How can bedbugs be removed from blankets? - briefly
Wash the blankets in water at least 120 °F (49 °C) for 30 minutes, then tumble‑dry on high heat for another 30 minutes; afterward, seal them in a plastic bag for several days to eliminate any remaining insects.
How can bedbugs be removed from blankets? - in detail
Bed bugs hide in the folds and fibers of bedding, so thorough treatment of blankets is essential for eradication. Begin by isolating the contaminated items: place each blanket in a sealed plastic bag to prevent insects from escaping and to avoid cross‑contamination with other laundry.
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Heat exposure – Wash the blanket in water at a minimum of 60 °C (140 °F) for at least 30 minutes. Follow with a dryer cycle on the highest heat setting for 30 minutes or longer; temperatures above 50 °C (122 °F) are lethal to all life stages. For items that cannot withstand high temperatures, use a portable steam cleaner set to at least 100 °C (212 °F) and apply steam evenly across the surface, paying special attention to seams and hems.
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Cold treatment – If heat is unsuitable, seal the blanket in a freezer capable of reaching –18 °C (0 °F) and maintain this temperature for a minimum of 72 hours. Freezing kills bed bugs, but it does not remove eggs or shed skins, so follow with a secondary method.
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Chemical application – After drying, apply a residual insecticide labeled for fabric use. Spray lightly, ensuring coverage of both sides and all creases. Allow the product to dry according to the manufacturer’s instructions before handling the blanket again.
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Encasement – For blankets that cannot be laundered or heated, place them inside a zippered, bed‑bug‑proof encasement. Keep the encasement sealed for at least three months; any surviving insects will perish without a blood meal.
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Inspection and repetition – After treatment, examine the blanket under a magnifying lens for live insects, eggs, or exuviae. Repeat the chosen method if any signs remain. Continue monitoring the blanket for several weeks, as newly hatched bugs may emerge from hidden eggs.
Combine these steps with a comprehensive room‑wide control program—vacuuming, sealing cracks, and treating adjacent furniture—to prevent reinfestation and ensure the blankets remain bug‑free.