What happens to bedbugs if they are washed? - briefly
Laundering at temperatures of at least 50 °C (122 °F) kills virtually all life stages of the insect, and the mechanical agitation removes any remaining specimens. Drying on high heat for 30 minutes adds further assurance of complete eradication.
What happens to bedbugs if they are washed? - in detail
Washing a bed‑bug infestation in a domestic laundry does not eradicate the insects. The hot water temperature required to kill all life stages exceeds the maximum setting of most household washers (typically 130 °F/54 °C). Even at that temperature, eggs may survive, and adult bugs can endure short exposures. After the wash cycle, the insects often cling to fabric fibers, dry, and revive once the material cools.
Key points about the washing process:
- Temperature: Water must reach at least 140 °F (60 °C) for a minimum of 30 minutes to achieve reliable mortality across eggs, nymphs, and adults. Few consumer machines maintain this temperature for the necessary duration.
- Mechanical action: Agitation can dislodge bugs from seams, but it does not guarantee removal; many remain hidden in folds or pockets.
- Drying: High‑heat tumble drying (≥130 °F/55 °C) for 30 minutes is essential after washing. Without sufficient heat, surviving insects repopulate the environment.
- Post‑wash handling: Items removed from the dryer should be sealed in airtight bags until cooling, preventing re‑infestation of the surrounding area.
Consequences of inadequate washing:
- Surviving adults or eggs may re‑establish a colony on the cleaned items.
- Eggs that withstand the wash can hatch later, producing new feeders.
- Partial mortality may create a population with increased resistance to insecticides.
Effective control typically combines laundering at verified lethal temperatures with additional measures such as vacuuming, steam treatment, and professional pest‑management interventions. Relying solely on a standard wash cycle leaves the infestation largely intact.