How can you avoid transferring bedbugs on clothing? - briefly
Seal garments in airtight plastic bags before moving them, then launder in hot water (≥60 °C) and dry on high heat. For items that cannot be washed, store them in a freezer for at least 72 hours to kill any hidden pests.
How can you avoid transferring bedbugs on clothing? - in detail
Preventing the spread of bedbugs through clothing requires a systematic approach before, during, and after handling potentially infested garments.
First, isolate any suspect items. Place them in sealed plastic bags or airtight containers immediately upon discovery. This stops insects from escaping and limits contact with other fabrics.
Second, treat the clothing before it re‑enters regular storage. Effective methods include:
- Heat exposure: Wash at the highest safe temperature (≥ 60 °C / 140 °F) and dry on high heat for at least 30 minutes. Heat kills all stages of the pest.
- Cold exposure: If washing at high temperature is impossible, freeze items for a minimum of 72 hours at –18 °C (0 °F) or lower.
- Steam: Apply steam for 10–15 seconds per area; the temperature must reach 100 °C (212 °F) to ensure lethality.
- Chemical treatment: Use EPA‑registered insecticide sprays labeled for fabric use, following label directions precisely. Avoid over‑application that could damage textiles.
Third, clean the environment where the clothing was stored. Vacuum carpets, cracks, and crevices thoroughly; discard the vacuum bag or clean the canister immediately. Wash bedding, curtains, and other fabrics that may have contacted the infested items.
Fourth, adopt protective handling practices. Wear disposable gloves and a clean, long‑sleeved garment when moving suspect clothes. Change gloves and outer clothing after each handling session, sealing them in a separate bag before disposal or laundering.
Finally, monitor for re‑infestation. Conduct regular visual inspections of closets and drawers, looking for live bugs, shed skins, or fecal spots. Early detection allows prompt remedial action, preventing further spread.
By sealing, treating, cleaning, and using protective measures consistently, the risk of transporting bedbugs via clothing is minimized.