Soft toys like stuffed animals or cloth books should be put into a dryer. The dryer should be at a medium to high heat setting. The toys should be in the dryer for 30 min. The heat of the dryer will kill all the bed bugs.
Do bed bugs hide in teddy bears?
Plush toys are a perfect hiding place for bed bugs. Teddy bears and stuffed animals are often left on or around the child's bed, and so are at greater risk for contact with wandering bed bugs.
Can bed bugs live in plastic?
Bed bugs do not like to climb or stay on smooth plastic materials. Placing small items in plastic containers or in sealed heavy-duty plastic bags will prevent bed bugs from infesting the items. In an infested home, placing clutter in plastic containers will make bed bug elimination efforts easier.
Can bed bugs stay on stuffed animals?
Bed bugs can live in plush toys, but it's unlikely. They're fabric and offer many crevices for them to live in. However, bed bugs are more likely to choose a location underneath your mattress, where they'll be closer to their host and less likely to be disturbed.
Will bed bugs hide in toys?
Bed bugs do generally prefer fabric over plastic. But it's still possible for them to live in plastic toys, especially if they don't have many alternatives. Anything that has cracks or gaps in it for them to hide in is a good candidate for a harborage.
What material can bed bugs not live in?
Bed bugs do not like to climb or stay on smooth plastic materials. Placing small items in plastic containers or in sealed heavy-duty plastic bags will prevent bed bugs from infesting the items.
How do you clean toys after bed bugs?
Plastic or Wood toys can be cleaned with a warm damp cloth. It is important to wipe of all the surfaces of the toy. Make sure you clean all the cracks and crevices in the toy. Rinse off your cloth often as you are cleaning the toys.
Can you wash bed bugs out of stuffed animals?
Stuffed animals, in most instances, can be machine-washed and tumble dried. If you wash your child's plush toys in a hot wash (130 to 140 degrees F) you should be able to effectively kill 90% or more of the bed bugs hiding on the toy.
How do you get rid of bed bugs in plastic?
Sealing items like these in plastic bags and placing in a freezer will kill off bed bugs but you need to keep the items in a freezer at 0 degree F or lower for up to five days to ensure all the bugs are dead. Other items that can be frozen include shoes, picture frames, jewelry, small toys, and small electronics.
How do you treat bed bugs for Legos?
If the toy is very complicated and difficult to clean put the toy in a plastic bag. Place the plastic bag in a freezer that is at least 0°F (-18°C) for four days. After the toys are clean keep them in a clean plastic bag or box until the home has been treated for bed bugs.