What should be done with belongings if bedbugs appear in the apartment? - briefly
«Isolate all clothing, linens and soft goods in sealed plastic bags, launder at ≥60 °C or dry‑clean, and expose non‑washable items to professional heat treatment or freeze for at least 72 hours.» «Discard heavily infested furniture or upholstery, and coordinate with a licensed pest‑control service to treat the premises and prevent re‑infestation.»
What should be done with belongings if bedbugs appear in the apartment? - in detail
When an infestation is detected, immediate isolation of personal items prevents further spread.
All clothing, linens, and washable fabrics should be placed in sealed, heavy‑duty plastic bags. The bags are then laundered at the highest temperature the material tolerates, typically ≥ 60 °C (140 °F), followed by a hot dryer cycle. Items that cannot withstand heat require dry‑cleaning or professional heat treatment.
Non‑washable belongings—books, electronics, jewelry, and decorative objects—must be enclosed in airtight containers. For objects that can endure heat, a portable steam chamber set to ≥ 100 °C (212 °F) for at least 10 minutes eliminates hidden stages. Materials sensitive to heat should be frozen at − 18 °C (0 °F) for a minimum of four days; prolonged exposure kills all life stages.
Soft‑sided furniture, mattresses, and upholstered pieces need thorough inspection. Remove cushions and place them in sealed bags for laundering or heat treatment. Vacuum the entire surface with a HEPA‑rated unit, then discard the vacuum bag in a sealed container. Consider encasing mattresses and box springs in certified bed‑bug proof covers that remain sealed for at least 90 days.
Personal items stored in closets or drawers should be emptied, cleaned, and repacked only after the surrounding area has been treated with an approved insecticide or heat method. All containers must be labeled and kept closed during the remediation process.
Discard any item that shows extensive infestation and cannot be effectively decontaminated. Follow local regulations for disposal, typically by sealing the item in a plastic bag and placing it in a designated waste stream.
Document each step—dates, methods, temperatures, and products used—to provide a clear record for pest‑control professionals and, if necessary, insurance claims.