What should you do if bedbugs are in your belongings? - briefly
If your personal belongings are contaminated with bedbugs, immediately isolate them, launder washable items on the hottest setting, and seal non‑washable items in airtight plastic bags for professional heat treatment or insecticide application. Dispose of any items that cannot be reliably decontaminated.
What should you do if bedbugs are in your belongings? - in detail
When you discover that your personal items are infested with bedbugs, begin by separating them from the rest of your environment. Place clothing, linens, and soft furnishings in sealed plastic bags to prevent further spread.
- Heat treatment – Wash washable fabrics in hot water (at least 120 °F/49 °C) and tumble‑dry on the highest setting for 30 minutes. Heat kills all life stages of the insect.
- Cold treatment – For items that cannot be laundered, seal them in airtight bags and freeze at 0 °F (‑18 °C) for a minimum of four days.
- Vacuuming – Use a vacuum equipped with a HEPA filter to remove visible bugs and eggs from surfaces, cracks, and seams. Immediately empty the canister into a sealed bag and discard it outdoors.
- Insecticidal sprays – Apply a label‑approved residual spray to hard‑surface items, luggage, and frames. Follow manufacturer directions precisely; avoid over‑application.
- Professional heat chambers – For large or delicate objects (e.g., electronics, upholstered furniture), consider hiring a pest‑control service that offers controlled‑temperature chambers.
- Discarding – If an item is heavily infested and cannot be salvaged, wrap it in double‑layered plastic, label it as contaminated, and place it in a trash receptacle outside the home. Do not transport it through the house.
- Inspection of surrounding areas – Examine nearby furniture, baseboards, and mattress seams. Treat any additional hotspots with the same methods to eliminate hidden populations.
- Preventive measures – Store cleaned items in sealed containers, use mattress encasements, and regularly inspect travel luggage. Maintain a clutter‑free environment to reduce hiding places.
Document each step, noting dates, temperatures, and products used. This record assists professional exterminators if further intervention becomes necessary. By executing these actions promptly and systematically, you remove the pests from your belongings and limit the risk of re‑infestation.