At work there are bed bugs, how can I avoid bringing them home? - briefly
Inspect and isolate any work clothing or accessories in a sealed plastic bag before leaving, then shower, wash hands, and launder items on the hottest setting or dry them for at least 30 minutes; additionally, wipe shoes and personal items with alcohol or heat to eliminate any remaining pests.
At work there are bed bugs, how can I avoid bringing them home? - in detail
Bed bugs can hitch a ride on clothing, personal items, or equipment used at a contaminated workplace. Preventing their transfer to your residence requires a systematic approach before, during, and after leaving the site.
Before leaving work
- Change out of any garments that have been in direct contact with infested areas. Store work clothes in a sealed plastic bag until they can be laundered.
- Inspect shoes, bags, and tools for visible insects or shed skins. Use a flashlight to examine seams and folds.
- If possible, keep personal belongings in a locker or a dedicated area that does not share space with the infestation.
During the commute
- Place sealed bags containing work attire and accessories in a separate compartment of your vehicle, away from passenger seats.
- Avoid placing items on the floor or upholstery where bugs could crawl.
- If public transportation is used, keep the sealed bag close to your body to reduce exposure to other passengers’ surfaces.
After arriving home
- Transfer sealed bags directly to the washing machine. Use hot water (≥ 120 °F / 49 °C) and a high‑heat dryer cycle (≥ 130 °F / 54 °C) for at least 30 minutes.
- Immediately launder any reusable items that were not sealed, following the same temperature guidelines.
- Vacuum the interior of your vehicle, focusing on seats, floor mats, and cargo area. Dispose of vacuum contents in a sealed bag and discard it outside the home.
- Store work shoes in a plastic container with a tight‑fitting lid. Consider treating them with a bed‑bug‑specific spray or placing them in a freezer (0 °F / ‑18 °C) for 72 hours if infestation is suspected.
- Clean personal items such as phones, keys, and ID badges with alcohol wipes or a disinfectant solution before placing them on household surfaces.
Long‑term preventative measures
- Maintain a dedicated set of clothing and gear for work, separate from everyday wear.
- Rotate and inspect work garments regularly; replace items showing signs of infestation.
- Keep a small, portable heater or dryer at the workplace for on‑site heat treatment of suspect items, if permitted.
- Coordinate with the employer’s pest‑management team to ensure the infestation is being addressed and to receive updates on treatment progress.
By implementing these steps consistently, the risk of transporting bed bugs from a contaminated job environment to your home can be minimized effectively.