Bed bugs on clothing: how to remove them? - briefly
Wash the garments in water of at least 60 °C for 30 minutes, then dry them on high heat for a minimum of 30 minutes. Seal any untreated clothing in airtight bags until the heat treatment is finished to stop re‑infestation.
Bed bugs on clothing: how to remove them? - in detail
Infestations of garments by Cimex lectularius require immediate, systematic treatment to prevent spread and re‑colonisation. The following protocol combines physical, chemical, and preventive measures.
First, isolate the affected items. Place clothing, linens, and accessories in sealed plastic bags or airtight containers. This step stops insects from escaping during handling.
Next, apply heat. Most life stages of the pest cannot survive temperatures above 120 °F (49 °C) for more than five minutes. Use a dryer on high heat for at least 30 minutes, ensuring the load is evenly distributed. For items that cannot be tumble‑dried, employ a portable steam cleaner or a professional heat‑treatment service that reaches the necessary temperature throughout the fabric.
If heat is unsuitable, resort to cold. Freezing at –4 °F (–20 °C) for a minimum of four days kills all stages. Seal the garments in zip‑top bags before placing them in a freezer to maintain consistent temperature.
After thermal treatment, wash the fabrics. Use the hottest water safe for the material (typically 130 °F/54 °C) with a regular detergent. Add a proven insecticide, such as a pyrethrin‑based laundry additive, following the manufacturer’s dosage instructions. Rinse thoroughly.
For items that cannot endure extreme temperatures or washing, use a contact insecticide. Choose a product labelled for bed‑bug control on fabrics, apply according to label directions, and allow the recommended drying time before reuse.
Finally, implement preventative practices:
- Store clean clothing in sealed bags or vacuum‑sealed containers.
- Inspect and vacuum storage areas weekly; discard vacuum bags immediately.
- Rotate seasonal wardrobes, exposing them to heat or cold before re‑use.
- Conduct regular visual checks of seams, folds, and pockets for live insects or shed skins.
By combining isolation, thermal or freezing treatment, thorough laundering with appropriate chemicals, and ongoing preventive habits, infestation of clothing can be eliminated and future occurrences prevented.