What to Do With Clothes With Bed Bugs?

The discovery of bed bugs lurking in your wardrobe is a homeowner’s nightmare. Effective treatment of infested clothing is crucial to eradicate these pests and prevent re-infestation, requiring a strategic approach that prioritizes both elimination and prevention.

Identifying Bed Bug Infestation in Clothing

Before tackling the problem, confirm you’re actually dealing with bed bugs. Misidentifying them can lead to unnecessary anxiety and ineffective treatments.

Signs to Look For

• Visible Bed Bugs: Adult bed bugs are small, reddish-brown insects about the size of an apple seed. You might spot them crawling on clothing, especially along seams and folds.
• Bed Bug Eggs: These are tiny, pearly white, and often found attached to fabric fibers.
• Fecal Stains: Small, dark spots (resembling ink dots) on clothing can be bed bug excrement.
• Blood Stains: Tiny blood spots on your clothes or bedding can indicate bed bug activity, a result of their feeding.
• Musty Odor: A heavy infestation can sometimes produce a distinct, musty odor.

The Heat Treatment Powerhouse

Heat is the most effective and safest method for killing bed bugs in clothing. Both washing and drying offer viable options, but it’s crucial to understand the optimal procedures.

Washing and Drying with Precision

1. Separate infested clothing: Carefully transfer infested clothing into a sealed plastic bag to prevent spreading the bugs. Take it directly to the washing machine.
2. High Heat Wash: Wash the clothes in hot water (at least 120°F or 49°C) for a minimum of 30 minutes. This temperature is crucial for killing all stages of bed bugs.
3. High Heat Drying: Immediately after washing, transfer the clothes to a dryer and dry them on high heat for at least 30 minutes. The combination of high heat and prolonged exposure is vital.
4. Inspect: After drying, carefully inspect the clothing for any remaining signs of bed bugs. If you find any, repeat the washing and drying process.

Alternative: Professional Dry Cleaning

Professional dry cleaning can also effectively eliminate bed bugs. The chemicals used and the high temperatures reached during the process are usually lethal to these pests. Inform the dry cleaner about the bed bug infestation so they can take appropriate precautions to prevent spreading the bugs to other customers’ items.

Cold Treatment: A Less Reliable Option

While heat is the gold standard, freezing can also kill bed bugs, but it’s less reliable and requires strict adherence to specific guidelines.

Freezing Clothes Effectively

1. Seal Infested Items: Place the infested clothing in tightly sealed plastic bags.
2. Deep Freeze: Place the bags in a freezer set to 0°F (-18°C) or lower for at least four days. This extended period is necessary to ensure all bed bugs and their eggs are killed.
3. Thaw and Wash: After freezing, thaw the clothes and wash them as usual to remove dead bed bugs and their remnants.
4. Important Note: Regular home freezers may fluctuate in temperature, making this method less dependable than heat treatment.

Treatment of Delicate Fabrics and Items That Can’t Be Washed

Not all clothing can withstand high heat or washing. For delicate fabrics and items that can’t be washed, explore alternative methods.

Steaming: A Targeted Approach

Using a steamer designed for fabric cleaning can be effective. Direct the steam onto the clothing, focusing on seams, folds, and other hiding places. The high heat of the steam will kill bed bugs on contact.

Vacuuming: Limited Effectiveness

Vacuuming can remove some bed bugs and eggs, but it’s not a standalone solution. Use a vacuum with a hose attachment and thoroughly vacuum seams, folds, and any crevices where bed bugs might hide. Dispose of the vacuum bag immediately in a sealed plastic bag.

Encasements and Storage

For items that cannot be treated with heat, cold, or steam, consider encasing them in bed bug-proof covers or sealed plastic bags. This will isolate any remaining bugs, eventually leading to their starvation. Store these items for at least a year to ensure all bed bugs have died.

Preventing Re-Infestation: A Proactive Approach

Treating infested clothing is only half the battle. Preventing re-infestation is equally crucial.

Thoroughly Clean the Entire House

• Vacuum: Vacuum all carpets, rugs, furniture, and mattresses thoroughly. Pay special attention to cracks, crevices, and baseboards.
• Seal Cracks: Seal any cracks or crevices in walls, floors, and furniture to eliminate hiding places for bed bugs.
• Wash Bedding Regularly: Wash all bedding, including sheets, blankets, and pillowcases, in hot water and dry on high heat.

Isolate and Monitor

After treating clothing, isolate it from other items in a sealed bag until you’re confident the infestation is eradicated. Monitor the area for any signs of re-infestation.

Professional Pest Control

If the infestation is severe or you’re unsure how to proceed, consult a professional pest control company. They have the expertise and equipment to effectively eliminate bed bugs from your home.

FAQs: Addressing Your Bed Bug Concerns

Q1: Can bed bugs live in dry cleaned clothes that are still in the plastic bag?

Yes, bed bugs can survive for months in a sealed plastic bag, even after dry cleaning, if not properly treated. Dry cleaning should kill them, but to be extra cautious, store the bagged clothes in a freezer at 0°F (-18°C) for at least four days after dry cleaning or immediately remove the clothes from the bag and wash and dry them using high heat.

Q2: Will bed bugs survive in a garment bag?

Garment bags, especially those made of breathable fabric, do not provide a complete barrier against bed bugs. They can crawl in and out through small openings. If you suspect infestation, treat the clothing within the garment bag and the bag itself.

Q3: Can I use insecticide sprays directly on my clothes?

No! Never use insecticide sprays directly on clothing. This is dangerous to your health. Focus on heat treatments or professional pest control if insecticides are deemed necessary for the environment.

Q4: How long can bed bugs survive without feeding on clothes?

Bed bugs can survive for several months without feeding, especially in cooler temperatures. They can remain dormant in clothing for extended periods, waiting for a host.

Q5: Is it possible to kill bed bugs with a regular iron?

While an iron can kill bed bugs on contact, it’s difficult to reach all areas, especially seams and folds. It’s not as reliable as washing and drying on high heat or using a steamer.

Q6: Can bed bugs travel on shoes?

Yes, bed bugs can travel on shoes, though it’s less common than traveling on luggage or clothing. Regularly inspect shoes and consider storing them in sealed plastic bags if you suspect an infestation.

Q7: What’s the best way to treat delicate clothes that can’t be washed or dried?

For delicate fabrics, professional dry cleaning is often the best option. Alternatively, steaming or encasing them for a year can be effective.

Q8: Do I need to throw away all my clothes if I have bed bugs?

No, you don’t need to throw away all your clothes. Most clothing can be salvaged with proper treatment. However, if an item is heavily infested and difficult to clean, discarding it might be the best option.

Q9: Can I use a clothing steamer to kill bed bugs on furniture?

Yes, a clothing steamer can be used to kill bed bugs on furniture, especially in seams and crevices. Use a low moisture setting to avoid damaging the furniture. Repeat the steaming process several times.

Q10: How often should I wash my clothes to prevent bed bugs?

Regular washing of your clothes, especially bedding, helps to prevent bed bug infestations. Aim to wash your bedding at least once a week.

Q11: Are there any specific detergents that kill bed bugs?

While some detergents claim to kill bed bugs, the most important factor is the water temperature. Hot water (at least 120°F or 49°C) is the key to killing bed bugs during washing.

Q12: What steps should I take immediately after discovering bed bugs in my clothes?

Immediately isolate the infested clothing in a sealed plastic bag, wash and dry all potentially affected clothing on high heat, and thoroughly inspect your home for signs of bed bugs. Consider contacting a professional pest control service for assistance.