How should you treat items for domestic bedbugs? - briefly
Isolate infested belongings, wash washable items in hot water and dry on high heat; for non‑washable items, apply heat (≥45 °C for several hours) or freeze (≤‑18 °C for at least 72 hours). Discard anything that cannot be effectively heat‑ or cold‑treated.
How should you treat items for domestic bedbugs? - in detail
Treating household objects for bed‑bug infestations requires a systematic approach that eliminates all life stages of the pest while preserving the integrity of the items.
First, isolate each category of belongings. Separate infested items from clean ones, place them in sealed, airtight bags or containers, and label them for later processing. This prevents cross‑contamination during the treatment phase.
Heat is the most reliable method for items that can tolerate high temperatures. Wash fabrics in water at 60 °C (140 °F) for at least 30 minutes, then dry on the highest dryer setting for a minimum of 30 minutes. For non‑washable textiles, use a portable steam device that delivers steam at 100 °C (212 °F) for a minimum of 10 minutes per surface. Heat‑treat furniture by wrapping it in heat‑resistant film and exposing it to a professional‑grade heater that maintains 50–55 °C (122–131 °F) for 4–6 hours.
Cold treatment works for items sensitive to heat. Place objects in a freezer capable of reaching –18 °C (0 °F) and maintain for at least 72 hours. This temperature kills all stages of the insect.
Chemical options are appropriate for hard surfaces and some fabrics. Apply a residual insecticide labeled for bed‑bug control to cracks, crevices, and the undersides of furniture. Follow the product’s label for concentration, contact time, and safety precautions. Avoid over‑application, which can damage materials and pose health risks.
Vacuuming removes live bugs and eggs from surfaces that cannot be laundered or heated. Use a vacuum equipped with a HEPA filter, thoroughly vacuum seams, upholstery, and baseboards, then immediately seal the vacuum bag in a plastic bag and discard it.
For items that cannot be treated safely, consider disposal. Seal the object in a double‑bagged, heavy‑duty plastic bag, label as “infested,” and place it in a sealed trash container. For mattresses and box springs, encase them in a certified bed‑bug-proof cover that remains sealed for at least one year to starve any hidden insects.
A concise checklist for processing items:
- Inspect and sort into treatable, non‑treatable, and discard categories.
- Seal each group in airtight packaging.
- Apply heat (wash, dryer, steam) to washable or heat‑tolerant items.
- Apply freezing for heat‑sensitive objects.
- Use approved insecticide on hard surfaces and furniture frames.
- Vacuum all remaining surfaces, then seal vacuum waste.
- Encase mattresses, box springs, and upholstered furniture in certified covers.
- Dispose of irreparably infested items in sealed, labeled bags.
Following these steps systematically eliminates bed‑bug populations from household belongings and reduces the risk of re‑infestation.