If you are a laundry beginner you may be wondering if there is a risk of picking up bed bugs from a public laundromat.
Unfortunately it is a risk you should be aware of.
How Do Bed Bugs Get Into the Laundromat?
Bed bugs are incredibly hardy and can survive in a variety of environments including laundromats.
Bed bugs find their way into laundromats by hitching rides on clothing and other items that are brought in from the outside.
They are also capable of traveling from one unit to another so if one unit has an infestation it is possible for it to spread to the rest of the facility.
How Do I Protect Myself from Bed Bugs in the Laundromat?
The best way to protect yourself from bed bug infestations in the laundromat is to be proactive.
Before taking your items into the laundromat inspect them for any visible signs of bed bugs such as eggs shells or even living bugs.
If you do find any signs of an infestation it is best to take your items to a different laundromat.
When you are in the laundromat it is important to avoid sitting or leaving your items on the floor where bed bugs may be lurking.
If possible avoid using shared drying machines and instead opt for using your own personal dryer.
Can I Prevent Bed Bugs from Spreading in the Laundromat?
It is not easy to prevent a bed bug infestation from spreading in the laundromat but there are some steps you can take.
Always practice good hygiene such as washing your hands and avoiding contact with your face and eyes after handling items that may have been in contact with bed bugs.
You should also take extra precautions when packing up your items after washing.
Make sure to seal your bag or container so that any bed bugs that may be in your items cannot escape.
Conclusion
Bed bugs can indeed be found in laundromats but with the proper precautions you can protect yourself from them.
Make sure to inspect your items for any signs of bed bugs before entering the laundromat and practice good hygiene when handling your items.
Additionally make sure to seal up your bag or container when packing your items up to avoid any bed bugs from escaping.
