How can you avoid transferring bedbugs to a new apartment? - briefly
Inspect all furniture and personal items with a flashlight, vacuum seams, and seal any suspect objects in plastic bags before moving them. Wash bedding at 120 °F or dry‑clean, and apply an approved insecticide or heat treatment to the new unit to eliminate any hidden pests.
How can you avoid transferring bedbugs to a new apartment? - in detail
Before moving, inspect every piece of furniture and personal belongings for live insects or shed skins. Use a bright flashlight and a magnifying glass to examine seams, folds, and crevices. If any signs are found, isolate the item in a sealed plastic bag and treat it with a professional‑grade insecticide or heat‑based method.
Pack items only after they have been thoroughly cleaned. Wash all clothing, bedding, and washable fabrics in hot water (minimum 120 °F / 49 °C) and dry on the highest heat setting for at least 30 minutes. Non‑washable items such as books, electronics, and decorative objects should be vacuumed inside and out, then placed in airtight containers. Vacuum the interior of suitcases, boxes, and storage bins before sealing them.
Transport belongings in sealed, puncture‑resistant bags or containers. Use double‑layered plastic wrap around furniture legs and mattress edges. Load the moving vehicle in a way that prevents items from shifting and contacting each other, which could facilitate pest movement.
After arrival, conduct a second inspection in the new residence before unpacking. Focus on mattress seams, box‑spring corners, sofa cushions, and the undersides of furniture. Deploy interceptors or sticky traps around bed frames and baseboards for at least two weeks to detect any hidden insects.
If any evidence of infestation appears, treat the affected area immediately with approved insecticides or arrange for a professional extermination service. Keep all containers sealed until the infestation is confirmed cleared.
Maintain vigilance for several weeks after moving. Regularly vacuum, wash linens on high heat, and monitor traps. Early detection prevents a small problem from becoming a widespread infestation.