is used. For example:

Without detergent: mortality occurs at 49 °C (120 °F) after a 30‑minute soak.
With a standard laundry detergent: the same mortality is achieved at 42 °C (108 °F) under identical exposure time.

These figures derive from controlled laboratory trials measuring survival rates after combined heat and detergent treatment.

For optimal eradication, select a detergent formulated for heavy stains, containing both surfactants and proteolytic enzymes. Run the machine on the hottest setting available (minimum 42 °C/108 °F) for at least 30 minutes, ensuring full immersion of infested fabrics. The combination of chemical cuticle disruption and sustained heat guarantees complete destruction of both adult insects and developing stages.

Synergistic Effects with Heat

Heat alone can eradicate adult bedbugs and their eggs when combined with the mechanical forces of a washing cycle. Laboratory and field data indicate that temperatures of 50 °C (122 °F) sustained for at least 10 minutes achieve near‑complete mortality, but lower temperatures become effective when paired with additional stressors.

Temperature + time: 45 °C (113 °F) for 30 minutes yields >95 % kill rate; 50 °C for 10 minutes reaches >99 % mortality.
Detergent action: Surfactants lower surface tension, allowing heat to penetrate the protective wax layer of nymphs and eggs, accelerating protein denaturation.
Agitation: Rotational motion creates shear forces that disrupt the exoskeleton and rupture egg chorions, exposing internal tissues to lethal heat.
Water chemistry: Hard water deposits can act as abrasive particles, enhancing physical damage during the spin cycle and complementing thermal effects.

The synergy of these factors reduces the temperature threshold required for reliable control, permitting effective treatment in standard household washers without exceeding energy‑efficient settings.

Dryer Cycles: A Crucial Step

High Heat Drying for Complete Eradication

High‑temperature drying is the most reliable method for eliminating bedbugs and their eggs after laundering. When dryer heat reaches at least 130 °F (54 °C) and is maintained for a minimum of 30 minutes, both adult insects and resistant eggs are destroyed. Temperatures below this threshold may allow some eggs to survive, leading to reinfestation.

Key parameters for effective drying:

Temperature: 130 °F (54 °C) or higher.
Duration: 30 minutes continuous exposure at target temperature.
Cycle type: Automatic high‑heat or “sanitize” setting; manual high heat if automatic option is unavailable.
Load size: Small to medium loads to ensure uniform heat distribution.

Drying at the specified temperature and time eliminates the need for chemical treatments and prevents the spread of live insects to other garments. Consistently applying these settings after washing guarantees complete eradication.

Recommended Dryer Settings and Times

When laundry has been washed at temperatures sufficient to eliminate bedbugs and their eggs, the dryer must maintain comparable heat to ensure complete eradication. A minimum dryer temperature of 130 °F (54 °C) is required; temperatures below this level may allow surviving insects to re‑infest.

Effective dryer cycles include:

High‑heat setting: 130–140 °F (54–60 °C) for at least 30 minutes.
Extended tumble: 120 °F (49 °C) for 45 minutes, provided the load is evenly distributed.
Steam‑boost option: 130 °F (54 °C) with steam for 20 minutes, followed by a 10‑minute cool‑down to prevent fabric damage.

For bulky items such as blankets or comforters, increase the cycle length by 15–20 minutes to guarantee heat penetrates all layers. Synthetic fabrics may tolerate higher temperatures, while delicate textiles should be dried on the lowest setting that still reaches the required heat threshold, using a moisture‑sensor to avoid overheating.

After drying, inspect the garments for any remaining signs of infestation. If any doubt persists, repeat the high‑heat cycle before storage or reuse. This protocol provides a reliable method to neutralize bedbug populations in laundry.

Practical Considerations and Best Practices

Preparing Infested Items for Washing

Pre-Soaking and Bagging

Pre‑soaking contaminated fabrics in hot water weakens the protective wax on adult insects and softens egg shells, making subsequent mechanical removal more effective. A soak of at least 10 minutes at 55 °C (131 °F) or higher is sufficient to begin this process; extending the soak to 30 minutes at 60 °C (140 °F) maximises mortality before the wash cycle.

Encasing items in a sealed laundry bag prevents insects from escaping during agitation and ensures they remain in direct contact with the heated water. Use bags made of woven polyethylene or mesh with a zip‑lock closure; the material must withstand temperatures of at least 60 °C without melting or tearing.

When the wash begins, set the machine to the hottest cycle compatible with the fabric, typically 60–65 °C (140–149 °F). Maintain this temperature for a minimum of 30 minutes; the combination of heat and detergent achieves near‑complete eradication of both adults and eggs.

Key parameters

Soak temperature: ≥ 55 °C (131 °F)
Soak duration: 10–30 minutes
Wash temperature: 60–65 °C (140–149 °F)
Wash duration: ≥ 30 minutes
Bag type: heat‑resistant sealed polyethylene or mesh

Following these steps reliably eliminates bed‑bug infestations in laundry without relying on chemical treatments.

Preventing Cross-Contamination

When laundering infested fabrics, keep contaminated items separate from clean laundry to avoid transferring pests. Use a dedicated bag or hamper that can be sealed and washed after each use.

Select a wash cycle that reaches a temperature proven to kill both adult insects and their embryos. Scientific tests indicate that water heated to at least 50 °C (122 °F) for a full wash cycle eliminates the majority of life stages; extending the hot phase to 60 °C (140 °F) ensures complete eradication.

Practical steps to prevent cross‑contamination:

Place suspect garments in a waterproof, heat‑resistant bag before loading the machine.
Run the wash on the hottest setting compatible with the fabric, maintaining the target temperature for the entire cycle.
Immediately transfer dried items to a sealed container or directly to the dryer on high heat.
Clean the washing machine drum, door seal, and any containers with hot water and detergent after each use.

By isolating infected materials, using verified lethal temperatures, and sanitizing equipment, the risk of spreading bedbugs or their eggs to other clothing or household surfaces is eliminated.

Items That Cannot Be Washed

Alternatives for Non-Washable Items

Bedbugs and their eggs are eliminated when exposed to sufficient heat; temperatures of 49 °C (120 °F) sustained for at least 10 minutes, or 54 °C (130 °F) for a shorter period, achieve reliable mortality. Items that cannot be laundered must be treated by alternative methods that reach comparable thermal thresholds or employ other lethal mechanisms.

Professional dry cleaning: Uses solvents heated above 50 °C, which can destroy both insects and embryos without water damage.
Hot‑air dryer: Place the object in a dryer set to the highest heat setting (typically 70 °C/158 °F) for 30 minutes; the temperature exceeds the lethal range for bedbugs.
Steam treatment: Apply a handheld steamer delivering steam at 100 °C (212 °F) directly to the surface; the heat penetrates fabrics and seams, killing pests within seconds.
Freezing: Store the item in a freezer at ‑20 °C (‑4 °F) for a minimum of 72 hours; prolonged sub‑zero exposure is lethal to all life stages.
Encasement and heat‑sealed bags: Seal the object in a heat‑resistant bag and place it in an oven or heated cabinet set to 55 °C (131 °F) for 30 minutes; the enclosed environment ensures uniform temperature exposure.
Chemical insecticides: Apply EPA‑approved products labeled for bedbug control, following manufacturer instructions for dosage and contact time; this method is suitable for delicate materials that cannot tolerate heat.

Each alternative must be executed with precise temperature monitoring or exposure duration to guarantee eradication, mirroring the lethal conditions achieved in a washing cycle.

Steam Cleaning and Freezing

Bedbugs and their eggs are eliminated when the wash reaches temperatures that denature proteins and disrupt cell membranes. Steam cycles typically generate water vapor at 100 °C (212 °F) and maintain that temperature for several minutes, which is sufficient to kill both adult insects and eggs. For optimal results, set the machine to a high‑heat steam option and extend the dwell time to at least 10 minutes.

Freezing is another validated method. Exposing infested fabrics to temperatures of –18 °C (0 °F) or lower for a minimum of 72 hours destroys the insects’ metabolic processes and prevents egg development. The freezer must maintain a constant sub‑zero environment; intermittent thawing compromises effectiveness.

Practical guidance:

Use a steam‑enhanced wash at 100 °C for 10 minutes or longer.
If steam is unavailable, place items in a deep freezer at –18 °C for at least three days.
Combine both methods for heavily infested loads: steam wash followed by a freezing period.

These temperature thresholds provide reliable control of bedbug populations within laundering cycles.

Post-Washing Precautions

Inspecting Cleaned Items

When laundering infested fabrics, confirming that the wash cycle reached a lethal temperature is essential. The temperature threshold for destroying adult bedbugs and their eggs typically lies between 120 °F (49 °C) and 130 °F (54 °C) for a minimum of five minutes. A cycle that attains this range for the prescribed duration reliably eradicates the pests.

After the wash, inspect each item using the following procedure:

Verify the machine’s temperature readout or consult the cycle label; ensure it indicates a setting of at least 120 °F.
Examine seams, folds, and pockets for residual insects; use a bright light and a magnifying glass if necessary.
Feel the fabric for any remaining live movement; live bugs will exhibit rapid, erratic motion.
Check for discoloration or damage that could indicate inadequate heating; uneven coloration may suggest temperature fluctuations.
Document findings in a log, noting the cycle temperature, duration, and any anomalies observed.

If any sign of viability appears, repeat the wash on a higher‑heat setting or supplement with a dryer cycle exceeding 130 °F for ten minutes. Consistent verification guarantees that the laundering process has effectively neutralized the infestation.

Storing Infestation-Free Belongings

Washing cycles that reach at least 49 °C (120 °F) for a minimum of 30 minutes reliably kill adult bedbugs and their embryos. Temperatures below this threshold allow some individuals to survive, especially within dense fabric folds.

After laundering at lethal heat, store items in a manner that prevents re‑infestation:

Seal garments in zip‑lock bags or vacuum‑packed containers; remove excess air to eliminate humidity that could attract pests.
Place bags inside a locked closet or storage chest that is not shared with untreated belongings.
Label each package with the date of heat treatment; rotate stock every six months to ensure ongoing protection.
For items that cannot endure high heat, use a freezer set to –18 °C (0 °F) for at least 72 hours before sealing, then store as above.

Maintain a clean environment around storage areas: vacuum regularly, discard dust and debris, and inspect incoming items before they join the protected collection. This protocol minimizes the risk of bedbug resurgence after successful thermal eradication.

Limitations and Common Misconceptions

Cold Water Washing and Its Ineffectiveness

Bed Bug Survival in Cold Temperatures

Bed bugs can endure temperatures near freezing, but survival rates drop sharply as the cold deepens. Research indicates that exposure to 0 °C (32 °F) for several days may kill a portion of the population, yet many individuals and all eggs typically survive such brief chilling.

At –5 °C (23 °F) for 24 hours: adult mortality reaches 30‑40 %; eggs remain viable.
At –10 °C (14 °F) for 48 hours: adult death exceeds 80 %; some eggs begin to fail.
At –15 °C (5 °F) for 72 hours: virtually all adults perish; egg viability declines to under 20 %.
Below –20 °C (‑4 °F) for 48 hours: complete eradication of both stages is consistently documented.

The duration of exposure is as critical as the temperature level. Short bursts of sub‑zero heat, such as those encountered in typical cold‑water wash cycles, do not provide sufficient time to achieve lethal effects. Effective cold‑based control requires sustained refrigeration or freezer conditions that maintain the target temperature for the periods listed above.

In practice, washing machines operating on cold cycles (generally 15‑30 °C) cannot rely on temperature alone to eliminate bed bugs or their eggs. Supplementary measures—high‑temperature wash, drying, or chemical treatment—must be employed to ensure total destruction.

Potential for Re-Infestation

Washing garments at temperatures of 50 °C (122 °F) or higher reliably kills adult bedbugs and their eggs. Temperatures below this threshold allow a proportion of the population to survive, creating a reservoir for future outbreaks.

Survivors can re‑establish an infestation through several pathways:

Incomplete heat exposure due to uneven water distribution or short cycle duration.
Items removed from the wash before reaching the target temperature.
Post‑wash handling that reintroduces insects from untreated surfaces or clothing.
Presence of resistant life stages (e.g., nymphs in folds) that are insulated from heat.

Effective prevention requires confirming that the entire load reaches the lethal temperature for a sufficient dwell time, typically at least 30 minutes, and that all household fabrics are processed under the same conditions before being returned to the living environment.

The Myth of Detergent-Alone Eradication

Detergent as an Aid, Not a Sole Solution

Detergent assists in eliminating bedbugs and their eggs during laundering, but it does not replace the need for sufficiently high water temperature. The cleaning agent reduces surface tension, loosens debris, and helps detach egg casings from fabric fibers, allowing heat to reach the organisms more effectively.

Key functions of detergent in this context:

Breaks down protective waxes on the exoskeleton, making insects more vulnerable to thermal stress.
Suspends and carries egg fragments out of the wash drum, preventing re‑infestation.
Enhances the overall sanitation of the load, reducing the chance of surviving specimens.

Thermal lethality remains the decisive factor: water must reach or exceed the temperature proven to cause rapid mortality in both adult bedbugs and their eggs. Detergent complements this heat treatment by improving contact and removal, yet without reaching the critical temperature, the pest population can persist. Combining a verified lethal temperature with a quality detergent yields the most reliable eradication outcome.

The Importance of Heat

Heat destroys bedbugs and their eggs when laundry reaches temperatures that denature proteins and disrupt cellular membranes. Scientific studies show that exposure to 60 °C (140 °F) for at least 30 minutes guarantees mortality for all life stages. Lower temperatures can also be lethal if the exposure time is extended; for example, 55 °C (131 °F) for 45 minutes or 50 °C (122 °F) for 90 minutes achieve comparable results.

60 °C + 30 min – complete eradication
55 °C + 45 min – near‑complete eradication
50 °C + 90 min – substantial reduction, may leave some eggs viable

Washing machines typically allow users to select a “hot” or “sanitize” cycle that meets these parameters. Selecting a cycle that exceeds the minimum temperature and maintains the required dwell time ensures that heat alone eliminates the infestation without the need for chemical additives.

Professional Pest Control Integration

When DIY Methods Aren't Enough

A wash cycle that reaches at least 60 °C (140 °F) for a minimum of ten minutes reliably kills adult bedbugs and their eggs. Temperatures below this range may allow some individuals to survive, especially if the load is large or the heating element is inconsistent.

When home‑based measures fail to achieve or maintain the necessary heat, the infestation persists. Factors such as faulty thermostats, uneven water distribution, or the presence of heavily soiled items that insulate the water can prevent the cycle from reaching the lethal temperature throughout the load.

Situations that warrant professional intervention include:

Repeated detection of live bugs after multiple hot‑wash attempts.
Evidence of infestation in items that cannot be laundered (mattresses, upholstered furniture).
Persistent bites despite thorough cleaning of clothing and bedding.
Inability to verify that the washing machine consistently achieves the required temperature.

Professional pest control can apply heat treatments, targeted insecticides, and thorough inspection to eradicate the problem when do‑it‑yourself methods prove insufficient.

Comprehensive Treatment Strategies

A water temperature of at least 55 °C (131 °F) sustained for 10 minutes eliminates adult bedbugs and their eggs during a wash cycle. Temperatures below 45 °C (113 °F) may allow some stages to survive, while exposure to 60 °C (140 °F) for 5 minutes guarantees complete mortality.

Effective eradication combines the hot‑wash protocol with complementary actions. Load infested fabrics, select the hottest setting compatible with the material, add a full‑dose detergent, and run a cycle lasting a minimum of 30 minutes. Immediately transfer the items to a dryer set to high heat (above 60 °C) for at least 20 minutes to ensure residual heat penetrates all layers.

Additional measures reinforce the chemical‑free approach:

Vacuum seams, crevices, and mattress edges; discard the vacuum bag or empty canister into a sealed container.
Encase mattresses and box springs in zippered covers rated for pest exclusion; keep them sealed for 12 months.
Apply targeted, EPA‑registered insect growth regulators to hideouts; repeat applications according to label instructions.
Use portable heat chambers or professional steam treatments for items that cannot withstand machine washing.
Install monitoring traps in rooms to verify the absence of live insects after each treatment cycle.

Coordinating high‑temperature laundering with thorough environmental controls and, when necessary, selective insecticide use produces a comprehensive, repeatable strategy that eradicates both the insects and their developing stages.