How are laundry bed bugs started? - briefly
Bed bugs are transferred to laundry when infested garments or linens are washed or dried without sufficient heat, allowing the insects or their eggs to survive. Heating water or air above 120 °F (49 °C) during the cycle eliminates them and stops spread.
How are laundry bed bugs started? - in detail
Bed bugs can enter a home via clothing and linens that have been washed, dried, or folded in contaminated facilities. The insects survive the laundering process when temperature, detergent concentration, or drying time are insufficient to kill them. Several mechanisms facilitate this transfer:
- Low‑temperature washing – water below 120 °F (49 °C) does not eradicate eggs or adult bugs; they remain hidden in fabric folds.
- Inadequate drying – tumble dryers set below 130 °F (54 °C) for short cycles allow survivors to emerge after the cycle ends.
- Contaminated laundry equipment – shared washers, dryers, or folding tables in laundromats may harbor bugs that crawl onto garments during handling.
- Improper handling after laundering – placing freshly washed items directly into a bag or basket that has previously contained infested clothing reintroduces the pests.
- Transport from infested locations – travelers returning from hotels, dormitories, or other dwellings may carry bugs on their luggage, which later contaminate laundry piles.
The life cycle of bed bugs contributes to their persistence in laundry. Eggs are resistant to many chemicals and can survive for weeks in dry conditions. Adults hide in seams, pockets, and buttonholes, emerging when the fabric cools after the wash. If a single item is infested, the bug can spread to other garments during sorting, folding, or storage.
Preventive measures focus on eliminating these pathways:
- Use hot water (≥130 °F / 54 °C) for washing heavily soiled or suspect items.
- Dry on high heat for at least 30 minutes; consider longer cycles for bulky loads.
- Inspect and clean washer drums, dryer lint traps, and folding surfaces regularly.
- Store clean laundry in sealed containers until it can be placed in the living area.
- Avoid placing clothing directly from a laundromat onto beds or sofas without inspection.
By maintaining rigorous temperature standards, ensuring thorough drying, and controlling post‑laundry handling, the risk of introducing bed bugs through washed textiles can be substantially reduced.