What should I do with belongings when there are bedbugs? - briefly
Isolate all personal items, launder washable goods on hot cycles, seal non‑washable items in plastic bags and freeze or heat‑treat them, and discard any objects that cannot be decontaminated. Use a professional pest‑control service to inspect and treat the surroundings before returning cleaned belongings.
What should I do with belongings when there are bedbugs? - in detail
When an infestation is confirmed, every item must be evaluated for the risk of harboring insects and treated accordingly.
Clothing, bedding, towels, and washable fabrics should be placed in a washing machine set to the highest temperature the material can tolerate, typically 120 °F (49 °C) or higher. After washing, dry on the hottest setting for at least 30 minutes. Items that cannot be washed, such as delicate garments, can be sealed in airtight plastic bags and stored for a minimum of two weeks; the insects cannot survive without a blood meal during this period.
Non‑washable objects require alternative methods:
- Heat: Expose items to temperatures of 115 °F (46 °C) or higher for 90 minutes using a portable heater, steam cleaner, or professional heat‑treatment service.
- Cold: Freeze items at 0 °F (‑18 °C) for four days; this temperature kills all life stages.
- Isolation: Place small items (jewelry, cosmetics, electronics) in sealed containers and keep them in a temperature‑controlled environment for the two‑week starvation period.
Items that are heavily infested or cannot be effectively treated should be discarded. Seal trash bags tightly, label them as contaminated, and remove them from the premises promptly to prevent accidental spread.
After treatment, store all cleared belongings in new, sealed plastic bags or containers. Keep these containers closed until the living area has been fully treated and verified pest‑free. Regularly inspect stored items for any signs of re‑infestation, and avoid re‑introducing unprocessed objects into the environment.