How can you get rid of bed bugs on clothing? - briefly
«Wash contaminated garments in water of at least 60 °C and tumble‑dry on high heat for at least 30 minutes; if laundering is not feasible, seal items in a freezer at –18 °C for 72 hours to eradicate the pests.»
How can you get rid of bed bugs on clothing? - in detail
Bed‑bug infestations on garments require a combination of thermal, mechanical, and chemical measures to ensure complete eradication.
Washing in water that reaches at least 60 °C (140 °F) for a minimum of 30 minutes kills all life stages. Use the hottest setting the fabric can tolerate; add a detergent that enhances heat penetration.
Drying on a high‑heat setting for at least 30 minutes follows the wash cycle; dryer temperatures of 65 °C (149 °F) or higher are lethal to surviving insects and eggs.
If heat treatment is unsuitable for delicate items, place sealed bags of clothing in a freezer at –18 °C (0 °F) for a minimum of 72 hours. Prolonged exposure at this temperature destroys eggs and nymphs.
Steam treatment provides an alternative for fabrics that cannot be laundered. Apply steam at 100 °C (212 °F) for several minutes, ensuring the steam penetrates seams and folds where bugs hide.
Isolation of untreated items prevents cross‑contamination. Store clean clothing in airtight containers or zip‑lock bags until the surrounding environment is confirmed free of infestation.
Chemical options include insecticidal sprays labeled for fabric use. Apply according to manufacturer instructions, targeting seams, pockets, and folds. Allow the recommended drying period before re‑wearing.
Professional pest‑control services may be necessary for severe infestations. Technicians can treat the entire household, including hidden reservoirs, reducing the risk of re‑infestation of garments.
Regular inspection of clothing after travel or storage, combined with the above procedures, maintains a bed‑bug‑free wardrobe.