Bedbugs live in clothing, how to get rid of them? - briefly
Wash the affected garments in water at 60 °C (140 °F) or hotter and tumble‑dry on the highest setting for at least 30 minutes, then store them sealed in airtight bags. If infestation remains, treat the clothing and nearby surfaces with a registered insecticide or seek professional pest‑control assistance.
Bedbugs live in clothing, how to get rid of them? - in detail
Bed bugs frequently hide in garments, especially those stored for long periods or left on the floor. The insects seek darkness, warmth, and a source of blood, making folded clothing an ideal refuge. Infestations often begin when contaminated items are brought from hotels, public transport, or second‑hand stores.
Identification
- Small, reddish‑brown insects about 4–5 mm long, flattened and oval.
- Tiny white spots on seams or cuffs indicate excrement.
- Live insects may be seen crawling on fabric when disturbed.
- Dark spots on fabric after washing suggest dead bugs.
Immediate actions
- Isolate all suspect garments in sealed plastic bags to prevent spread.
- Wash items in hot water (minimum 60 °C / 140 °F) for at least 30 minutes.
- Transfer washed items directly to a dryer set on high heat (≥ 50 °C / 122 °F) for 30 minutes; heat kills all life stages.
Alternative non‑thermal methods
- Place sealed clothing in a freezer at –18 °C (0 °F) for a minimum of 72 hours; prolonged exposure eliminates eggs and adults.
- Use a portable steam cleaner on seams and folds; steam must reach 100 °C (212 °F) for several seconds.
Chemical options
- Apply a residual insecticide labeled for fabric use, following label instructions precisely.
- For delicate items, consider a fabric‑safe aerosol containing pyrethroids or silica‑based dust, ensuring thorough ventilation after treatment.
Storage prevention
- Keep clean clothes in airtight containers or vacuum‑sealed bags.
- Use garment bags with zip closures and treat the interior surface with a long‑lasting insecticide spray.
- Rotate stored items periodically and inspect for signs of infestation.
Professional intervention
When infestations involve large quantities of clothing or persist after home treatments, engage a licensed pest‑control service. Professionals can apply heat‑chamber treatments, fumigation with controlled‑release gases, or integrated pest‑management strategies that combine monitoring, chemical, and physical methods.
Follow‑up monitoring
- Install passive interceptors (sticky pads) near closets to capture wandering bugs.
- Conduct weekly visual inspections for at least three months after treatment, focusing on seams, pockets, and buttonholes.
By combining thorough laundering, appropriate heat or freezing, targeted chemical applications, and strict storage protocols, the presence of bed bugs in garments can be eliminated and future re‑infestations prevented.