BedBugBeware.com
Sensible and concise educational information about bedbugs
and how to detect them since 2007
Reducing the spread of bed bugs through education and early detection
Home. About BedBugs. Video Clips. Spread the Word. Monitors, Traps and Detectors. K9 Scent Detection. Travel Tips. Dealing with Infected items. Sample pages from the book . Further Reading.
Copyright 2012 © All rights reserved. Bed Bugs Limited. Terms of use | About this site
Home. About BedBugs. Video Clips. Spread the Word. Monitors, Traps and Detectors. K9 Scent Detection. Travel Tips. Dealing with Infected items. Sample pages from the book . Further Reading.
Safe Disposal of infected items

If it is not feasible to decontaminate items then they MUST be disposed of in a responsible manner to ensure that your infestation does not become the source for others.  In some countries you can be legally held responsible if your items are incorrectly disposed of an infect others, even if they collected them from the curb side.


Unless carefully managed you run the risk of spreading the infestation through the rest of your property making the removal of bed bugs a lot harder.


If you want to remove items from your property then you MUST take the following precautions:



The image below can also be accessed in full resolution from:


www.BedBugBeware.com/cautionnote.jpg


Stickers and other useful items containing the logo can be purchased from our Café Press shop at:

www.cafepress.com/bedbugbeware

Do you need to dispose of items if you have bedbugs?

Unless an item is heavily infected and marked to a point where it is unsightly it does not need to be disposed of.  This is particularly true with beds, mattresses and items of furniture.  To dispose of these often add significantly to the cost of bedbug treatment and is a strong indication that the person treating is not an experienced bedbug professional.


Many items such as clothes and fabric can be decontaminated through a hot wash cycle as long as the temperature is above 60°C or 140°F or by placing in a tumble dryer on high heat for at least 60 minutes.


In recent years have also seen the development of the PackTite personal decontamination system which uses hot air to kill any bedbugs in items such as suitcases, clothes and books.  PackTite can provide an invaluable assistance to those dealing with bedbug infestations and is often used by frequent travellers to ensure that they do not bring unwanted guests home.

PackTite personal decontamination system, image used with kind permission of www.PackTite.com

Decontaminating infected furniture and large items

Infected items of furniture can be decontaminated and these options should always be investigated prior to any decision to dispose of items.


Some bedbug specialists are capable of working on infected items by hand to ensure that they are clear, this can either be done in the treated location or at decontamination facilities.


Another method is the use of Vikane fumigation or thermal treatment where vehicles, homes or sealed items can be processed.  This approach may not be available in all locations and is a decision that should be made in conjunction with your pest control professional.

The image can be saved as a jpg and resized as needed.  With out identifying infected items there is a risk that they will be collect and infestations spread.  Please act responsibly in spreading the word and not the bedbugs.
The following processes DO NOT work reliably or safely

Please always be safe when seeking solutions for bedbugs the wrong mistakes can be costly in terms of re infestation and damage to your home.

PackTite closet decontamination station (new for 2011), image used with kind permission of www.PackTite.com