How to avoid bringing bed bugs home on guests' clothing? - briefly
Inspect and isolate visitors’ garments—use a lint roller, sealed bag, or dedicated entry closet before they enter living areas. Immediately launder all clothing on the hottest dryer setting to eliminate any hidden insects.
How to avoid bringing bed bugs home on guests' clothing? - in detail
When a guest stays overnight, the risk of transporting Cimex lectularius on clothing can be reduced by following a systematic protocol before the visitor departs.
First, conduct a visual sweep of the sleeping area. Look for live insects, shed exoskeletons, or dark spots indicating fecal matter on mattress seams, headboards, and furniture edges. Removing visible specimens with a disposable tool eliminates the most obvious source of transfer.
Second, isolate garments before they enter the home environment. Place all clothing in a sealed plastic bag or a dedicated travel suitcase that remains closed until it can be laundered. If the bag is not available, wrap items in a clean sheet and store them in a closet away from common surfaces.
Third, launder clothing promptly. Use water at 60 °C (140 °F) or higher and a drying cycle lasting at least 30 minutes. Heat exposure at these temperatures kills all life stages. For items that cannot be washed, apply a professional steam treatment or a low‑temperature dryer cycle for a minimum of 45 minutes.
Fourth, clean and treat the sleeping quarters after the stay. Vacuum the mattress, box spring, and surrounding floor, then discard the vacuum bag. Apply an approved residual insecticide to seams and crevices, following label instructions. Replace any infested bedding with freshly laundered sets.
Finally, educate guests on the procedure. Provide a brief written reminder at check‑out outlining the bagging, laundering, and heating steps. Consistent application of these measures prevents accidental relocation of bed bugs via personal apparel.