This document is not final and is subject to change.
Sheets, blankets, pillows, bed skirts, mattress covers, sleeping bags
Inspection
Look for black fecal stains on portions of bed skirts, mattress covers and sheets that fall
on the side of the bed. Bloodstains from bite wounds may be found on the sleeping
surface of sheets. If bed bugs have been confirmed from the home, this step is not
necessary. (Learn more about inspection).
Preferred Control Method
Heat
Clothes dryer, iron, space heating. The easiest and most effective way to treat bedding is the clothes dryer. However, caution is needed to prevent dispersing bugs when removing and transporting bedding. Items should be removed gently and sealed in a plastic bag for transport to a dryer. The area around the bed should be vacuumed immediately after, with bag/canister contents sealed and discarded outside the home. With bedding removed, you can also vacuum the mattress/box spring/bed frame to remove any live bed bugs, shed skins and possibly eggs. (Learn more about heat).
Other Control Options
Isolation
Store inside an airtight plastic bag or bin for six months. Good option to keep items bed
bug free after an intervention. (Learn more about isolation).
Not Recommended - Hand wash, Vacuum, Steam, Freeze, Desiccant dust
Update 5/22/2025