Bed Bug Treatment Preparation Guide
Bed bugs are resilient pests, and eliminating them requires a strategic partnership between you and your pest control professional. Even the most effective treatment won’t succeed unless proper preparation is done beforehand. Your full cooperation is essential for the process to work quickly and efficiently.
Below are important guidelines to help you prepare your home for professional bed bug treatment. Following these steps will significantly increase the chances of success and help prevent re-infestation.
1. Avoid Moving Infested Belongings
Do not move your personal belongings to another location—such as a friend’s home, storage unit, or your vehicle—without confirming they are bed bug free. Transporting items that may be infested can spread bed bugs to new areas and ultimately lead to re-infestation after treatment. If you must move items, keep it to a minimum, and have them inspected or heat-treated first.
2. Wash and Bag All Bedding
Launder all bed linens, including sheets, pillowcases, blankets, and comforters using hot water. Dry them on the highest temperature setting safe for the fabric. Once dried, immediately place them into clean, sealed plastic bags or trash bags to prevent exposure to any remaining bed bugs. Keep these items isolated until the treatment is completed.
3. Clean and Isolate All Clothing
All clothing—especially those in infested areas—must be washed in hot water and dried on the highest setting appropriate for the fabric. Items that cannot be machine-washed (like jackets or delicate clothing) should be professionally dry-cleaned or carefully inspected and stored separately in sealed bags. Do not return clothing to treated rooms until after the pest control provider confirms elimination.
4. Heat-Treat Soft Household Items
Curtains, towels, pillows, stuffed animals, and similar items should be placed in the dryer on a high heat setting for at least 30 minutes. Once treated, double-bag these items in clean plastic bags and store them away from potentially infested areas.
5. Inspect Non-Washable Items
Carefully inspect items that can’t be washed, such as:
- Books
- Toys
- Picture frames
- Electronics
- Decorative items
Place clean children’s and Pet toys and small items into plastic storage bins or sealed bags, ensuring they are free from infestation.
6. Store Cleaned Items Securely
After laundering or heat-treating, store all clean items in sealed plastic bags or containers until the treatment process is fully completed and your technician confirms that your home is bed bug-free.
7. Thoroughly Vacuum and Clean Floors
Vacuum all carpets, rugs, and hard floors. After vacuuming, immediately seal the vacuum bag or canister contents in a plastic bag and dispose of it in an outdoor trash bin to avoid spreading live bed bugs back into your home.
8. Vacuum Beds and Furniture
Vacuum mattresses, box springs, couches, chairs, and recliners to remove live bugs and eggs. Pay special attention to seams, folds, and cracks. If possible, tip furniture on its back or side and remove dust covers to access hidden areas.
After vacuuming:
- Double-bag the vacuum contents
- Discard in an outdoor trashcan immediately
If your mattress and box spring are being encased, use a certified bedbug-proof encasement that is designed to prevent bugs from escaping or biting through the fabric.
9. Declutter the Home
A cluttered environment provides countless hiding spots for bed bugs and makes treatment more difficult. Remove and discard any unnecessary items, particularly around the bed, inside closets, and underneath furniture.
Place all loose items into sealed plastic bags. Do not return any item to the room until it has been properly treated or inspected.
10. Provide Access to All Treatment Areas
Ensure that D & D pest control professionals have clear and unobstructed access to:
- Walls and baseboards
- Closets
- Areas around beds, furniture, and personal belongings
Move furniture at least 12 to 18 inches away from walls where possible. This helps your technician thoroughly inspect and treat all necessary areas.
Final Thoughts
Your participation in preparing your home is crucial to successful bed bug eradication. By carefully following these steps, you help minimize hiding places, reduce the chance of re-infestation, and support your pest control provider in delivering an effective treatment.
If you have any questions about preparation or need assistance identifying infested items, please don’t hesitate to contact D & D Pest Control Co. at (252)523-8255
