What to do if there are bedbugs in a blanket?

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What to do if there are bedbugs in a blanket? - briefly
Isolate the blanket, wash it in water at ≥120 °F, then tumble‑dry on high heat for at least 30 minutes; afterward, vacuum the surrounding area and apply a certified bed‑bug treatment or contact a professional exterminator.

What to do if there are bedbugs in a blanket? - in detail
If a blanket is found to contain bedbugs, immediate isolation prevents spread. Place the item in a sealed plastic bag and keep it away from sleeping areas.

Thermal treatment

Wash the blanket in the hottest water the fabric allows (≥ 60 °C / 140 °F).
Dry on high heat for at least 30 minutes; heat kills all life stages.

Cold treatment (alternative for delicate fabrics)

Seal the blanket in a freezer‑grade bag.
Keep at –18 °C (0 °F) for a minimum of 72 hours to ensure mortality.

Vacuum and inspection

After drying, vacuum the blanket on a low‑suction setting to remove dead insects and eggs.
Examine seams, folds, and tags with a magnifying lens; discard any visible specimens.

Encasement

Store the cleaned blanket in a zip‑lock or bed‑bug‑proof encasement.
Keep the package sealed for several weeks to monitor for any surviving bugs.

Environmental control

Vacuum the surrounding area, including mattress, bed frame, and floor.
Use a HEPA‑rated vacuum and empty the canister into a sealed bag before disposal.
Apply a residual insecticide labeled for indoor use around the sleeping zone, following label directions.

Professional assessment

If infestation persists after treatment, contact a licensed pest‑control operator.
Request a comprehensive inspection and targeted chemical or heat‑based eradication plan.

Prevention

Regularly wash bedding at high temperatures.
Inspect second‑hand textiles before use.
Reduce clutter that provides hiding places.

Following these procedures eliminates the threat from a contaminated blanket and minimizes the risk of re‑infestation.