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ballpointpenner
May 1, 2013, 6:09 PM
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Registered: Nov 2, 2006
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Hi there,
I'm dealing with a bed bug problem and they say that the best way to make sure your clothes are free of them is to put them in the dryer for 10-20 minutes at a high temperature setting.
I am just wondering if I can do the same to my climbing gear (rope, shoes, harness, dog-bones) or if that's just a terrible idea.
Thanks,
-bpp
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kennoyce
May 1, 2013, 6:50 PM
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Registered: Mar 6, 2001
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ballpointpenner wrote: Hi there, I'm dealing with a bed bug problem and they say that the best way to make sure your clothes are free of them is to put them in the dryer for 10-20 minutes at a high temperature setting. I am just wondering if I can do the same to my climbing gear (rope, shoes, harness, dog-bones) or if that's just a terrible idea. Thanks, -bpp
No, you can't do that, and yes, it's a terrible idea.
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markcarlson
May 1, 2013, 6:59 PM
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Registered: Feb 14, 2009
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Look into freezing those items instead. Unless you have access to a -30C freezer, it takes much longer, and you will likely need a large freezer for your rope.
Freezing will not damage your climbing gear, especially if it is dry when you put it in and you don't try to flex plastic parts until they are warmed up again.
Do the same with your books, CDs, and DVDs if your infestation was bad enough for you to worry about your climbing gear.
Alternately, you can leave things in a well sealed plastic bag for 18 months or so. Of course this is not a great option for climbing gear, but may be a good idea for keepsakes that you can't treat any other way!
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ballpointpenner
May 1, 2013, 7:01 PM
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Registered: Nov 2, 2006
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Thanks Mark! That sounds like great advice.
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Syd
May 2, 2013, 11:19 AM
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Registered: Oct 25, 2012
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How did you get the bugs ?
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brooklynclimber
May 14, 2013, 2:40 PM
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Here's what the EPA says about bed bugs:
Don’t rely on do-it-yourself freezing as a reliable method for bed bug control.
While freezing can kill bed bugs, temperatures must remain very low for a long time. Home freezers are usually not cold enough to kill bed bugs. Putting things outside in freezing temperatures can kill bed bugs, but it can take several days when the temperature is 0° F and almost a week when the temperature is 20° F.
http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/factsheets/bed-bugs-faq-fs.html
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