How can I avoid bringing bed bugs home on clothing?

How can I avoid bringing bed bugs home on clothing? - briefly

Inspect clothing right after leaving a potentially infested area, place items in sealed plastic bags, then launder them in water ≥ 60 °C followed by a dryer cycle on the highest heat setting. Avoid storing untreated garments in open closets or drawers until the cleaning process is complete.

How can I avoid bringing bed bugs home on clothing? - in detail

Preventing the transfer of bed‑bugs on clothing requires a systematic approach before, during, and after exposure to infested environments.

First, treat any garments that may have contacted a suspect location as potentially contaminated. Do not place them directly into household drawers or closets.

1. Containment at the source

   • Place each item in a resealable plastic bag as soon as it is removed.
   • Seal the bag tightly, removing excess air to limit bug movement.

2. Heat‑based decontamination

   • Wash the clothing in water at a minimum of 60 °C (140 °F) for at least 30 minutes.
   • Follow with a high‑heat dryer cycle (≥ 65 °C/149 °F) for 30 minutes; heat kills all life stages.
   • For items that cannot be laundered, use a portable dryer or a portable heat chamber set to the same temperature range for 30 minutes.

3. Cold treatment as an alternative

   • Seal items in a freezer at –20 °C (–4 °F) for 72 hours if heat is unsuitable.
   • Ensure the freezer maintains the temperature throughout the exposure period.

4. Inspection before storage

   • After decontamination, examine each piece under bright light, focusing on seams, folds, and pockets.
   • Use a magnifying lens to detect any remaining insects or eggs.
   • Discard any item that shows signs of infestation.

5. Safe storage

   • Store cleaned garments in airtight containers or vacuum‑sealed bags.
   • Keep containers in a clean, low‑humidity area to discourage future infestations.

6. Travel‑related precautions

   • When staying in hotels or other lodging, keep luggage elevated on a luggage rack, away from the bed and floor.
   • Pack clothing in sealed bags before placing it in the suitcase.
   • Upon return home, repeat the containment, heat, and inspection steps before integrating clothes into the household wardrobe.

7. Regular environmental monitoring

   • Use interceptors or glue traps near sleeping areas to detect any accidental introductions.
   • Conduct periodic visual checks of closets and storage spaces for signs of bed‑bugs.

By applying these measures consistently, the risk of transporting bed‑bugs on clothing is minimized, protecting the home environment from infestation.