This document is not final and is subject to change.
Inspection
Pay special attention to straps, buckles and edges where two halves of hard cases meet. Cases may not seal tightly, allowing bugs to get inside the case, so inspection may also require removal of formed padding that supports the instrument. (Learn more about inspection).
Preferred Control Method
Isolation
Store inside an airtight plastic bag or bin for six months. (Learn more about isolation).
Other Control Options
Hand Wash
Hard cases can be washed on the exterior with warm, soapy water. Use a brush to treat textured items such as buckles and straps. After washing, use a towel to remove excess liquid from the case and allow time to air dry. (Learn more about hand wash).
Vacuum
Use the brush attachment to vacuum exterior portions of soft and hard cases. The crack and crevice attachment can be used on interior portions of the case. Use of a vacuum alone may not be sufficient to remove bed bugs, however, this technique can be combined with using a hair dryer. [This should be done over a white sheet, outdoors or in the bathtub] (Learn more about vacuuming).
Heat
Hair dryer or space heating. Use hair dryer to blow hot air into cracks and crevices to flush bed bugs, and use the crevice tool on a vacuum cleaner to suck them up. [This should be done over a white sheet, outdoors or in the bathtub]. (Learn more about heat).
Steam
This option can be used on the exterior of hard and soft cases, but may not be effective on the interior due to the thickness of padding or the presence of voids under padding. Make sure the case is dry before putting the instrument inside. (Learn more about steam).
Not Recommended - Freeze, Desiccant dust
Update 5/23/2025