Can You Catch Bed Bugs From A Dryer

Bed bugs are notoriously difficult to eliminate. These pests can live in almost any environment, so it's natural to wonder if they can be caught from a dryer. Although research indicates bed bugs cannot survive in the heat of a dryer-which typically reaches temperatures up to 140°F (60°C)-they can still survive in cool, damp environments from 10-13°C (50-55°F).

Safety precautions should always be taken when handling laundry. Carefully inspect all clothing and fabrics for signs of infestation before and after drying on a hot cycle. To prevent spreading bed bugs, keep any items potentially exposed to them away from other fabrics until inspected and properly cleaned if necessary. If you suspect an infestation within your dryer itself, consider replacing the appliance or having it professionally inspected and cleaned.

Installing a mattress encasement may also offer additional protection against possible infection with dust mites and bedbugs alike. Mattress encasements are designed with tightly woven fabric to keep out smaller insects such as bedbugs by limiting their access to human blood while remaining hidden inside the mattress coverings.

To minimize risk of catching bed bugs, use caution when handling laundry-inspecting all fabrics carefully-and consider using a mattress encasement for added protection against possible infestations. While there is no guarantee that you won't catch them from your dryer due to its ability to sustain life in cooler temperatures, these steps can help lower the chances significantly.