Before we come into your home to treat the area for bed bugs, there are things you can do to help make the process easier and give us a higher chance of eradicating the infestation.
All Rooms
All rooms should be completely decluttered. Throw away unneeded items. Pick up and double bag all loose items in any rooms that will be treated. Make sure that these items are treated (if needed) or inspected before returning these items to make sure you are not also returning bedbugs to the treated rooms.
In the Bedroom
Move all furniture and other times at least 2 feet from the walls.
Place small items in closed drawers or in containers. Do not leave anything on the bed or dressers.
Wash all sheets, blankets, pillowcases, and other bedding in hot water. Place the items in a dryer set on the highest setting that won’t damage the items. Dry the items for at least 30 minutes and then place them in trash bags. Keep them separate from items that may be infested.
Place curtains, pillows, towels, stuffed animals, etc. in the dryer set on the highest setting that won’t damage the items for at least 30 minutes. Double bag these items immediately after drying.
Do not put any sheets or pillowcases back on the beds until the treatment is finished.
Store cleaned and dried items in plastic bags until your home has been treated.
Vacuum and wash all floors. To prevent bedbugs from escaping, be sure to place the vacuum bag into a plastic bag before disposing of it.
Vacuum the mattress and box spring to remove live/dead bedbugs. Double‐bag and discard the vacuum bags in an outdoor trashcan immediately to avoid re‐introducing or spreading any bedbugs caught in the vacuum. If the mattress and box spring will be encased, be sure to use one that is bedbug proof.
Closets and Storage Rooms
Remove all items from the floors of all closets.
In storage rooms, basements, or garages where there are larger items, move everything to the center of the room to be at least 2 feet from the walls.
Put as many small items in closed drawers or storage bins as possible.
In the Living Room
Move all furniture and other larger items at least two feet from the walls.
Do not put small items on top of the couches, or any other furniture.
Vacuum couches, chairs, and recliners thoroughly before treatment. Bedbugs are often found in couches and upholstered chairs. If possible, turn the furniture over or on its side/back and vacuum underneath as well. If there is a dust cover attached on the underside, pull it back and vacuum areas that will need to be treated. Double‐bag and discard the vacuum bags in an outdoor trashcan immediately to avoid re‐introducing or spreading any bedbugs caught in the vacuum.
In the Kitchen
Put all food, dishes, cooking utensils, and small appliances in closed cupboards, drawers, or sealed storage containers.
Remove all items from the tops of all counters, stoves, tables, or any other surface.
Sweep and vacuum the kitchen floor before treatment.
In the Bathroom
Place curtains and towels in the dryer set on the highest setting that won’t damage the items for at least 30 minutes. Double bag these items immediately after drying.
Any moveable larger items should be moved at least 2 feet from the walls.
Place all toiletries on closed cabinets, drawers, or storage containers.
Doing the Laundry
Wash clothes and other items as soon as you can in hot water and dry on high heat for at least 30 minutes.
Clean items may go directly into the dryer on high heat for 30 minutes.
Area rugs and carpets may be placed in the dryer for on high heat for 30 minutes. If you are unable to place larger items in the dryer, place them in a heavy-duty plastic bag until they can be professionally washed.
Pets and Plants
All pets must be removed from the house prior to treatment.
Pets should remain out of the house for at least 12 hours after treatment.
Large aquariums do not have to be removed. Place plastic tightly around the rim of the aquarium. Make sure to feed the fish prior to sealing and shut off the pump.
People
Everyone must vacate the home prior to starting the treatment.
Health adults may return after 4 hours.
Adults with cardiac or respiratory issues should remain out of the house for at least 12 hours after treatment.
Pregnant women should remain away from the house for at least 12 hours after treatment.
Babies, especially younger than 18 months should remain out of the house for at least 12 hours after treatment.
After Treatment
Do not wash the floors, especially by the walls and windows for at least 2 weeks.
Sweep the floors daily for at least one week.
If a mattress cover was placed on the mattress, do not remove it.
Sheets, pillows, etc. that were washed may be placed on beds, windows, etc.
If there are any bags labeled “dirty laundry” or “To be Washed” remove the bags from the house immediately. To ensure you do not reinfest the home, do any subsequent laundry at a local laundromat.
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