Bed Bug Removal
Short answer: Yes—if done correctly.
At Hi-Tech Pest Control, one of the most common questions we hear from Michigan homeowners is:
“Do I have to throw away all my clothes, bedding, and pillows if I have bed bugs?”
Fortunately, the answer is no. You can safely remove bed bugs from fabric items with proper laundering techniques. However, you must follow the correct process to avoid spreading the infestation or allowing bed bugs to survive.
Let’s break it down.
🔥 The Right Way to Remove Bed Bugs from Clothes, Bed Linens, and Pillows
✅ 1. Wash Items at High Temperatures
-
Use your washer’s hottest water setting (at least 120°F or 49°C)
-
Bed bugs and their eggs die at sustained high heat
-
Add detergent and run a full wash cycle
✅ 2. High-Heat Drying Is Critical
-
After washing, immediately transfer items to the dryer on the highest heat setting
-
Dry for at least 30–60 minutes
-
This step is essential to kill any surviving bugs or eggs
💡 Do not rely on drying alone. Washing removes dirt and residue that could insulate bugs or eggs. Always wash first, then dry.
❌ What Not to Do:
-
Don’t air-dry infested fabrics
-
Don’t use cold or warm water
-
Don’t toss items into the dryer without washing first
-
Don’t assume low heat will kill eggs—it won’t
🧺 What Items Can Be Treated This Way?
-
Pajamas, socks, underwear
-
Bed sheets, pillowcases, comforters
-
Pillows (check tag for heat-safe instructions)
-
Towels, blankets, and mattress covers
-
Light clothing, jackets, soft toys
Pro Tip: Bag items in sealed plastic bags before transporting to laundry to avoid spreading bugs through the home.
🚫 When Should You Discard Items?
While most fabrics can be saved, some items may need to be thrown out:
-
Non-washable or dry-clean-only fabrics (unless heat-treated)
-
Items that have tears or are too fragile for hot washing
-
Pillows or cushions with holes where bugs may hide deep inside
When in doubt, consult a licensed pest control technician.
📍 Bed Bug Fabric Treatment – Summary
| Fabric Type | Action |
|---|---|
| Clothes | Wash & dry on high heat |
| Bedding | Wash & dry on high heat |
| Pillows | Wash if allowed, dry on high |
| Dry-clean items | Professional heat treatment |
| Fragile fabrics | Discard or seek expert advice |
🛑 Why DIY Laundry Isn’t Enough Without Treatment
Even if you successfully clean your linens, bed bugs hide in wall voids, baseboards, outlets, and furniture. Washing your clothing and bedding is just one part of the solution. For true bed bug eradication, you need:
✔️ Professional chemical & dust treatment
✔️ Crack & crevice applications
✔️ Void dusting
✔️ Monitoring & prevention guidance
Hi-Tech Pest Control offers one-treatment, 100% guaranteed bed bug eradication for homes, apartments, motels, and more.
🧠 FAQ – Bed Bugs and Clothing
Q: Can bed bugs survive a cold wash and air drying?
A: Yes. Cold water and air drying will not kill bed bugs or their eggs.
Q: How hot does the water need to be to kill bed bugs?
A: At least 120°F (49°C) or higher is required for full effectiveness.
Q: Will a dryer alone kill bed bugs?
A: Possibly, but not reliably. Always wash and dry. Drying without washing is not recommended.
Q: Do I need to throw out my clothes if I have bed bugs?
A: No. In most cases, clothing and bedding can be treated effectively with proper laundering.
Q: How do I transport infested laundry safely?
A: Seal it in trash bags or zippered plastic bags until you’re ready to wash. Do not carry loose laundry through the house.
📞 Need Help With a Bed Bug Infestation?
Hi-Tech Pest Control is Michigan’s #1 bed bug exterminator, trusted for safe, effective, and discreet treatments across Metro Detroit.
✅ One-treatment success
✅ Safe for children and pets
✅ Serving homes, apartments, hotels & more
📍 Serving: Ferndale, Troy, Livonia, Southfield, Royal Oak, West Bloomfield & surrounding cities
📲 Call now: (248) 569-8001
🌐 hi-techpestcontrol.com
🛏️ Don’t throw everything away—let us help you save it.
