When people think of bed bugs, their first thought is usually “how do I get rid of them?” Many turn to their dryer as a possible solution. But does the dryer really kill bed bugs? Unfortunately, it’s not that simple.
Though heat can be used to kill bed bugs, it is not as effective when applied to clothes and other fabrics in the dryer. The heat produced by a household dryer is simply not intense enough to reach the temperatures needed to kill bed bugs (between 120°F and 140°F). It takes approximately 20 minutes at that temperature to be sure they are all killed. Even then, some bed bugs may survive in areas that the heat doesn’t reach, such as seams of clothing and the edges of mattresses.
Therefore, it is not recommended to rely solely on a dryer to kill bed bugs. It can be an effective part of a comprehensive extermination strategy, but should be used in conjunction with other methods such as sprays, insecticides, and steam cleaning.
It is also important to keep in mind that the dryer can be used to help prevent bed bugs from spreading. By washing and drying items on high heat after they have been exposed to bed bugs (such as clothing or sheets) any surviving insects will be killed during the process.
When it comes to bed bugs, prevention is key. Regularly vacuum areas where bed bugs might live and inspect for signs of an infestation (such as small black spots on mattresses or sheets). Taking these preventative measures can help avoid a full-blown infestation that would require more extreme methods to get rid of them.
In conclusion, while the dryer can help to kill bed bugs, it is not a reliable solution on its own. It should be used in conjunction with other methods and preventative measures to ensure that all bed bugs are eliminated from your home.
FAQs
Does dryer kill bed bug eggs?
Yes, drying fabrics and items on high heat for at least 20 minutes can help to kill bed bug eggs. However, some eggs may still survive due to areas where the heat does not reach (such as seams of clothing or edges of mattresses). Therefore, it is important to use a comprehensive extermination strategy in order to make sure all eggs are eliminated.
Can bed bugs infest your dryer?
No, bed bugs cannot infest your dryer. They are not able to survive in the dry environment and high temperatures of a running dryer. However, they can still survive on fabrics and items put into the dryer, so it is important to make sure that any items with signs of an infestation (such as black spots) are washed and dried on high heat afterwards.
