How to soak bedbugs? - briefly
Place infested items in a container of water heated to at least 120 °F (49 °C) and soak for 30 minutes to ensure lethal exposure. Rinse thoroughly and dry on high heat to prevent re‑infestation.
How to soak bedbugs? - in detail
Immersing bedbugs in a liquid solution is an effective way to kill all life stages when a thorough chemical treatment is required. The process works by disrupting the insects’ respiratory system and dissolving their exoskeletons, leading to rapid mortality.
The most reliable liquid for this purpose is a concentrated detergent solution mixed with hot water. A typical recipe uses one part liquid laundry detergent to ten parts water heated to at least 50 °C (122 °F). The heat level must be maintained throughout the soaking period to prevent the solution from cooling below the lethal threshold.
Procedure
- Prepare the container – Use a stainless‑steel or heavy‑duty plastic tub that can hold the infested material and withstand the temperature. Ensure the container is clean and free of residues that could dilute the solution.
- Mix the solution – Add the measured detergent to the hot water, stirring until fully dissolved. Verify the temperature with a calibrated thermometer; it should stay between 50 °C and 60 °C (122 °F–140 °F).
- Submerge the items – Place infested fabrics, luggage, or other objects fully under the liquid. If the objects are too large for complete immersion, break them into smaller sections or use a spray system that can coat all surfaces evenly.
- Maintain exposure – Keep the items submerged for a minimum of 30 minutes. Agitate the container gently every 10 minutes to ensure the solution reaches hidden crevices.
- Rinse and dry – After soaking, remove the items, rinse them with clean water to eliminate detergent residues, and dry them in a high‑heat dryer (≥ 70 °C / 158 °F) or under direct sunlight for at least 24 hours.
- Dispose of the solution – Pour the used liquid into a sealed container and discard it according to local hazardous‑waste regulations. Do not pour it down household drains without proper dilution.
Precautions
- Wear heat‑resistant gloves and eye protection while handling the hot mixture.
- Test the solution on a small, inconspicuous area of delicate fabrics to prevent discoloration or shrinkage.
- Ensure adequate ventilation to avoid inhalation of steam and detergent vapors.
- Do not use this method on electronic devices, books, or other moisture‑sensitive items; alternative treatments such as cryogenic freezing or professional heat chambers are advisable for those materials.
By following these steps, all bedbug specimens present on the treated items will be eliminated, reducing the likelihood of re‑infestation after the items are returned to the living environment.