How to treat pillows for bed bugs? - briefly
Wash the pillow on the hottest cycle the material tolerates (minimum 120 °F/49 °C) and tumble‑dry on high heat for at least 30 minutes; if washing isn’t feasible, apply steam for 10 minutes or seal the pillow in a bed‑bug‑proof encasement.
How to treat pillows for bed bugs? - in detail
Bed‑bug presence in pillows requires immediate action because the insects hide in seams, stuffing and fabric folds. Effective control combines physical, thermal and chemical measures, followed by preventive steps.
Inspection
- Examine stitching, tags and seams for live insects, shed skins or dark spotting.
- Use a flashlight to illuminate interior layers.
- Separate the pillow from the mattress and other bedding to avoid cross‑contamination.
Thermal treatment
- Machine‑wash the pillow on the hottest cycle the manufacturer allows (typically 140 °F/60 °C).
- Run an extra rinse to remove detergent residues that may attract insects.
- Place the pillow in a dryer set to high heat for at least 30 minutes; this temperature kills all life stages.
- For pillows that cannot be laundered, use a portable steamer to apply steam at 212 °F (100 °C) for several minutes, focusing on seams and folds.
Freezing
- Seal the pillow in a plastic bag to prevent moisture loss.
- Store in a freezer at –4 °F (–20 °C) for a minimum of 72 hours.
- Thaw at room temperature before reuse to avoid condensation damage.
Chemical control
- Apply a bed‑bug‑specific insecticide spray labeled for fabric use, covering all surfaces evenly.
- Follow label instructions regarding exposure time and ventilation.
- Repeat treatment after 7 days to target any newly hatched nymphs.
Encasement
- Insert the pillow into a zippered, bed‑bug‑proof cover that seals with a tight closure.
- Ensure the cover is rated for 100 % containment; this prevents re‑infestation and isolates any surviving bugs.
Disposal
- If the pillow is heavily infested, damaged by heat or freeze cycles, or cannot tolerate treatment, discard it in a sealed trash bag.
- Place the bag in an outdoor trash container away from the home.
Prevention
- Keep pillows off the floor; store on a raised surface.
- Regularly launder pillowcases and protect pillows with encasements.
- Conduct periodic visual inspections, especially after travel or exposure to infested environments.
Combining these steps eliminates bed‑bug populations in pillows and reduces the risk of recurrent infestations.