How can I avoid picking up bedbugs when moving? - briefly
Inspect all furniture, boxes, and personal items for live insects or eggs before loading, then seal each piece in heavy‑duty plastic or place it in a bed‑bug‑proof container. Transport only cleaned, heat‑treated belongings and keep luggage off mattresses or upholstered surfaces until the new location is confirmed pest‑free.
How can I avoid picking up bedbugs when moving? - in detail
Moving a household without transporting bedbugs requires systematic inspection, isolation, and treatment of all belongings.
Begin with a thorough examination of the current residence. Use a flashlight to scan mattress seams, box‑spring corners, upholstered furniture, and baseboards. Look for live insects, shed skins, or dark‑brown spots that indicate fecal matter. Any item showing signs of infestation must be either discarded, sealed in a heavy‑duty plastic bag, or subjected to heat treatment at ≥ 50 °C for 30 minutes.
Prepare packing materials that resist penetration. Choose new, sealed containers rather than reusable boxes that may harbor insects. Line each box with a disposable plastic liner and seal the top with strong tape. For clothing and linens, place items in zip‑lock bags, remove excess air, and seal completely.
During transportation, keep all sealed containers separate from unsealed items. Load the vehicle in a way that prevents contact between packed boxes and the floor or walls, which could harbor hidden bugs. If a moving truck is used, clean it thoroughly beforehand with a high‑temperature steam cleaner or an approved insecticide.
After arrival at the new location, repeat the inspection process before unpacking. Open each container in a well‑ventilated area, examine contents, and discard any item that shows evidence of infestation. For items that cannot be treated on site, consider professional heat‑treatment services.
Implement ongoing monitoring for at least 90 days. Place passive traps—such as interceptors under bed legs and sticky pads near furniture—at strategic points. Review traps weekly and act immediately if captures occur.
By adhering to these steps—pre‑move inspection, sealed packing, controlled transport, post‑move verification, and continuous monitoring—bedbug transfer can be effectively prevented during relocation.