Can You Freeze Clothes to Kill Bed Bugs?
Bed bugs are one of the most irritating and difficult to deal with pests. They often introduce themselves into the home in a variety of ways, and getting rid of them can be a challenge. Some people have asked whether freezing clothes to kill bed bugs is an effective method of eradication.
Freezing Clothes to Kill Bed Bugs?
The short answer is that freezing clothes to kill bed bugs is a viable method of eradication. Bed bugs are vulnerable to temperatures below zero degrees Celsius and will die when exposed to this outdoor temperature. This means that storing clothes in the freezer for a few hours or even days might be enough to disrupt the bed bug invasion.
Before freezing clothes for this purpose, make sure to:
- Check for signs of bed bugs on the affected clothing
- Vacuum any garments and items before you store them in the freezer
- Wash the clothes with hot water first, to make sure that the bed bugs are killed before freezing
To be sure that bed bugs have been completely eliminated, make sure the clothing reaches a temperature of -20 degrees Celsius.
Can Freezing Clothes Kill Other Pests?
Freezing clothes can also help get rid of other pests, such as fleas and moths. To kill these pests, try to reach temperatures of -30 degrees Celsius, as they are much more tolerant of low temperatures than bed bugs.
It’s important to note that freezing clothes as a method of pest eradication is not as effective as using professional extermination services. If you have a large infestation, it’s far better to seek help from a pest control expert.
Conclusion
Overall, freezing clothes can effectively kill bed bugs and other pests. The process may not be foolproof, so it’s important to vacuum and wash clothes, and store them at a low temperature for a few days. To ensure that all pests are eliminated, professional pest control services may be necessary.