What causes linen (clothing) bedbugs to appear?

Understanding Bed Bugs

What are Bed Bugs?

Biology and Life Cycle

Bedbugs (Cimex lectularius) are hematophagous insects whose biology predisposes them to colonize fabrics such as sheets and clothing. Adult females lay 1–5 eggs per day, depositing them in protected crevices near host resting sites. Eggs hatch in 6–10 days, releasing nymphs that undergo five molts before reaching maturity. Each molt requires a blood meal, prompting frequent movement between host skin and surrounding textiles.

The life cycle creates several opportunities for infestation of linen:

Eggs placed in seam folds, buttonholes, or pillowcase stitching remain undetected until hatching.
First‑instar nymphs are less than 1 mm long; they can slip into tight fabric folds and remain hidden.
Molting nymphs and adults seek shelter during digestion, often choosing soft, insulated materials that retain heat and moisture.
After feeding, bedbugs retreat to nearby fabrics to digest blood, excrete waste, and molt, reinforcing the population on the same textiles.

Environmental conditions accelerate this process. Temperatures between 24 °C and 30 °C and relative humidity of 60–80 % shorten development time, allowing a new generation every 5–7 days. Under optimal conditions, a single female can produce several hundred offspring within three months, rapidly saturating linens and garments.

Understanding these biological mechanisms explains why bedbugs appear on clothing and bedding: the insects exploit the protective qualities of fabrics for oviposition, development, and refuge, while their need for regular blood meals drives repeated contact with host‑covered textiles. Effective control must target all life stages within the fabric environment, disrupting egg placement, nymphal hiding spots, and adult refuges.

Common Misconceptions

Bedbugs found in sheets, pillowcases, or clothing often trigger false beliefs about their origin. These misconceptions can hinder effective control and lead to unnecessary actions.

Dirty laundry attracts bedbugs. Bedbugs feed on blood, not on stains or odors. They can infest freshly laundered items if the insects are already present in the environment.
Bedbugs are drawn to bright colors. Visual cues play no role in host selection. Heat, carbon dioxide, and body chemicals guide the insects, regardless of fabric hue.
Only cracked seams or worn fabric hide bedbugs. The insects can conceal themselves in any fold, buttonhole, or even smooth surfaces such as pillow tags.
Frequent washing eliminates the problem. While hot water and high‑heat drying kill exposed bugs, eggs hidden deep within layers may survive, allowing re‑infestation.
Bedbugs spread solely through second‑hand clothing. They travel via luggage, furniture, and personal items, but also move through wall voids and electrical outlets, independent of clothing exchange.
Pesticide sprays on fabrics solve the issue. Many chemicals lose efficacy on textiles, and improper application can leave residues without affecting hidden populations.

Understanding the factual causes—namely the presence of an established colony, passive transport on objects, and the insects’ sensory response to heat and carbon dioxide—prevents reliance on these myths and supports targeted eradication strategies.

Distinguishing Bed Bugs from Other Pests

Physical Characteristics

Bedbugs are small, wing‑less insects measuring 4–5 mm in length when unfed and expanding to about 7 mm after a blood meal. Their elongated, oval bodies are flattened laterally, allowing them to slip between fabric fibers and hide in seams, folds, and stitching.

The exoskeleton is a matte, reddish‑brown color that darkens to a deep rust after feeding. This coloration blends with many textile shades, making visual detection on sheets and clothing difficult without close inspection.

Eyes are absent; sensory perception relies on antennae equipped with chemoreceptors that detect carbon dioxide and body heat. These receptors enable the insects to locate a host through the material, even when the fabric is layered or folded.

Eggs are tiny, about 1 mm, and white to translucent. They are deposited in clusters of 10–50 on seams, tags, or the underside of folds. The smooth surface of woven linen provides anchor points that protect eggs from being dislodged during laundering.

Molting produces shed exoskeletons, known as exuviae, which retain the same flattened shape and color as adult bugs. Accumulation of exuviae on fabric indicates a developing infestation and can be mistaken for fabric lint if not examined carefully.

These physical traits—small size, flattened body, cryptic coloration, heat‑sensing antennae, and adhesive egg placement—facilitate the insects’ ability to colonize and remain hidden within linen and clothing, leading to their appearance on such items.

Behavioral Differences

Bedbugs locate hosts by detecting carbon‑dioxide, heat, and movement. When individuals change clothing or bedding without proper laundering, the insects can transfer directly onto fabrics, exploiting the brief exposure before the host’s body heat dissipates. This rapid transfer relies on the bugs’ tendency to climb onto any surface that recently harbored a warm blood source.

Human habits create distinct patterns of infestation:

Infrequent washing of garments and sheets allows dormant bugs to remain viable for months.
Storing clean laundry in open closets or drawers provides easy access for wandering insects.
Packing clothing in suitcases without sealed bags enables bedbugs to hitchhike from hotel rooms or public transport.

Pet behavior contributes similarly. Animals that sleep on upholstered furniture or bedding can carry bedbugs to their own blankets, which are then moved into human sleeping areas. The insects’ preference for crevices in fabric folds makes them especially adept at colonizing loose‑weave linens.

Bedbug movement is guided by light avoidance and moisture seeking. Dark, densely packed fibers in linen and clothing offer shelter, while the insects’ nocturnal activity aligns with human sleep cycles, increasing the likelihood of contact during the night. Consequently, variations in sleeping schedules, night‑time clothing choices, and the use of heavy blankets directly affect the probability of infestation.

Overall, the convergence of insect foraging behavior, host‑related hygiene practices, and the physical characteristics of fabrics determines why bedbugs appear on linens and clothing. Adjusting laundering frequency, securing storage, and minimizing cross‑contamination during travel reduce the behavioral pathways that facilitate infestations.

Sources of Infestation

Travel and Transportation

Luggage and Clothing

Bedbug infestations in clothing and linens often originate from items that travel between environments. Luggage and personal garments serve as primary carriers because they provide shelter and concealment for insects during movement.

Travel‑related transport: Suitcases, backpacks, and duffel bags placed on infested hotel beds or floors can acquire bedbugs that hide in seams, pockets, and fabric folds.
Shared apparel: Coats, jackets, and other outerwear left in common areas such as hostels, gyms, or public transport can pick up insects that later migrate to personal clothing.
Improper storage: Packing clothes without protective barriers (e.g., sealed plastic bags) allows bedbugs to infiltrate the items and remain dormant until the luggage is opened.
Cross‑contamination: Items exchanged between travelers—such as borrowed jackets or laundry bags—can transfer bedbugs from one location to another.
Delayed inspection: Failure to examine luggage and garments after returning from a trip enables hidden insects to establish a population in the home environment.

Preventive measures focus on inspection, containment, and treatment. Examine seams, zippers, and pockets of all travel gear before and after trips. Store clothing in airtight containers or zip‑lock bags during transit. Apply heat treatment (≥120 °F/49 °C for 30 minutes) or professional pest‑control methods to suspect items. Regular laundering of clothing at high temperatures further reduces the risk of infestation.

Public Transit and Accommodation

Public transportation and lodging facilities serve as primary pathways for the transfer of bedbugs to personal linens and clothing. When travelers board buses, trains, or subways, insects hidden in luggage, coats, or backpacks can disembark onto seats, fabric panels, or storage compartments. Subsequent contact with a new host’s bedding or garments introduces the pests into that environment.

Accommodation venues amplify the risk through several mechanisms:

High guest turnover creates frequent exchanges of items that may carry infestations.
Shared spaces such as lounges, laundry rooms, and hallway closets provide additional contact points.
Inadequate inspection or cleaning protocols allow surviving insects to establish colonies in mattresses, pillows, and curtains.
Overcrowded rooms reduce the ability to isolate contaminated items, facilitating spread among neighboring units.
Use of reusable linens without rigorous laundering at high temperatures promotes survival of dormant bedbugs.

The combination of mobile vectors and densely populated lodging results in a continuous cycle of infestation. Mitigation requires strict luggage inspection, immediate isolation of suspect items, and adherence to sanitation standards that include heat treatment and thorough vacuuming of all fabric surfaces.

Secondhand Items

Furniture and Mattresses

Furniture and mattresses provide the primary habitat where bedbugs thrive and subsequently contaminate linens and clothing. Cracks, seams, and fabric layers on beds create hiding places that protect insects from detection and treatment. Worn or damaged upholstery offers additional shelter, allowing populations to expand unnoticed.

Upholstery seams and tufts harbor eggs and nymphs, especially when fabric is frayed.
Mattress tags and internal wiring pockets serve as concealed chambers.
Foam layers retain moisture, creating a favorable micro‑environment for development.
Wooden frames with loose joints or varnish cracks conceal adult insects.
Used or second‑hand furniture introduces established infestations into a new setting.

Infestations spread when insects migrate from these reservoirs onto bedding, towels, and garments during nighttime activity. Regular inspection of stitching, joints, and internal structures, combined with prompt removal of damaged components, reduces the likelihood that bedbugs will transfer to linens. Cleaning protocols that include vacuuming seams and applying heat treatment to mattress components interrupt the life cycle and limit the emergence of bugs on clothing.

Used Clothing and Linens

Used garments and second‑hand linens often serve as vectors for bedbug introductions. When items are sourced from infested environments, adult insects, nymphs, or eggs may remain concealed in seams, folds, or fabric layers. Inadequate laundering—temperature below 120 °F (49 °C) or insufficient drying time—fails to eradicate these stages, allowing survival during transport.

Prior infestation of the donor location
Absence of high‑temperature washing or steam treatment
Storage in sealed containers without inspection
Contact with already‑infested furniture or bedding during handling
Compression in bulk shipments that protects insects from exposure

Improper handling amplifies risk. Rapid transfer from a contaminated source to a clean residence creates a direct pathway for colonization. Even items that appear clean can harbor eggs, which hatch under favorable humidity and temperature, producing a new population.

Preventive measures include: washing all acquired textiles at ≥120 °F, followed by a 30‑minute high‑heat dryer cycle; inspecting seams and stitching under magnification; quarantining items in a sealed bag for at least two weeks; and employing professional heat‑treatment services for bulk consignments. Early detection and rigorous decontamination break the life cycle and reduce the likelihood of a bedbug outbreak originating from used clothing and linens.

Adjoining Living Spaces

Multi-Unit Dwellings

In multi‑unit buildings, the proximity of separate households creates pathways for bedbugs to travel between apartments. Residents frequently exchange personal items, including clothing and linens, through shared laundry rooms, storage lockers, or informal borrowing, providing direct vectors for infestation.

Movement of infested furniture or used mattresses during tenant turnover spreads insects to adjacent units.
Common laundry facilities expose fabrics to contaminated surfaces, such as folding tables, dryer vents, and washing machines that are not regularly disinfected.
Structural gaps—cracks in walls, floor joists, and utility conduits—allow insects to move unnoticed through hidden channels.
Inconsistent pest‑management practices across the property leave untreated zones that serve as reservoirs for the pests.

These factors combine to increase the likelihood that bedbugs will appear on clothing and bedding within multi‑unit dwellings, emphasizing the need for coordinated inspection, regular cleaning of shared spaces, and uniform treatment protocols throughout the entire building.

Cross-Contamination

Cross‑contamination transfers bedbugs from infested sources to clean linens and garments through shared contact points. When an infected item touches a neutral surface—such as a suitcase, laundry basket, or bedding rack—eggs or adult insects can detach and relocate to the new fabric.

Common pathways include:

Packing untreated clothing together with infested pieces in a suitcase or storage bag.
Using communal laundry facilities without sealing contaminated loads.
Placing clean linens on a surface previously occupied by infested items, such as a hospital bed or hotel mattress.
Handling infested garments with bare hands and then touching uncontaminated clothing.
Transporting infested items in vehicles or containers that have not been disinfected.

Each interaction creates a vector for bedbugs to spread, allowing populations to establish on previously clean textiles. Breaking the chain requires isolating suspect items, employing sealed transport containers, and sanitizing all contact surfaces before introducing clean fabrics. Regular inspection of high‑risk zones—luggage interiors, laundry hampers, and shared storage—prevents inadvertent transfer and reduces the likelihood of bedbug emergence on linens and clothing.

Factors Contributing to Bed Bug Presence

Environmental Conditions

Preferred Temperatures

Bedbugs thrive within a narrow thermal window that directly influences their activity on fabrics such as sheets, blankets, and clothing. Temperatures between 24 °C (75 °F) and 30 °C (86 °F) accelerate development, increase feeding frequency, and promote faster population growth. Within this range, eggs hatch in 4–10 days, and nymphs progress through five instars in an average of 2–3 weeks, creating a rapid rise in infestation levels on textiles.

Temperatures below 15 °C (59 °F) slow metabolism, extend egg incubation to several weeks, and may induce dormancy in adult insects. Prolonged exposure to such cooler conditions can suppress breeding but does not eradicate established colonies, as bedbugs can survive for months without feeding.

Heat above 35 °C (95 °F) proves lethal. Sustained exposure to 45 °C (113 °F) for 30 minutes or 50 °C (122 °F) for 10 minutes kills all life stages, including eggs. This principle underlies professional heat‑treatment protocols for contaminated linens and garments.

Key temperature effects:

Optimal range (24‑30 °C): rapid reproduction, high activity.
Cool range (<15 °C): slowed development, possible dormancy.
Lethal range (≥45 °C): complete mortality after short exposure.

Managing indoor climate to stay below the optimal range—by maintaining cooler bedroom temperatures and avoiding prolonged heating—reduces the risk of bedbug proliferation on bedding and clothing. For decontamination, controlled high‑temperature treatment remains the most reliable method.

Humidity Levels

Humidity directly influences bedbug development and movement on linen and clothing. Moisture levels above 60 % relative humidity accelerate egg hatching, increase nymph survival, and encourage adult activity. Lower humidity, around 40 % or less, slows reproduction and can cause dehydration, reducing infestation risk.

60 %–80 % RH: rapid life‑cycle progression, higher population density on fabrics.
50 %–60 % RH: moderate development, occasional sightings, slower reproduction.
Below 40 % RH: extended development time, increased mortality, minimal presence.

Maintaining indoor humidity between 30 % and 45 % limits bedbug proliferation on textiles. Use dehumidifiers, proper ventilation, and moisture‑absorbing materials to keep levels within this range. Regular monitoring with hygrometers ensures conditions remain unfavorable for bedbugs.

Human Behavior

Lack of Awareness

Lack of awareness directly contributes to the presence of bedbugs in bedding and clothing. Many individuals fail to recognize early infestation indicators, such as small reddish spots on fabrics or tiny insects hidden in seams. This ignorance delays inspection and treatment, allowing populations to expand unchecked.

Typical gaps in knowledge include:

Inability to identify bedbug life stages and distinguishing marks.
Misconception that bedbugs only inhabit mattresses, ignoring clothing and linen as viable habitats.
Neglect of routine laundering at temperatures sufficient to kill insects.
Overlooking travel-related exposure and failing to inspect luggage or garments after trips.
Assuming that visible insects are the only sign of infestation, disregarding scent or allergic reactions.

Consequences of these oversights are rapid proliferation, increased difficulty of eradication, and higher costs for professional control measures. Raising public understanding of detection methods, proper laundering practices, and preventive inspections reduces the likelihood of bedbug establishment in personal textiles.

Negligence in Prevention

Bedbugs are attracted to fabrics that provide shelter, food, and a stable environment; linen and clothing become ideal hosts when maintenance lapses.

Negligence in routine prevention creates conditions that enable infestations. Failure to launder items at appropriate temperatures, to inspect bedding regularly, and to store garments in sealed containers leaves viable habitats unchecked. Each missed step allows insects to reproduce, spread, and embed themselves deeper within textile layers.

Common negligent practices include:

Skipping weekly visual inspections of sheets, pillowcases, and clothing seams.
Washing fabrics in cold water or using insufficient drying cycles.
Storing unused linen in open closets or under‑bed areas without protective covers.
Ignoring early signs such as small reddish spots, shed skins, or a sweet, musty odor.
Delaying professional treatment after detecting a single specimen.

These oversights directly increase the probability of bedbug presence. Untreated infestations expand rapidly, contaminating additional garments and bedding, leading to widespread loss of hygiene and costly remediation. Prompt, consistent preventive actions eliminate the environment bedbugs require, breaking the cycle of proliferation.

Challenges in Detection

Nocturnal Habits

Bedbugs are primarily active after dark, emerging from concealed refuges to locate a blood meal. Their nocturnal schedule aligns with human sleep cycles, allowing them to feed undisturbed. Once feeding is complete, they retreat to protected areas, often within the folds, seams, and stitching of linens and clothing. The darkness and reduced movement in bedrooms create optimal conditions for their migration onto fabrics, where they can remain hidden until the next feeding period.

Key aspects of nighttime behavior that promote infestation of bedding and apparel:

Feeding window – activity peaks between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m., coinciding with the period when occupants are most likely to be still.
Thermal cues – body heat and exhaled carbon dioxide intensify after dark, guiding bugs toward sleeping hosts and the surrounding textiles.
Low disturbance – reduced foot traffic and cleaning actions during night hours limit interruptions, enabling bugs to travel along seams and crevices unnoticed.
Re‑entry into fabric – after a blood meal, bugs seek shelter in the same material they entered, using stitching lines and fabric layers as safe harbors.

Consequently, the combination of nocturnal feeding, attraction to host-generated cues, and preference for concealed fabric spaces drives the presence of bedbugs in linens and clothing. Regular inspection of bedding seams and nighttime monitoring can reveal early signs of infestation before populations expand.

Hiding Places

Bedbugs locate themselves in the smallest, protected areas of fabrics and furnishings, allowing them to avoid detection while staying close to a blood source. In linens and clothing, common refuges include seams, buttonholes, and folded edges where fabric layers create a concealed pocket. The interior of pillowcases, duvet covers, and fitted sheets often contains a narrow cavity between the fabric and the mattress, providing a stable micro‑environment. Garments stored in drawers or closets hide in pockets, cuffs, and the interior folds of jackets or trousers, especially when items are stacked tightly.

Additional concealment sites that indirectly affect linen and apparel infestations are:

Mattress corners and box‑spring voids, where bugs travel to reach sheet edges.
Bed frames, headboards, and wall cracks adjacent to sleeping areas, offering routes to fabric surfaces.
Suitcases, travel bags, and garment bags, which retain moisture and warmth, encouraging migration to clothing.
Upholstered furniture near the bed, such as armchairs, where bugs move onto nearby linens.

These locations retain heat, humidity, and carbon dioxide, conditions that sustain bedbug development. When fabrics are placed over or near these refuges, the insects readily disperse onto the material, resulting in visible activity on sheets, pillowcases, and garments. Effective control therefore requires inspection and treatment of all identified hiding places.

Prevention and Control

Proactive Measures

Regular Inspections

Regular inspections of bedding and garments provide the earliest opportunity to detect bedbug activity before populations expand. Early detection limits the spread to adjacent furniture, walls, and personal items, reducing the need for extensive treatment.

During each inspection, focus on the following indicators:

Small, reddish‑brown spots on fabric (fecal stains)
Tiny, white shells shed by nymphs
Live insects, typically 4–5 mm long, visible in seams or folds
Darkened areas where insects have fed, often near seams or buttons

Inspecting should occur at least once a week in high‑risk environments such as hotels, dormitories, and shared housing. In low‑risk settings, a bi‑weekly schedule suffices. Use a bright flashlight and a magnifying lens to examine seams, hems, and hidden folds. Document findings with photographs and note the location of any evidence to guide targeted remediation.

Consistent, systematic checks create a reliable record of infestation status, enabling prompt intervention and preventing the establishment of a breeding colony within linens and clothing.

Protective Covers

Protective covers act as a physical barrier that prevents bedbugs from reaching fabric surfaces. The enclosure is designed with zippered seams, reinforced stitching, and a fabric weave that denies insects passage. When a cover encases a mattress, pillow, or clothing storage bag, any bedbug attempting to feed or lay eggs encounters an impenetrable surface, forcing it to retreat to exposed areas.

Key characteristics of effective protective covers include:

Encasement integrity – seams sealed with durable zippers or tape eliminate gaps.
Material density – tightly woven polyester or cotton‑blended fabrics resist penetration.
Durability – resistance to tearing ensures long‑term protection despite regular washing.
Ease of maintenance – machine‑washable designs allow hot‑water cycles that kill residual insects.

Installation requires fully wrapping the item and confirming that the zipper is closed along its entire length. A correctly fitted cover eliminates the primary pathway through which bedbugs locate and infest linens, thereby reducing the likelihood of an outbreak. Regular inspection of the cover for tears or wear, combined with periodic laundering at temperatures above 60 °C, maintains its protective function and supports overall pest‑management strategies.

Treatment Strategies

Professional Extermination

Bedbugs infest linens and clothing when they find suitable hiding places, access to a blood meal, and conditions that support their development. Common contributors include frequent travel without proper inspection of luggage, storage of unlaundered fabrics in damp environments, and proximity to infested furniture or mattresses. Cracks, seams, and folds in bedding provide shelter, while warm, humid conditions accelerate egg hatching and nymph growth.

Professional extermination targets these factors through a systematic approach. Technicians begin with a thorough inspection to locate all active infestations, using visual cues and specialized detection devices. Once identified, they apply a combination of treatments designed to eradicate all life stages of the pest.

Heat treatment: Raising ambient temperature to 50 °C (122 °F) for a prescribed duration kills eggs, nymphs, and adults without chemical residues.
Fumigation: Controlled release of approved gases penetrates fabric layers, reaching hidden insects that surface sprays cannot contact.
Insecticide application: Selective use of residual products on seams, folds, and baseboards creates a barrier that prevents re‑infestation.
Encasement and laundering: Providing certified covers for mattresses and pillows, coupled with high‑temperature washing of linens, removes residual populations and prevents future harborage.

After treatment, technicians conduct a follow‑up inspection to verify eradication and advise on preventive measures, such as routine laundering at high temperatures, regular inspection of travel items, and maintaining low humidity levels in storage areas. This comprehensive protocol eliminates current infestations and reduces the risk of recurrence on bedding and garments.

DIY Methods

Bedbug infestations in linens and garments arise from conditions that allow the insects to hide, reproduce, and travel. Moisture, accumulated dust, and frequent exposure to infested environments create ideal habitats. DIY interventions focus on eliminating these factors and disrupting the pest life cycle.

Effective home‑based prevention begins with regular laundering. Wash fabrics at a minimum of 60 °C (140 °F) for 30 minutes; high temperature kills all life stages. Immediately dry on high heat for at least 20 minutes, as residual heat penetrates seams and folds. Vacuum upholstered surfaces and mattress edges weekly, discarding the vacuum bag or cleaning the canister with hot, soapy water to prevent re‑introduction. Store off‑season clothing in airtight polyethylene bags, compressing air to reduce space for hiding.

When an infestation is detected, the following DIY treatments can reduce population without professional chemicals:

Steam cleaning: Apply steam (>100 °C) to seams, folds, and crevices for 10‑15 seconds per area; the heat penetrates deep layers.
Freezing: Place small items in a freezer set to –18 °C (0 °F) for at least 72 hours; prolonged cold exposure exterminates eggs and nymphs.
Diatomaceous earth: Lightly dust seams, baseboards, and the underside of furniture; the abrasive particles desiccate insects upon contact.
Silica gel packets: Distribute in storage boxes to maintain low humidity, discouraging egg development.

After treatment, repeat laundering and heat‑dry cycles for all affected textiles. Follow with a second vacuum pass and re‑application of diatomaceous earth after 48 hours to capture survivors. Consistent execution of these steps minimizes re‑infestation risk and restores a pest‑free environment for linens and clothing.

Post-Treatment Maintenance

Continued Vigilance

Continued vigilance prevents bed‑bug colonies from establishing in linens and clothing. Regular inspection of sheets, pillowcases, blankets, and garments reveals early signs—live insects, shed skins, or dark spots—before populations expand. Immediate removal of infested items and proper laundering at temperatures of at least 60 °C (140 °F) eliminates survivors.

Key practices include:

Weekly visual checks of bedding seams and folds.
Prompt washing of any fabric exposed to travel or temporary lodging.
Use of protective mattress encasements that can be inspected without removal.
Routine vacuuming of bedroom surfaces and storage areas, followed by disposal of vacuum bags.
Immediate reporting of suspected activity to pest‑control professionals for targeted treatment.

Sustained attention to these measures reduces the likelihood that dormant eggs or hidden insects trigger a resurgence, maintaining a habitat free of bed‑bugs.

Laundering Practices

Bedbugs can survive on linens and clothing when laundering does not meet thermal or mechanical thresholds required to kill all life stages.

Washing at temperatures below 120 °F (49 °C) allows eggs and nymphs to remain viable. Short cycles reduce exposure time, and using cold‑water detergents does not compensate for the lack of heat. After washing, folding or storing damp items provides a moist environment conducive to hatching.

Effective protocols eliminate infestations. Hot water above 120 °F, combined with a detergent that penetrates fabric fibers, destroys eggs, larvae, and adults. A subsequent dryer cycle at a minimum of 130 °F (54 °C) for 30 minutes ensures complete desiccation. Immediate removal from the dryer prevents re‑contamination from surrounding surfaces.

Additional controls reduce risk:

Seal garments and bedding in plastic bags before transport to the laundry facility.
Pre‑treat visible stains or suspected hotspots with an insecticidal spray approved for fabrics.
Conduct visual inspections after drying; discard or re‑launder items showing live insects.
Maintain laundry equipment cleanliness; regularly clean lint traps and drum interiors.

Neglecting these measures creates a pathway for bedbugs to persist on household textiles, leading to renewed infestations.