What should be done with belongings if bedbugs appear? - briefly
Isolate all washable items and run them through a hot‑water wash or dryer cycle at ≥ 60 °C. Seal non‑washable belongings in airtight containers and subject them to heat treatment, freezing, or professional pest‑control services.
What should be done with belongings if bedbugs appear? - in detail
When an infestation is detected, every item in the living space must be evaluated and treated to prevent further spread.
First, isolate clothing, linens, and washable fabrics. Place them in sealed plastic bags and launder on the hottest cycle the fabric can tolerate (minimum 120 °F/49 °C). Dry on high heat for at least 30 minutes; heat kills all life stages of the pest.
Second, examine non‑washable textiles such as blankets, curtains, and upholstered furniture. If the material can endure it, expose it to a commercial steam cleaner that reaches 212 °F/100 °C for a minimum of 10 minutes per surface. For items that cannot be steamed, consider professional dry‑cleaning or encasement in bed‑bug‑proof covers designed to trap insects.
Third, handle personal belongings (books, electronics, jewelry, toys) by:
- Packing each object in a separate, sealable polyethylene bag.
- Leaving the sealed bags in a freezer set to –4 °F (–20 °C) for at least four days; prolonged cold kills bedbugs at all stages.
- Alternatively, store items in a heated room (≥115 °F/46 °C) for a minimum of 72 hours if freezing is impractical.
Fourth, assess furniture that cannot be moved easily, such as built‑in wardrobes or bed frames. Apply a residual insecticide labeled for bed‑bug control to cracks, joints, and voids, following manufacturer instructions and safety precautions. After treatment, cover the pieces with impermeable plastic sheeting for several weeks to monitor any emergence.
Fifth, discard items that are heavily infested and cannot be salvaged, such as heavily soiled mattresses or heavily stained rugs. Seal them in double‑bagged plastic and dispose of them according to local regulations for pest‑related waste.
Finally, after all treatments, conduct a thorough inspection using a flashlight and a magnifying lens to verify the absence of live insects, eggs, or shed skins. Repeat the inspection after one week and again after two weeks to confirm eradication before re‑occupying the space.