What should I do with bedbugs in clothing? - briefly
Launder affected clothing in water of at least 60 °C and tumble‑dry on the highest setting for a minimum of 30 minutes. After treatment, store items in sealed plastic bags or discard heavily infested pieces to prevent re‑infestation.
What should I do with bedbugs in clothing? - in detail
When garments become infested with bedbugs, immediate isolation prevents spread to other items. Place the affected clothing in sealed plastic bags and keep them separate from clean laundry.
Cleaning procedures
- Wash at a minimum of 60 °C (140 °F) for at least 30 minutes. Hot water kills all life stages.
- Immediately transfer to a dryer set on high heat (≥ 70 °C / 158 °F) for a full cycle. Heat exposure for 30 minutes eliminates any surviving insects.
- If the fabric cannot withstand high temperatures, use a steam cleaner. Steam must reach 100 °C and penetrate all seams.
Alternative thermal methods
- Freeze items for at least 72 hours at –18 °C (0 °F) or lower. Prolonged cold kills bedbugs but does not remove eggs; follow with a heat‑dry cycle.
- Apply a portable heater or professional heat‑treatment chamber that raises temperature to 55 °C (130 °F) for a minimum of four hours, ensuring uniform exposure.
Chemical options
- For non‑washable pieces, treat with a residual insecticide labeled for indoor use on fabrics. Follow label instructions precisely; avoid over‑application that could damage textiles.
- Use silica‑based dust in sealed containers; it adheres to insects and desiccates them. Ensure the dust does not contact skin.
Disposal considerations
- If infestation is severe and treatment unlikely to succeed, discard the clothing in sealed bags. Place bags in a trash receptacle that is collected promptly, reducing chances of re‑infestation.
Preventive measures
- Store clean clothing in airtight containers or vacuum‑sealed bags.
- Regularly inspect closets and drawers; vacuum seams and corners weekly.
- Maintain low humidity and reduce clutter, limiting hiding places for pests.
Following these steps eliminates bedbugs from garments and minimizes the risk of re‑introduction into the living environment.