How can you avoid transferring bedbugs from one apartment to another? - briefly
Inspect and seal all personal items—clothing, luggage, and furniture—using heat treatment, airtight bags, or vacuum‑sealed containers before moving them. Thoroughly clean and vacuum the new unit and avoid introducing second‑hand belongings without professional inspection or treatment.
How can you avoid transferring bedbugs from one apartment to another? - in detail
Inspect every piece of furniture, clothing, and personal item before it leaves the current residence. Use a bright flashlight and a magnifying glass to examine seams, folds, and crevices for live insects, shed skins, or dark‑brown spots. Isolate items that show any sign of infestation by placing them in sealed plastic bags or airtight containers.
Launder all textiles—bed linens, towels, curtains, and clothing—at the highest temperature the fabric can tolerate, then dry on a hot setting for at least 30 minutes. For items that cannot be washed, freeze them at –20 °C (–4 °F) for a minimum of four days to kill any hidden bugs.
Disassemble furniture whenever possible. Remove cushions, mattress covers, and detachable components. Vacuum every surface with a HEPA‑rated unit, then immediately empty the canister into a sealed bag and discard it outside the building.
Wrap boxed belongings in new, heavy‑duty polyethylene film, sealing each package with strong tape. Label boxes that have been treated or inspected, so they are not inadvertently opened later.
Before loading a moving truck, treat the interior with a residual insecticide approved for indoor use. Spray corners, floor joints, and any hidden compartments, then allow the recommended drying time. Use a separate, clean pallet or platform for items that have been confirmed free of pests.
During transport, keep the vehicle’s doors closed and windows shut to prevent accidental entry of stray insects. Place a barrier of disposable liners on the floor of the truck; replace them after each load.
Upon arrival at the new apartment, repeat the inspection process before placing anything on the floor or in closets. Install protective covers on mattress seams and box‑spring edges. Apply a thin layer of diatomaceous earth around baseboards, under furniture, and in cracks where bugs could hide.
Maintain a monitoring system for at least three months. Position passive traps—such as interceptors under bed legs and sticky pads in corners—near potential harborages. Check traps weekly, replace them as needed, and document any captures.
If any evidence of infestation appears at any stage, cease unpacking, isolate the affected items, and contact a licensed pest‑management professional for targeted treatment. Follow the professional’s recommendations for retreatment and verification before resuming normal occupancy.