Bed bugs are becoming an increasingly common problem in homes and apartments all over the country. If you’re unfortunate enough to have bed bugs, it’s important to take the necessary steps to get rid of them as soon as possible.
We’ll show you how to prepare for bed bug treatment.
10 Things To Do When Preparing For Bed Bug Treatment
1. Living Room
Remove all clutter from the room. This will give the bed bug exterminator a clear working space and make it easier to identify and treat all potential hiding spots. Vacuum the entire living room, paying special attention to tight spaces underneath furniture and in cracks and crevices.
Be sure to dispose of the vacuum bag immediately for proper pest control. We recommend placing the vacuum bag inside a large plastic bag. Wash all bedding, curtains, and other fabric items in hot water and place them into a dryer with the highest setting. But how fast do bed bugs spread from one room to another?
2. Bedroom
When preparing your bedroom, carefully inspect the space. Pay special attention to signs of bed bug infestations [1], such as droppings, shed skin, or even live bugs themselves on your beds. Place clothing and personal items in a plastic bag or sealed bags to reduce clutter.
Once you have identified these pests, it is important to remove as many of them from your bedroom as possible. This can be done manually or by using a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter attached.
3. Kitchen
Any kind of bug infestation is annoying, but bed bugs are especially troublesome because they bite and are difficult to get rid of. Clean all surfaces in the kitchen area thoroughly. This will help to remove any eggs or bugs that might be hiding.
Declutter the kitchen as much as possible. This will give the pest control company a clear workspace and better inspection to eliminate bed bug hotspots easier.
Finally, ensure all food is stored in airtight containers, sealed plastic bags, or a vacuum bag. Bed bugs are attracted to food, so keeping your kitchen clean and free of food sources will help to discourage them from taking up residence. So what attracts bed bugs into your home?
4. Walls
If you’re getting your home treated, it is important to consider the material and condition of your walls. Older walls, for example, may have holes or other flaws that make them more prone to infestation. To prevent these issues and ensure that your walls are ready for bed bug treatment, you should follow a few key steps.
Inspect your walls thoroughly for any holes, cracks, or other damage. These vulnerabilities can provide easy access to bed bugs and make it difficult to apply treatment evenly. If you find any such issues, be sure to repair them before moving forward with the treatment.
You should also take steps to block off any nearby furniture that could get splattered with chemicals during the application process. Find out if a black light is helpful to find bed bugs here.
5. Floor
To prepare your floor for bed bug treatment, it is important first to assess the current condition of your floor. This can be done by examining the floor for signs of damage or infestation, such as cracked tiles or clusters of small dark spots that may be indicative of bed bug activity.
Once you have identified any existing problem areas, you can work to remediate them to create a smooth and level surface that is optimal for treating your floor against bed bugs. This may involve cleaning and sealing existing cracks and holes and removing any belongings or other large objects that could interfere with treatment.
6. Furniture
Remove all furniture from the affected area, ensuring that each piece is properly cleaned before being returned. Don’t open the box springs or box spring encasements. In addition, it is important to vacuum or sweep the floor thoroughly to remove any lingering bed bug eggs or debris.
You may also need to disassemble certain furniture pieces so that they can be thoroughly inspected and treated as necessary. Check the bed frame, box spring encasements, dresser drawers, sleeper sofas, and mattress encasement. Place other items like plastic toys, picture frames, stuffed animals, and pillows inside plastic bags.
7. Bathroom
Preparing your bathroom starts with a thorough cleaning. Your bathroom must be free of dust, dirt, and other potential hiding spots for bed bugs to effectively treat an infestation. This means wiping down surfaces and vacuuming up any debris and clutter where bed bugs hide.
Once the bathroom is clean, you will need to seal off any entry points where bed bugs might be able to come in. This may include sealing off cracks around doors or windows and sealing any plumbing gaps. You may also consider installing pest-proof door sweeps or using other preventative measures against future infestations.
8. Pets
Always keep pets away from the treatment area while the chemicals are active. This is especially important during the application process, as pets may come into contact with the chemicals and may be exposed to potential hazards.
During this time, you should monitor your pets closely for any signs that they might have come into contact with the chemical residues from the bed bug heat treatment.
If any negative symptoms become apparent, it is important to seek medical attention immediately.
9. Washing & Laundering
Washing and laundering are important steps that should not be overlooked. Washing clothing, linens, and other textiles in hot water is an effective way to eliminate any bed bug eggs and larvae that may be present on these items.
Similarly, washing clothing in direct contact with the infested area will also help ensure that the bugs are eliminated.
However, washing clothing and other items by hand are not always possible or practical, so many homeowners choose to use a laundering service as part of their pest control and treatment plan.
10. Storing Items
All items that can be stored in plastic bags should be placed in them and sealed tightly. This will prevent bed bugs from accessing the items and make it easier to clean the storage area afterward.
Remove aerosol cans like spray paint and hairspray and store them properly. Any items that cannot be stored in sealed plastic bags should be placed in a sealed container or box. Inspect your closets and other areas in the house where these pesky bugs might hide.
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Is It Necessary To Prepare Your Home Before A Bed Bug Treatment?
Yes, it is necessary to prepare your home before a bed bug treatment because if you don’t, the treatment may not be effective.
Bed bugs are sneaky, persistent pests that can be difficult to get rid of. For your bed bug high heat treatment to be effective, you’ll need to thoroughly prepare your home by eliminating clutter and vacuuming. Do a keen inspection of beds, clothing, mattresses, closets, and bedrooms.
It would help if you also seal any cracks or crevices where bed bugs might hide and consider using diatomaceous earth as a natural bed bug treatment option.
FAQs
How long after bed bug treatment can I put my stuff back?
If your home has been treated for bed bugs, you may return all of your belongings as soon as the treatment is completed. If you’re unsure whether the treatment worked, wait a few weeks and check again for bed bugs. If you still see bed bugs after this time, get in touch with a pest control company to come back and treat your home again.
How do I keep bed bugs from coming back after treatment?
To keep bed bugs from returning after treatment, make sure to vacuum regularly and seal up any cracks or crevices where they might be hiding. It would be best to wash your bedding in hot water every week.
Can I clean after a bed bug treatment?
Yes, you can clean after a bed bug treatment. It’s important to clean thoroughly to eliminate any bed bugs that may have survived the treatment.
Key Takeaways
Preparing your house for bed bug treatment before beginning extermination is critical.
Make sure to vacuum thoroughly, seal any gaps or chinks, and wash all of your bedding in hot water to help ensure that your treatment is successful and that bed bugs don’t return.
Reference:
- https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/guide/bedbugs-infestation
Alene Schill is a property manager from Columbus, Ohio, who has dealt with numerous pest control agencies. She helps families find the perfect homes and knows very well that bed bugs are an ultimate deal-breaker. She enjoys cycling around Scioto Mile during her spare time.
