Have you ever woken up to find itchy, red bumps all over your body? The culprit may be bed bugs — those pesky little critters that can wreak havoc on your sleep and your sanity. But once you’ve discovered that you have bed bugs, the question remains — how do you get rid of them? One popular method is to wash all of your bedding and clothing in hot water. But just how long can bed bugs survive in the washer? In this article, we’ll explore the surprising answer to this question and give you all the information you need to wage war against these unwelcome invaders. So grab your favorite beverage and let’s dive in.
How long can bed bugs live in washer?
In conclusion, bed bugs can’t survive high temperatures, and washing your fabrics in hot water and using high heat during the drying process helps to get rid of these nasty pests. Following the manufacturer’s care instruction can also help prevent damage to your clothes while ensuring that bed bugs are eliminated. With the correct cleaning techniques, you can get rid of bed bugs entirely.
1. Set the water temperature to at least 60°C (140°F) when washing items that may be infested with bed bugs.
2. Use a dryer to kill bed bugs that might have survived the wash cycle. Set it to medium or high heat for at least 30 minutes.
3. Don’t overcrowd the washing machine or dryer, as bed bugs may hide in folds and seams that aren’t exposed to heat or water.
4. Use a laundry detergent that has strong cleaning properties to help remove any traces of bed bugs, as well as their eggs and fecal matter.
5. Keep in mind that washing alone may not fully eradicate bed bugs, and that professional pest control may be necessary to ensure complete elimination.
Take a look at this fascinating video on Bed Bugs, I guarantee you’ll find it interesting:
How long can bed bugs live in a washer?
The lifespan of bed bugs
Before delving into the question of how long bed bugs can survive in the washer, let’s first understand their lifespan. Bed bugs, scientifically known as Cimex Lectularius, have a lifespan of about six to twelve months. Their lifespan is dependent on various factors, including the temperature of their surroundings, their access to food, and their ability to mate and reproduce.
Females can lay up to five eggs in a day and about 500 in their lifetime, which takes about six to ten days to hatch. The eggs hatch into nymphs, which feed on blood before molting to become adults. The nymphs may go through five molts before maturing into adults. Bed bugs are resilient pests that can survive in various conditions, making them challenging to eradicate.
Can bed bugs survive in the washer?
One common question that many people have is whether bed bugs can survive in the washer. According to research, bed bugs can survive a cycle in the washing machine. However, the likelihood of their survival is dependent on various factors, including the temperature and duration of the wash cycle.
Bed bugs can quickly die at high temperatures of 140°F or above. During a standard wash cycle, the water temperature ranges between 78°F to 90°F, which may not be enough to kill all bed bugs and their eggs. Additionally, bed bugs can cling to fabrics, making it easier for them to survive.
High-temperature washing as a bed bug solution
One of the best solutions for eliminating bed bugs in your clothes is to wash them using high temperatures. The hot water kills bed bugs by denaturing their proteins, ultimately resulting in their death. It’s important to note that bed bugs are susceptible to temperatures of 140°F or above.
Therefore, to kill bed bugs in your clothes, you should set the washing machine to the hottest temperature possible. Hot water will not only kill bed bugs but also clean your clothes and remove any dirt and debris. If you’re washing delicate clothes, use a laundry bag that can handle high temperatures.
Below are some key points to remember when washing clothes to kill bed bugs:
- Wash clothes using hot water at a temperature of 140°F or above
- Use a laundry bag to protect delicate clothes
- Use detergent to clean clothes
What temperature kills bed bugs in the washer?
As mentioned earlier, bed bugs are susceptible to temperatures of 140°F or above. Therefore, to kill bed bugs, you should set your washer to the highest temperature possible. However, it’s important to note that some washers only go up to 130°F.
If your washing machine has a high-temperature setting, select it to kill bed bugs. If it doesn’t, you can consider taking your clothes to a commercial laundry service that uses high-temperature washers.
The importance of using the dryer to kill bed bugs
While washing your clothes in hot water can kill bed bugs, it’s important to use the dryer to eliminate any remaining pests. Once you wash your clothes, put them immediately in the dryer and set it on high heat.
The heat from the dryer will kill any remaining bed bugs, larvae, or eggs, resulting in complete eradication. It’s important to know that bed bugs cannot survive temperatures above 113°F. As such, make sure to set the dryer at a temperature between 140°F and 150°F.
How long to wash clothes to eliminate bed bugs
The duration of the wash cycle is also important in eliminating bed bugs from your clothes. According to research, washing clothes using hot water that’s at a temperature of 140°F or above for 30 minutes can eliminate bed bug nymphs, bed bugs, and their eggs.
Therefore, to ensure that all bed bugs are eliminated from your clothes and fabrics, wash them using hot water for at least 30 minutes. Additionally, make sure to use a dryer set to high heat to eliminate any remaining pests.
Other pest control methods for bed bugs
In addition to washing clothes with high temperatures, there are other pest control methods that can help eliminate bed bugs from your home. These include:
- Using bed bug covers on your mattress, box spring, and pillows to keep bed bugs from entering and hiding
- Vacuuming your home regularly to remove bed bugs and their eggs from carpets, furniture, and other surfaces
- Sealing cracks and crevices in walls to prevent bed bugs from entering your home
- Hiring a professional pest control service to eliminate bed bugs from your home
Conclusion: Effective steps to eliminate bed bugs from your clothes
In conclusion, bed bugs can survive in the washer, but they are susceptible to high temperatures. To eliminate bed bugs from your clothes, you should wash them in hot water that’s at a temperature of 140°F or above for at least 30 minutes.
Additionally, to ensure complete eradication, remember to use the dryer to eliminate any remaining bed bugs, larvae, or eggs. Bed bugs are resilient pests that can be challenging to eliminate. Therefore, it’s important to use various pest control methods, such as vacuuming, sealing cracks, and hiring professional pest control services, to prevent and eliminate bed bugs from your home.
