What should be done with bedbugs on clothing?

What should be done with bedbugs on clothing? - briefly

Immediately seal the clothing in a plastic bag, then wash it in water at 60 °C (140 °F) or higher and tumble‑dry on the hottest setting for at least 30 minutes; if the fabric cannot withstand heat, seal it for two weeks or discard it.

What should be done with bedbugs on clothing? - in detail

Infested garments must be isolated immediately to prevent spread. Place them in sealed plastic bags and keep them away from other laundry.

Wash the items in the hottest water the fabric can tolerate, typically at least 60 °C (140 °F). Use a heavy‑duty detergent and add a small amount of bleach for white fabrics or a color‑safe oxygen bleach for colored items.

After washing, dry the clothing on the highest heat setting for a minimum of 30 minutes. Heat kills all life stages of the pest.

For fabrics that cannot endure high temperatures, seal them in airtight bags and store in a freezer at –18 °C (0 °F) for at least four days. Freezing also eliminates bedbugs and their eggs.

If washing and freezing are impractical, treat the clothing with a labeled insecticide spray that is safe for textiles. Follow the product’s instructions precisely, apply to both the interior and exterior surfaces, and allow the recommended drying time before handling.

Inspect each piece after treatment. If any live insects or eggs remain, repeat the washing or freezing cycle. Severely damaged or heavily infested items should be discarded in sealed bags and disposed of according to local pest‑control guidelines.

Finally, prevent re‑infestation by:

  • Keeping closets and drawers clean and uncluttered.
  • Using mattress encasements and bed‑frame traps.
  • Regularly vacuuming storage areas and immediately discarding vacuum bags.

These measures eradicate bedbugs from clothing and reduce the risk of future outbreaks.