How can you avoid moving bedbugs to another apartment? - briefly
Seal infested belongings in airtight containers, vacuum and steam‑clean all movable items, and transport them in sealed boxes directly to the new unit. Dispose of any compromised materials and inspect the new apartment before unpacking.
How can you avoid moving bedbugs to another apartment? - in detail
When relocating, the primary objective is to keep any infestation confined to the original unit. Begin by confirming the presence of bedbugs through a thorough visual inspection of seams, mattress edges, headboards, and cracks in walls or furniture. Document findings with photos to guide treatment and verification.
Isolate all personal items before they leave the premises. Place clothing, linens, and small accessories in sealed, double‑layered plastic bags. For larger items such as furniture, wrap each piece tightly with pest‑proof encasements that zip securely. Heat‑treat or freeze items whenever possible: expose fabrics to temperatures above 120 °F (49 °C) for at least 30 minutes, or store them in a freezer set to 0 °F (‑18 °C) for a minimum of four days. Both methods kill all life stages of the pest.
Clean the interior of containers with a high‑efficiency vacuum equipped with a HEPA filter. Empty the vacuum canister into a sealed bag and discard it outside the building. After packing, label each bag or wrapped item with a clear indicator that it has been treated, preventing accidental mixing with unprocessed belongings.
Coordinate with professional pest control before the move. Request a targeted application of insecticide or a heat‑treatment service that covers the entire dwelling, including hidden crevices. Obtain a written clearance confirming that the unit is free of active infestations. Retain this documentation for the new landlord or property manager.
During transport, use a vehicle that can be sealed or cleaned thoroughly after the move. Avoid loading items on open beds or floor surfaces; instead, place them on a clean tarp that can be removed and laundered. After unloading, immediately dispose of all packing materials that have been in contact with the infestation.
Finally, conduct a post‑move inspection of the new residence before unpacking. Use a flashlight and magnifying glass to check mattress seams, box springs, and furniture joints. If any signs appear, isolate the affected area and repeat the treatment steps before the rest of the belongings are introduced.
Following these measures—inspection, containment, heat or cold treatment, professional eradication, sealed transport, and post‑relocation verification—substantially reduces the risk of transferring bedbugs to a new apartment.