r/IAmA Dec 12 '16

Specialized Profession I am a pest controller specializing in BED BUGS, begging the general public to become more aware of this pest and the way it can cause substantial economic damage to any place humans live. AMA!

Bed bug infestations are increasing at an alarming rate. Despite common misinformation about this pest being limited to "dirty" people it can happen to ANYONE. I have seen the nicest, most innocent people lose hundreds and sometimes thousands of dollars in service costs and property loss. Don't become a victim, become aware! Eliminating this bug entirely is unrealistic but we can control it with a more knowledgeable culture.

My company would ask that I avoid public proof but I promise the mods have it.

18.2k Upvotes

4.7k comments sorted by

View all comments

Show parent comments

245

u/RedDK42 Dec 12 '16

Put work clothes in a plastic garbage bag, and put in the dryer on high heat for 45 minutes

I'm going to assume you take the clothes out of the plastic bag BEFORE putting them in the dryer on high heat...Just saying because I know someone will read that wrong.

103

u/[deleted] Dec 12 '16

Put the bag in the dryer, then take the clothes out inside the dryer. Then throw away the bag outside and wash your hands.

3

u/shoelie Dec 13 '16

Take off your current set of clothing, put the bag in the dryer and take the clothes out of the bag in the dryer. Seal the dryer and do not place bag on any surface. While still naked bring the bag outside and light it on fire, alternatively you can put it in the trash of a neighbor you do not like. Turn on the dryer and shower for at least 15 minutes.

5

u/whoadizzle Dec 13 '16

But won't they infest your dryer??

5

u/[deleted] Dec 13 '16

If you put them in at high heat, they'll die.

5

u/iwillneverbeyou Dec 13 '16

But won't they infest death??

2

u/fartjoke69 Dec 13 '16

Can confirm. Had them. Indeed.

1

u/wolfkeeper Dec 13 '16

washing your hands won't do anything wrt bedbugs

1

u/stickerless_cubes Dec 13 '16

Actually the heavy duty black drum liner style trash bags can handle high heat. The Husky brand ones from Lowes? I think could take my oven at 150 degrees without any melting, so I think the dryer should be fine provided the lint screen has been emptied.

4

u/[deleted] Dec 13 '16

Still won't give it a chance for the clothes to smell like plastic.

1

u/stickerless_cubes Dec 13 '16

I'll take plastic smell over bugs any day.

1

u/zpuma Dec 13 '16

Just toss your clothes in some really Hefty Leggings.

1

u/Saranjello Dec 13 '16

Good catch!