What should be done with a pillow that contains bedbugs? - briefly
Seal the pillow in a heavy‑duty plastic bag and discard it, or alternatively place it in a dryer on the highest heat setting for at least 30 minutes to kill the insects. Afterwards, treat the surrounding area with a certified bed‑bug control product and inspect other furnishings.
What should be done with a pillow that contains bedbugs? - in detail
If a pillow is found to harbor bed‑bugs, immediate containment and eradication are essential to prevent spread.
First, isolate the item. Place the pillow in a sealed plastic bag and keep it away from other bedding, furniture, and clothing. Label the bag to avoid accidental handling.
Next, assess treatment options:
- Washing – Machine‑wash on the hottest cycle the fabric can tolerate (≥ 130 °F/54 °C). Use a high‑efficiency detergent and add a disinfectant rinse if possible.
- Drying – Transfer to a dryer set to the highest heat setting for at least 30 minutes. Heat kills all life stages of the insect.
- Freezing – If the pillow material cannot endure high temperatures, seal it in a bag and freeze at –4 °F (–20 °C) for a minimum of 72 hours.
If the pillow’s construction prevents effective heat or cold treatment, disposal is the safest choice. Remove it from the home, seal it in a double‑bagged, puncture‑resistant container, and discard according to local waste‑management guidelines for infested items.
After treatment or removal, clean the surrounding area:
- Vacuum the mattress, bed frame, and nearby floor coverings thoroughly. Empty the vacuum canister into a sealed bag and discard it.
- Launder all sheets, pillowcases, and blankets that may have contacted the pillow on the hottest safe setting.
- Inspect adjacent furniture for signs of infestation and repeat the above steps if needed.
Finally, implement preventive measures:
- Use encasements designed to block bed‑bugs on pillows, mattresses, and box springs.
- Reduce clutter that provides hiding places.
- Conduct regular inspections of sleeping surfaces, especially after travel or exposure to infested environments.
Following these actions eliminates the current problem and reduces the likelihood of future infestations.