How can you treat shoes for bedbugs at home? - briefly
Seal the shoes in a plastic bag and heat them to at least 49 °C (120 °F) for 30 minutes, or place them in a freezer at 0 °F (‑18 °C) for three days; both procedures eradicate bedbugs and their eggs.
How can you treat shoes for bedbugs at home? - in detail
Inspect each pair of footwear carefully. Separate contaminated shoes from clean ones by placing them in a sealed plastic bag. Label the bag to avoid accidental mixing.
Cleaning procedures
- Machine wash: If the shoes are machine‑safe, remove laces and insoles, then wash on the hottest cycle the fabric can tolerate (usually 60 °C/140 °F). Add a cup of white vinegar to the rinse for added efficacy. Dry on high heat for at least 30 minutes.
- Hand wash: For delicate materials, scrub the exterior with a solution of warm water and a few drops of dish soap. Rinse thoroughly, then press out excess water. Place the shoes in a dryer on the highest safe temperature or in direct sunlight for several hours.
- Freezing: Seal shoes in a zip‑lock bag and freeze at –18 °C (0 °F) for a minimum of 72 hours. This temperature kills all life stages of the pest. Thaw in a warm area before further handling.
Heat treatment
- Use a portable heat chamber or a hair dryer set to high heat. Direct hot air at seams, stitching, and the interior for at least 10 minutes, ensuring surface temperatures reach 50 °C (122 °F) or higher.
- For larger items, place shoes on a metal rack inside an oven preheated to 55 °C (131 °F) and heat for 30 minutes. Monitor closely to prevent material damage.
Vacuuming
- Employ a vacuum equipped with a HEPA filter. Vacuum the entire shoe, paying special attention to crevices, soles, and stitching. Immediately empty the canister into a sealed bag and discard it outside the home.
Targeted insecticide application
- Choose a contact spray labeled for indoor use against bedbugs. Apply a thin coating to the interior and underside of the sole, avoiding excess that could saturate the material. Allow the product to dry completely according to the label instructions before wearing.
Post‑treatment isolation
- After any method, store shoes in a sealed container for at least 48 hours to prevent re‑infestation. Use silica gel packets or desiccant packs to reduce humidity, which discourages pest survival.
Preventive measures
- Keep shoes off the floor in bedrooms; place them on a dedicated rack.
- Rotate footwear regularly, allowing each pair to air out for several days.
- Inspect new shoes before bringing them indoors.
- Maintain a clutter‑free environment to reduce hiding places.
By following these steps—inspection, thorough cleaning, heat or freezing, vacuuming, targeted insecticide, and isolation—footwear can be rendered free of bedbugs without professional intervention.