How should pillows and blankets be treated for bedbugs? - briefly
Launder pillows and blankets in water at least 130 °F (54 °C) for 30 minutes, then tumble‑dry on high heat for another 30 minutes. If washing isn’t feasible, place items in a sealed plastic bag and freeze at 0 °F (‑18 °C) for several days.
How should pillows and blankets be treated for bedbugs? - in detail
Pillows and blankets harboring bed‑bug infestations require a combination of heat, cold, and protective barriers to eradicate all life stages.
First, separate items that can be laundered. Wash them in water that reaches at least 60 °C (140 °F) for a minimum of 30 minutes. Follow with a high‑heat dryer cycle lasting 30 minutes or longer; temperatures above 50 °C (122 °F) kill eggs, nymphs, and adults.
For fabrics that cannot endure hot washing, apply a freezing method. Place the items in a sealed plastic bag and store them in a freezer set to –18 °C (0 °F) for at least four days. The prolonged exposure eliminates all stages of the pest.
Heat‑based treatments without laundering are also effective. Use a portable steamer that produces steam at 100 °C (212 °F) and pass it slowly over the entire surface of the bedding, paying special attention to seams, folds, and stitching. Steam penetration of 2–3 minutes per area ensures complete mortality.
After thermal or cold treatment, encase pillows and blankets in bed‑bug‑proof covers. The covers must be made of tightly woven material with a zipper that closes flush, preventing re‑infestation. Keep the encasements on for at least three months, the typical life span of an unfed adult, to catch any survivors that might emerge.
If chemical control is necessary, select a product labeled for use on soft furnishings, such as a pyrethroid‑based spray or a silica‑dust formulation. Apply according to the manufacturer’s instructions, ensuring even coverage while avoiding over‑saturation that could damage the fabric. Conduct a spot test on an inconspicuous area before full application.
When DIY measures are insufficient, engage a licensed pest‑management professional. They can administer whole‑room heat treatments that raise ambient temperature to 55 °C (131 °F) for 4–6 hours, guaranteeing penetration into thick layers of blankets and pillow cores.
Finally, inspect all treated items after each step. Use a flashlight to examine seams and folds for live insects or shed skins. Repeat washing or steaming if any signs persist, then return the bedding to the protected encasements.
By integrating high‑temperature washing, prolonged freezing, targeted steam, barrier encasements, and, when required, professional heat or chemical interventions, pillows and blankets can be rendered free of bed‑bug populations.