What should be done if bed bugs are on clothing? - briefly
Seal the contaminated garments in a plastic bag, wash them in water of at least 60 °C (140 °F) and tumble‑dry on the highest heat setting for at least 30 minutes. Keep the items sealed until the infestation has been confirmed eradicated.
What should be done if bed bugs are on clothing? - in detail
If garments become infested with bed‑bugs, immediate action is required to prevent spread and eliminate the insects.
First, isolate the contaminated items. Place them in sealed plastic bags or airtight containers to stop bugs from escaping. Keep the bags away from other laundry and living areas.
Next, treat the clothing according to its care label:
- Machine‑washable fabrics – Wash at 120 °F (49 °C) or higher for at least 30 minutes. Use a heavy‑duty detergent. After washing, dry on the highest heat setting for a minimum of 30 minutes; heat kills all life stages.
- Dry‑clean‑only garments – Transport to a professional dry‑cleaner and request a heat‑based or chemical treatment specifically targeting pests. Verify that the cleaner uses a method proven effective against bed‑bugs.
- Delicate or non‑washable items – Seal in a freezer for 72 hours at –4 °F (–20 °C) or lower. Freezing for this duration eliminates eggs, nymphs, and adults. After thawing, store in sealed bags until the surrounding environment is treated.
After cleaning, inspect each piece thoroughly. Use a bright light and a magnifying lens to check seams, folds, and pockets. Any item still showing signs of infestation must be re‑treated or discarded.
Dispose of compromised garments safely. Seal them in a plastic bag, label the bag as “infested,” and place it in an outdoor trash container away from the home. If possible, burn the bag to ensure complete destruction.
Finally, address the surrounding environment to avoid re‑infestation:
- Vacuum the area where the clothing was stored, paying special attention to cracks, baseboards, and mattress edges. Immediately empty the vacuum canister into a sealed bag and discard.
- Launder bedding, curtains, and nearby fabrics using the same high‑temperature protocol.
- Apply an EPA‑registered residual insecticide to cracks and crevices around the storage space, following label instructions.
- Monitor the area for several weeks with sticky traps or interceptor devices to confirm eradication.
By isolating, treating, inspecting, and eliminating infested garments while simultaneously addressing the habitat, the problem can be resolved without further spread.