How should items be treated for bedbugs at home? - briefly
Wash linens and clothing in water ≥ 120 °F and dry on high heat; seal non‑washable items in airtight bags for at least 14 days or freeze them at − 0 °F for several days to eliminate bedbugs.
How should items be treated for bedbugs at home? - in detail
Treating household items that may harbor bedbugs requires a systematic approach to eliminate all life stages of the insect and prevent re‑infestation.
First, isolate any suspect objects. Place them in sealed plastic bags or containers to stop insects from moving to other areas. Label each package with the date of collection and the type of item.
Next, apply thermal methods whenever possible. Washing fabrics in water hotter than 60 °C (140 °F) for at least 30 minutes kills eggs, nymphs, and adults. After washing, dry on high heat for a minimum of 30 minutes. For non‑washable items such as shoes, backpacks, or stuffed toys, use a portable dryer or a commercial heat chamber that reaches 50–55 °C (122–131 °F) for at least an hour. Heat‑tolerant electronics can be placed in a sealed bag and heated in a dryer on low setting, monitoring temperature to avoid damage.
If heat is unsuitable, employ freezing. Seal items in airtight bags and store them in a freezer at –18 °C (0 °F) for at least four days. This method is effective for small textiles, soft toys, and some plastic objects.
For items that cannot endure extreme temperatures, consider chemical treatment. Apply a label‑approved insecticide spray containing a pyrethroid or a desiccant dust (e.g., diatomaceous earth) to all surfaces, following manufacturer instructions regarding concentration, contact time, and ventilation. Treat seams, folds, and crevices where insects hide.
When an item is heavily infested, damaged beyond repair, or cannot be treated safely, discard it. Seal the object in a heavy‑duty bag, label it as contaminated, and place it in an outdoor trash container that will be collected promptly.
Finally, after treatment, conduct a thorough inspection. Use a flashlight and a fine‑toothed comb to examine seams, zippers, and joints. Return only items that pass inspection to the living space. Maintain a regular monitoring schedule with interceptors or passive traps to detect any resurgence early.
Summary of actions
- Isolate and label suspect items.
- Apply heat: wash ≥60 °C, dry ≥30 min; or use a commercial heat chamber ≥50 °C for 1 hour.
- Use freezing: seal and freeze at –18 °C for ≥4 days.
- Treat non‑heat/‑freeze items with approved insecticide spray or desiccant dust.
- Dispose of irreparably infested objects in sealed bags.
- Inspect treated items before re‑introduction.
- Monitor the environment with traps to verify eradication.