What should you do if a bed bug ends up on clothing?

What should you do if a bed bug ends up on clothing? - briefly

Isolate the garment, seal it in a plastic bag, then wash in water at least 120 °F and tumble‑dry on high heat for 30 minutes or longer. If laundering isn’t possible, apply a certified insecticide or send the item to a professional heat‑treatment service.

What should you do if a bed bug ends up on clothing? - in detail

If a bed bug contacts a piece of apparel, act quickly to prevent the insect from establishing a population on the fabric. Follow a systematic approach: isolation, treatment, verification, and long‑term safeguards.

1. Isolate the garment

   • Place the item in a sealed plastic bag or airtight container immediately after discovery.
   • Keep the bag away from other clothing and sleeping areas.

2. Wash at high temperature

   • Run a hot‑water cycle (≥ 120 °F / 49 °C). Heat kills all life stages of the pest.
   • Use a regular detergent; adding a small amount of bleach is optional but not required for effectiveness.

3. Dry thoroughly

   • Transfer the washed item to a dryer set on the highest heat setting for at least 30 minutes.
   • Verify that the dryer reaches the same temperature used for washing; prolonged exposure to heat eliminates any surviving eggs.

4. Inspect before reuse

   • Examine seams, folds, and pockets with a bright light or magnifying glass.
   • Look for live insects, shed skins, or tiny white eggs. If any are found, repeat washing and drying.

5. Store safely

   • After confirming the garment is clean, keep it in a sealed bag until the surrounding environment is declared pest‑free.
   • Avoid placing the item on surfaces that might harbor bugs, such as upholstered chairs or unclean floors.

6. Address possible contamination of other items

   • Treat nearby clothing with the same hot‑wash and high‑heat‑dry cycle, even if no bugs are visible.
   • Vacuum the area where the infested garment was stored; discard the vacuum bag or clean the canister promptly.

7. Implement preventive measures

   • Reduce clutter that provides hiding places for pests.
   • Use mattress encasements and regular inspections of sleeping areas.
   • Consider professional pest‑control services if multiple garments or rooms show signs of infestation.

By isolating the affected clothing, applying heat‑based laundering, confirming cleanliness, and maintaining a controlled storage environment, the risk of spreading bed bugs through apparel is minimized. Continuous monitoring and prompt response to any new sightings ensure long‑term protection.