How can one get rid of bed bugs on clothing? - briefly
Wash the clothing in water at 120 °F (49 °C) or hotter and tumble‑dry on high heat for a minimum of 30 minutes; for non‑washable items, seal them in a freezer at 0 °F (‑18 °C) for several days or apply a fabric‑safe insecticide according to label directions. Ensure all seams and pockets are treated, then store the items in airtight containers to prevent reinfestation.
How can one get rid of bed bugs on clothing? - in detail
Eliminating bed‑bug infestations from garments requires a systematic approach that combines heat, chemical treatment, and proper handling to prevent re‑infestation.
First, isolate contaminated items. Place them in sealed plastic bags to contain any insects that may escape during transport. Avoid mixing suspect clothing with clean laundry.
Heat treatment
- Wash at the highest temperature the fabric can tolerate (minimum 60 °C/140 °F).
- Dry on high heat for at least 30 minutes; the dryer’s temperature should reach 65 °C/150 °F.
- For items that cannot be laundered, use a commercial steam cleaner or a portable garment steamer, applying steam for a minimum of 10 seconds per spot, ensuring the temperature exceeds 70 °C/158 °F.
Chemical options
- Apply an EPA‑registered insecticide labeled for fabric use, following the product’s dosage and safety instructions.
- For delicate fabrics, use a fabric‑safe spray containing pyrethroids or neonicotinoids, allowing the garment to dry completely before storage.
- Consider a pre‑treatment soak in a solution of 0.5 % permethrin for 30 minutes, then launder as described above.
Freezing
- Seal items in airtight bags and place them in a freezer set to –18 °C (0 °F) or colder for at least 72 hours. This method kills all life stages of the pest without damaging most fabrics.
Inspection and storage
- After treatment, examine each piece under a bright light, checking seams, folds, and pockets for surviving insects or eggs.
- Store clean garments in sealed containers with silica gel packets or mothballs to deter future infestations.
- Regularly vacuum storage areas and treat them with a residual insecticide to eliminate hidden populations.
Preventive measures
- Keep closets and drawers clear of clutter to reduce hiding places.
- Wash and dry all laundry from infested rooms before returning it to the household.
- Use protective garment bags when traveling or staying in environments known to have bed‑bug problems.
By integrating high‑temperature washing, targeted chemical or freezing protocols, thorough inspection, and disciplined storage practices, one can reliably eradicate bed‑bug presence from clothing and maintain a pest‑free wardrobe.