How can bedbugs be avoided during a move? - briefly
Inspect all belongings and furniture before packing, treating suspected items with heat, freezing, or approved insecticide, then seal them in airtight containers. Transport sealed items directly to a pre‑treated residence, avoiding temporary storage that could harbor pests.
How can bedbugs be avoided during a move? - in detail
Moving between dwellings creates a high‑risk window for transporting bedbugs. Preventing infestation requires systematic inspection, treatment, and isolation of all items before, during, and after the relocation process.
A thorough inspection of the departure residence is essential. Examine seams of mattresses, box springs, and upholstered furniture for live insects, shed skins, or dark spots. Use a flashlight and a fine‑toothed comb to explore cracks in baseboards, wall voids, and furniture joints. Deploy passive interceptors beneath bed legs for several days to confirm presence.
All washable textiles must undergo high‑temperature laundering. Set the dryer to at least 60 °C (140 °F) and dry for a minimum of 30 minutes. Items that cannot be laundered should receive heat treatment in a portable dryer or be placed in a sealed bag and exposed to a professional steam device. For delicate materials, apply a prolonged freeze of –18 °C (0 °F) for at least four days.
Packing procedures should eliminate pathways for pests. Use new, sealable plastic containers with airtight lids rather than cardboard boxes. Wrap each piece of furniture in a disposable, pest‑proof cover and seal with heavy‑duty tape. Inspect any second‑hand or donated items before inclusion; discard or treat those showing signs of infestation.
During transport, select a vehicle that has been cleaned and inspected for bedbugs. Position sealed containers on a raised platform or tarp to avoid contact with the floor. Cover the cargo area with a clean sheet and secure it to prevent movement that could dislodge hidden insects.
Upon arrival at the new location, conduct a comprehensive inspection before unpacking. Focus on the bedroom, closets, and any storage areas. Apply a residual insecticide approved for indoor use to cracks, crevices, and baseboard joints. Install interceptors beneath all bed legs and monitor for at least two weeks.
Maintain vigilance after settlement. Place mattress and box‑spring encasements that are certified to block bedbugs. Vacuum carpets and upholstery regularly, discarding the vacuum bag in a sealed container. Schedule periodic inspections of furniture joints and wall voids, and retain a supply of interceptors for early detection.
By integrating inspection, heat or freeze treatment, sealed packaging, pest‑free transport, and post‑move monitoring, the likelihood of transferring bedbugs during relocation can be minimized to a negligible level.