Click Free Pest Control Quote
to fill in a form to obtain a free pest control quote today.
Will Drying Clothes Kill Bed Bugs? By Chris Williams on September 29, 2014.
Bed bugs can be killed by the washer or dryer, if the cycle is hot and long enough.
People ask me this all the time and then seem surprised when I tell them, Yes! Fortunately, a conventional clothes dryer can kill bed bugs. This is good news since it is so hard to kill bed bugs, even with pesticides. High temperatures will kill many insects, and bed bugs are no exception.
Notice that I said high temperatures. One research study found that all stages of bed bugs died at temperatures of 104-122F., if held for at least 30 minutes. Other research has shown that even higher temperatures are necessary to do the job. You should err on the side of drying for a longer time to ensure kill. When items spent only 10 minutes in a dryer on high, 25% of the bed bug nymphs and 15% of adult bed bugs survived. Using the COOL setting on a dryer for an extended time did not kill any bed bugs at all. This shows that its the heat, not the trauma of being tumbled that is killing the bugs.
The problem is that most people dont know how hot their dryer gets on the HIGH or HOT setting. In general, LOW settings are around 125F., MEDIUM settings reach 135F., and on HIGH, a dryer should reach 155F. Use the hottest dryer setting that your items will tolerate.
Washing clothes at very hot temperatures will also kill bed bugs without the need for a hot dry cyclealthough adding a drying cycle will help insure kill. Again, both time and temperature are important. One hundred percent of bed bugs are killed when wash water is 140F. for a 30-minute wash cycle. Washing at lower temperatures will kill adults and nymphs but most bed bugs eggs will survive.
Bed bugs dont live in clothes like body lice but they will hide in clothes or shoes. And its very likely that some bed bugs will be found on bed linens and mattress covers. Clothes or other items that dont require washing but do require bed bug disinfestation can be dried only. Items like backpacks, fabric purses, stuffed animals, and shoes can be placed in a dryer, too, as long as they wont be damaged by hot temps. Dry cleaning kills all stages of bed bugs and is a good alternative for delicate items that cant take hot washer or dryer temperatures.
Remember, though, that washing and/or drying clothes and certain items may give you peace of mind after a vacation, but if you have a bed bug infestation in your home, you need the services of a professional exterminator. After all, you cant wash and dry your mattress, box spring, bedside table, etc., all of which may be hiding bed bugs.
photo credit: m01229 via photopin cc
View post:
Will Drying Clothes Kill Bed Bugs? - Colonial Pest Control
- Bedbug Feeding Video - EHS Pest Control RI [Last Updated On: September 5th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 5th, 2011]
- Get rid of Bed Bugs | Exterminate Bed Bugs with Advantage Pest Control [Last Updated On: September 5th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 5th, 2011]
- Alamo Pest Control, Revere MA [Last Updated On: September 6th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 6th, 2011]
- Termite Control | Bedbug Treatment | Pest Control CT, MA, NY | Eliminate'Em Pest Control, LLC [Last Updated On: September 8th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 8th, 2011]
- Pest End - Pest Control Methuen, MA [Last Updated On: September 8th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 8th, 2011]
- Bed Bug Song [Last Updated On: September 15th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 15th, 2011]
- Cunningham Termite and Pest Control - Pest Control Mashpee, MA [Last Updated On: September 16th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 16th, 2011]
- Pest Control Massachuetts General Environmental Services 800-343-8278 [Last Updated On: September 25th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 25th, 2011]
- Mites mistaken for Bed Bugs. Pest Control, MA [Last Updated On: October 4th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 4th, 2011]
- Bed Bugs in an apartment in MA | Bed Bug Exterminator [Last Updated On: October 5th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 5th, 2011]
- bed-bugs-4-7-11-preview.wmv - Video [Last Updated On: November 24th, 2011] [Originally Added On: November 24th, 2011]
- Guardian Bed Bug extermination 617-947-2386 Brighton MA,Brookline,Cambridge,Boston,Somerville, - Video [Last Updated On: December 7th, 2011] [Originally Added On: December 7th, 2011]
- Flying Bedbugs! - Video [Last Updated On: December 28th, 2011] [Originally Added On: December 28th, 2011]
- GOP leads the way in apoplexy [Last Updated On: January 29th, 2012] [Originally Added On: January 29th, 2012]
- TripAdvisor can't claim UK reviews are reliable [Last Updated On: February 2nd, 2012] [Originally Added On: February 2nd, 2012]
- UK agency tells TripAdvisor not to claim all reviews are by independent, reliable travellers [Last Updated On: February 4th, 2012] [Originally Added On: February 4th, 2012]
- WPC Pest [Last Updated On: March 19th, 2012] [Originally Added On: March 19th, 2012]
- Southern New England Exterminators Braman Pest Control - Video [Last Updated On: April 3rd, 2012] [Originally Added On: April 3rd, 2012]
- Bedbugs: Everything You Need to Know - Video [Last Updated On: June 1st, 2012] [Originally Added On: June 1st, 2012]
- Pest Control Beachmont, 617-237-6156, Beachmont Pest Control Boston MA - Video [Last Updated On: June 19th, 2012] [Originally Added On: June 19th, 2012]
- Exterminator Allston, 617-209-7833, Allston Exterminator Boston MA - Video [Last Updated On: June 19th, 2012] [Originally Added On: June 19th, 2012]
- Exterminator Aberdeen, 617-202-9005, Ardeen Exterminator Boston MA - Video [Last Updated On: June 19th, 2012] [Originally Added On: June 19th, 2012]
- Bed Bug Exterminator Ashmont, 617-237-2650, Ashmont Exterminator Boston MA - Video [Last Updated On: June 19th, 2012] [Originally Added On: June 19th, 2012]
- Bed Bug Exterminator Aberdeen, 617-202-9005, Aberdeen Exterminator Boston MA - Video [Last Updated On: June 19th, 2012] [Originally Added On: June 19th, 2012]
- Pest Control Aberdeen, 617-202-9005, Aberdeen Pest Control Boston MA - Video [Last Updated On: June 19th, 2012] [Originally Added On: June 19th, 2012]
- Pest Control Chelsea, 617-284-9165, Chelsea Pest Control Boston MA - Video [Last Updated On: June 20th, 2012] [Originally Added On: June 20th, 2012]
- Exterminator Chelsea, 617-284-9165, Chelsea Exterminator Boston MA - Video [Last Updated On: June 20th, 2012] [Originally Added On: June 20th, 2012]
- Bed Bug Exterminator Charlestown, 631-250-7810, Charlestown Exterminator Boston MA - Video [Last Updated On: June 20th, 2012] [Originally Added On: June 20th, 2012]
- Bed Bug Exterminator Beachmont, 617-237-6156, Beachmont Exterminator Boston MA - Video [Last Updated On: June 20th, 2012] [Originally Added On: June 20th, 2012]
- Exterminator Beachmont, 617-237-6156, Beachmont Exterminator Boston MA - Video [Last Updated On: June 20th, 2012] [Originally Added On: June 20th, 2012]
- Pest Control Ashmont, 617-237-2650, Ashmont Pest Control Boston MA - Video [Last Updated On: June 20th, 2012] [Originally Added On: June 20th, 2012]
- Exterminator Ashmont, 617-237-2650, Ashmont Exterminator Boston MA - Video [Last Updated On: June 20th, 2012] [Originally Added On: June 20th, 2012]
- Bed Bug Exterminator Allston, 617-209-7833, Allston Exterminator Boston MA - Video [Last Updated On: June 20th, 2012] [Originally Added On: June 20th, 2012]
- Pest Control Allston, 617-209-7833, Allston Pest Control Boston MA - Video [Last Updated On: June 20th, 2012] [Originally Added On: June 20th, 2012]
- Pest Control Grove Hall, 617-329-1961, Grove Hall Pest Control Boston MA - Video [Last Updated On: June 21st, 2012] [Originally Added On: June 21st, 2012]
- Bed Bug Exterminator City Point, 617-301-8204, City Point Exterminator Boston MA - Video [Last Updated On: June 21st, 2012] [Originally Added On: June 21st, 2012]
- Pest Control City Point, 617-301-8204, City Point Pest Control Boston MA - Video [Last Updated On: June 21st, 2012] [Originally Added On: June 21st, 2012]
- Pest Control Charlestown, 631-250-7810, Charlestown Pest Control Boston MA - Video [Last Updated On: June 21st, 2012] [Originally Added On: June 21st, 2012]
- Pest Control Bellevue, 631-250-7019, Bellevue Pest Control Boston MA - Video [Last Updated On: June 21st, 2012] [Originally Added On: June 21st, 2012]
- Exterminator Bellevue, 631-250-7019, Bellevue Exterminator Boston MA - Video [Last Updated On: June 21st, 2012] [Originally Added On: June 21st, 2012]
- Pest Control Fields Corner, 617-329-1932, Fields Corner Pest Control Boston MA - Video [Last Updated On: June 21st, 2012] [Originally Added On: June 21st, 2012]
- Bed Bug Exterminator East Boston, 617-307-1762, East Boston Exterminator Boston MA - Video [Last Updated On: June 21st, 2012] [Originally Added On: June 21st, 2012]
- Bed Bug Exterminator Grove Hall, 617-329-1961, Grove Hall Exterminator Boston MA - Video [Last Updated On: June 22nd, 2012] [Originally Added On: June 22nd, 2012]
- Pest Control Jeffries Point, 617-334-7570, Jeffries Pest Control Boston MA - Video [Last Updated On: June 30th, 2012] [Originally Added On: June 30th, 2012]
- Insect Inferno Announces PCS Heat as their National Distributor [Last Updated On: October 11th, 2012] [Originally Added On: October 11th, 2012]
- Bed Bugs Massachusetts - Bed Bug.org [Last Updated On: November 3rd, 2013] [Originally Added On: November 3rd, 2013]
- Bed Bugs in Boston | Boston Bed Bugs - PureHeat [Last Updated On: November 3rd, 2013] [Originally Added On: November 3rd, 2013]
- Reports of Bed Bugs in Boston Hotels - Boston, Massachusetts ... [Last Updated On: November 3rd, 2013] [Originally Added On: November 3rd, 2013]
- Bed Bugs Life Cycle - Bed Bug.org [Last Updated On: November 3rd, 2013] [Originally Added On: November 3rd, 2013]
- Affordable Bed Bug Exterminator > MASSACHUSETTS BED BUG EXTERMINATOR [Last Updated On: November 11th, 2013] [Originally Added On: November 11th, 2013]
- Affordable Bed Bug Exterminator > MASSACHUSETTS BED BUG ... [Last Updated On: November 18th, 2013] [Originally Added On: November 18th, 2013]
- Bed Bugs Massachusetts [Last Updated On: November 27th, 2013] [Originally Added On: November 27th, 2013]
- 100% effective bed bug treatment found in Massachusetts | MNN ... [Last Updated On: December 6th, 2013] [Originally Added On: December 6th, 2013]
- Security Bed Bug Control [Last Updated On: December 15th, 2013] [Originally Added On: December 15th, 2013]
- BedBugCover.com - Mattress Encasement to Prevent Bed Bugs ... [Last Updated On: December 18th, 2013] [Originally Added On: December 18th, 2013]
- massachusetts — Got bed bugs? Bedbugger.com [Last Updated On: January 16th, 2014] [Originally Added On: January 16th, 2014]
- Report finds three Ohio cities in midst of bed bug crisis [Last Updated On: January 25th, 2014] [Originally Added On: January 25th, 2014]
- massachusetts Got bed bugs? Bedbugger.com [Last Updated On: February 17th, 2014] [Originally Added On: February 17th, 2014]
- Massachusetts Bed Bugs - Bedbug Exterminator in Worcester ... [Last Updated On: March 5th, 2014] [Originally Added On: March 5th, 2014]
- Bed Bug Control | Services - F&W Pest Control [Last Updated On: March 15th, 2014] [Originally Added On: March 15th, 2014]
- Bed Bug Landlord & Tenants | Bedbug Inspection Services ... [Last Updated On: March 18th, 2014] [Originally Added On: March 18th, 2014]
- Bed Bugs in Boston | Boston Bed Bugs PureHeat [Last Updated On: March 31st, 2014] [Originally Added On: March 31st, 2014]
- Bed Bug Control | Services F&W Pest Control [Last Updated On: March 31st, 2014] [Originally Added On: March 31st, 2014]
- massachusetts Got bed bugs? Bedbugger.com Page 2 [Last Updated On: May 8th, 2014] [Originally Added On: May 8th, 2014]
- Responsibility for treating bed bugs | The Forum for ... [Last Updated On: July 2nd, 2014] [Originally Added On: July 2nd, 2014]
- Massachusetts Bed Bugs | Bedbug Exterminator in MA [Last Updated On: October 23rd, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 23rd, 2014]
- F & W Bed Bug Control [Last Updated On: January 29th, 2015] [Originally Added On: January 29th, 2015]
- bed bugs photos also bed bug eggs, cast skins, stains ... [Last Updated On: February 6th, 2015] [Originally Added On: February 6th, 2015]
- Mass Bed Bug Busters - Bed Bug Dog inspection Boston MA [Last Updated On: February 6th, 2015] [Originally Added On: February 6th, 2015]
- Pest Control Boston, Exterminator,Rodent, Bed Bug Control ... [Last Updated On: August 9th, 2015] [Originally Added On: August 9th, 2015]
- Bed Bugs - Pest Control in Framingham & Worcester MA [Last Updated On: August 9th, 2015] [Originally Added On: August 9th, 2015]
- Exterminate Bed Bugs in Worcester, MA and Central Mass ... [Last Updated On: October 5th, 2015] [Originally Added On: October 5th, 2015]
- bed bugs - Massachusetts Real Estate News [Last Updated On: March 7th, 2016] [Originally Added On: March 7th, 2016]
- Signs of Bed Bugs - Freedom Pest Control - Specialists in ... [Last Updated On: April 29th, 2016] [Originally Added On: April 29th, 2016]
- Does Bleach Kill Bed Bugs ? | SNIFF K9s [Last Updated On: May 4th, 2016] [Originally Added On: May 4th, 2016]
- Bed Bug Pest Control MA | A1 Exterminators [Last Updated On: June 7th, 2016] [Originally Added On: June 7th, 2016]
- Bed Bug Pest Control MA | 8-Step Program | A1 Exterminators [Last Updated On: January 21st, 2017] [Originally Added On: January 21st, 2017]
- Want to avoid bedbugs on vacation? Follow these tips. - Belleville News-Democrat (blog) [Last Updated On: February 8th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 8th, 2017]
- Does Bleach Kill Bed Bugs? - SniffK9s: Bed Bug Dogs and ... [Last Updated On: February 19th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 19th, 2017]
- Quick Tips To Get Rid Of Bed Bugs On Your Cat [Last Updated On: February 24th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 24th, 2017]
Click Free Exterminator Quote
to fill in a form to obtain a free exterminator quote today.