How can you get rid of bedbugs in items? - briefly
Apply high heat (≥120 °F/49 °C) for 30 minutes or freeze items at 0 °F (‑18 °C) for several days, then vacuum and discard any damaged material. Use sealed bags for transport and repeat the process if any signs persist.
How can you get rid of bedbugs in items? - in detail
Eliminating bed bugs from personal belongings requires a systematic approach that combines heat, cold, chemical, and mechanical methods.
First, separate items that can tolerate high temperatures. Wash fabrics in water at least 60 °C (140 °F) for 30 minutes, then dry on the highest dryer setting for a minimum of 30 minutes. Heat penetrates seams and folds, killing all life stages.
Second, apply freezing to items that cannot be washed or heated. Place objects in a freezer set to –18 °C (0 °F) or lower for at least four days. Prolonged exposure at this temperature ensures mortality of eggs, nymphs, and adults.
Third, use vacuum extraction on non‑washable surfaces. Employ a vacuum with a HEPA filter, focusing on seams, folds, and crevices. Immediately seal the vacuum bag or canister in a plastic bag and discard it to prevent re‑infestation.
Fourth, consider chemical treatments for durable goods. Apply a registered bed‑bug insecticide spray or powder according to the product label, targeting cracks, joints, and hidden areas. Re‑treat after two weeks to address any survivors.
Fifth, employ isolation techniques. Place items in airtight containers or heavy‑duty Ziploc bags for at least three months; this starves any hidden insects, as they cannot survive without a blood meal.
Finally, for heavily infested or valuable items, seek professional pest‑control services. Experts can perform whole‑room heat treatment, cryogenic fumigation, or controlled‑environment decontamination, providing thorough eradication without damaging contents.
Combining these measures—laundering, freezing, vacuuming, insecticide application, containment, and professional intervention—offers a comprehensive strategy to remove bed bugs from all types of personal property.