Preparing for Bed Bug Treatment

The first thing to understand: it is not your fault that you have bed bugs. They can hitch a ride on clothing etc. You may pick them up on a bus, train, airplane, or in a hotel or a private residence from an existing infestation. It is, however, your responsibility to report any infestation you may have. While you may have brought them in your home unknowingly, the exterminator will need your complete cooperation.

Success in eliminating bed bugs depends on your preparation and our pesticide application and follow-ups. You must follow the instructions below and perform each task.

Tenant to Be Notified a Minimum of 24 Hours Before Treatment

During treatment and four hours after the treatment, no person or pet is allowed to remain inside the structure. Children and those with respiratory ailments should be kept out of the property for 12 hours or more. Reptile tanks should be covered or removed. Air filters should be removed and the filtration system should be turned off during treatment.

Supply List

• Strong, heavy-duty garbage bags with ties
• Access to a washing machine and a dryer with high heat
• Vacuum cleaner with disposable bags
• Recommended: vinyl mattress and pillow covers with zippers

Preparation Prior to the Day of Extermination

• Collect all fabric items and place in strong heavy-duty garbage bags. Securely tie the bags. Examples of fabric items will include sheets, blankets, clothing and plush toys. Collect and bag these items from all drawers, closet floors and all rooms of your home.
• Remove all items from dressers, night stands, chests, etc. and place them in plastic bags. The bags can be removed from your home, put in the bathtub or discuss this with the exterminator.
• Remove all clutter from your home, e.g. boxes, bags newspapers.
• Disassemble bed frames/headboards— these are common areas where bed bugs hide.
• Remove and discard the box spring backing (this is the thin fibrous material that is stapled to the bottom of the box spring) before the treatment.
• Empty all luggage that has been used recently during travel so that it may be inspected and treated as necessary.
• Vacuum all surfaces, e.g. furniture, mattresses, floors, walls, crevices, heating units, baseboards, picture frames. When finished vacuuming dispose of the vacuum bag by placing the vacuum bag in a garbage bag, tie the garbage bag and throw it away into a waste container outside of the building or home.
• Move all furniture away from walls by about 1-1/2 feet. This allows us necessary access to spray.
• Dispose of any unwanted furniture and items. This will help to prevent the spread of bed bugs and other eggs. Make sure others don’t pick up your item from the curb by slashing, breaking, or placing information on the furniture.

Steps to Follow After the Extermination

• Re-treatment is required after two weeks because the chemical does not destroy the eggs. The eggs will hatch within 8-10 days and you will have new bugs.
• Wash or dry clean fabric items in the garbage bags. If you dry clean any items, notify the dry cleaner that you are bringing items that have bedbugs. If you are washing the fabric items, wash in hot water cycle and dry all items on the hottest setting in the dryer. Do not drop the items out of the garbage bags on the floor in front of the washer/dryer. Empty the contents directly into the machines. Seal and throw away these used garbage bags. Place the clean items into new garbage bags and seal.
• Seal mattresses and pillows (recommended) in zippered vinyl coverings.