Bed Bug Treatment: Preparation Checklist
Preparation for the bed bug extermination process is essential for successful removal. We have put together a bed bug checklist, so you will know exactly what to do before the pest control specialists arrive. For best results, follow the instructions below. More time spent on proper preparation will be rewarded with faster results.
- Remove all pillows, sheets, bed skirts, and comforters. Take clothing out of dressers and gather towels and curtains. Sort out anything that needs dry cleaning. Pick up clothes on floors and hanging over chairs and wash in the hottest water possible and then run through a hot dryer cycle for a minimum of 40 minutes. Place these clean, dry clothes in a large garbage bag sealed at the top until the treatment has been completed.
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- Help your specialist by clearing out everything stored under beds and other furnishings to eliminate potential insect hiding spots. Remove all clothing items from these storage areas and launder and dry at high heat. Place these clean, dry clothes in a large garbage bag sealed at the top until the treatment has been completed.
- De-clutter will assist in removing potential bed bug harborages. Check items for signs of infestation.
- Move all furniture items away from the walls to allow access to the baseboards around the entire room.
- It is not necessary to remove clean clothing or other items from draws or cupboards unless these items are clearly heavily infested (visible bed bugs). Ornaments and other items can be left in place.
- Use a bag sweeper with strong suction to clean mattresses, box springs, and carpets. Switch to a crevice tool for bedframes, baseboards, and corners. Vacuuming upholstered seating is also crucial in homes as well as public spaces like lobbies and common areas. Bed bugs often cluster on the undersides of chairs and sofas. When finished, remove the vacuum cleaner bag or contents of the canister, place it in a plastic bag, and dispose of it in the trash can outside your apartment/home.
- Cover fish tanks, terrariums, and small animal cages with a clean towel or sheet.
- Buy protective covers rated for bed bug control. Put them on every mattress, foundation, and pillow while ensuring each one is snug and secure. You will be able to save most bed linens and clothing by washing and drying them on high heat. However, if you need to discard a mattress, slash it, and cut it up, so no one else will want to take it. Before putting anything on the curb, wrap it in heavy-duty plastic and seal it carefully with tape. Add an easy-to-read label that indicates a bed bug problem, so other people will not pick up the items and bring them home.
- DO NOT RE-ENTER TREATED AREAS FOR 4 HOURS AFTER SERVICE.
- DO NOT SPRAY ANY PESTICIDES OR CLEANING PRODUCTS IN TREATED AREAS AFTER TREATMENT. THIS WILL KILL THE BIOPESTICIDE AND RESULT IN CONTROL FAILURE.
- Allow the treatment time to work, do not clean or remove the spray barriers. In most cases, barriers will have been applied in inconspicuous areas, but if the infestation was suspected behind baseboards or electrical outlets, a 2” spray barrier might have been applied on the wall above or around these installations. Under certain lighting conditions, these barriers may be visible. Leave these in place until you are confident that the infestation has been eradicated. The barrier will remain active for up to 3 months if left undisturbed but is easily removed with kitchen or bathroom cleaner when required.
- Live bed bugs may be visible for 2-3 weeks after the treatment. Affected bugs may be found wandering in unusual places; this is a sign that the treatment is working. Remember that bed bugs may not leave their harborages for several days after treatment, and nymphs hatching from eggs will not be affected until they cross a spray barrier.
However, all bed bugs will die within 3-7 days after encountering our treatment. Contact our office if you still see live bed bugs 30 days after treatment.
Following these steps lowers the risk of reinfestation after the bed bug extermination process. Contact Miller Pest Solutions right away if you need assistance with insect removal.