How to treat belongings for household bedbugs? - briefly
Wash washable fabrics in water ≥ 120 °F and dry on high heat for at least 30 minutes; seal non‑washable items in airtight bags and subject them to temperatures ≥ 115 °F (heat) or ≤ 0 °F (cold) for several days. Use a professional‑grade steam cleaner or a freezer chamber for remaining belongings to eradicate all life stages.
How to treat belongings for household bedbugs? - in detail
Treating personal items after a bed‑bug infestation requires a systematic approach that eliminates all life stages of the insect while preserving the integrity of the belongings. The process can be divided into three categories: washable textiles, non‑washable items, and items that can be isolated.
First, gather all washable fabrics—clothing, bedding, curtains, and soft furnishings. Separate items by color and fabric type to prevent cross‑contamination. Run each load in hot water at a temperature of at least «50 °C» for a minimum of 30 minutes. Follow the wash cycle with a high‑heat dryer setting for at least 30 minutes; the heat must reach a temperature of «45 °C» or higher to ensure mortality of eggs and nymphs. For items that cannot withstand such heat, place them in a sealed plastic bag and store them in a freezer set to «‑18 °C» for a continuous period of 72 hours. Freezing at this temperature destroys all stages of the pest.
Second, address non‑washable items such as wooden furniture, leather goods, and electronics. Apply a residual insecticide labeled for bed‑bug control, following the manufacturer’s instructions regarding concentration, application method, and safety precautions. For porous materials, consider a two‑step treatment: first, a direct spray to penetrate crevices, then a second application after 24 hours to target any survivors. When dealing with electronics, avoid liquid sprays; instead, use a vapor‑based system that heats the surrounding air to «45 °C» for a period of 30 minutes, ensuring penetration into internal cavities without damaging circuitry.
Third, isolate items that cannot be treated immediately. Place each piece in a vacuum‑sealed bag or a sturdy container with a tight‑fitting lid. Label containers with the date of isolation and store them in a room maintained at a constant temperature of at least «30 °C» for a period of 90 days. The life cycle of the bed bug does not exceed this duration; prolonged exposure without a host guarantees mortality.
Throughout the process, maintain a clean environment by vacuuming all surfaces with a HEPA‑rated vacuum, discarding the bag immediately after use. Inspect treated items before re‑introduction into living spaces, looking for live insects or shed skins. Re‑treat any item that shows signs of infestation. This comprehensive protocol eliminates bed‑bugs from personal possessions while minimizing damage to the items themselves.