How can you avoid transporting bedbugs when moving? - briefly
Inspect and clean all items before packing, using high heat or sealed containers for infested belongings, and treat the new residence with approved insecticide or steam to eliminate any hidden pests.
How can you avoid transporting bedbugs when moving? - in detail
When preparing for a relocation, the primary objective is to ensure that no bedbugs accompany your belongings to the new residence. Follow these precise actions:
-
Conduct a thorough visual inspection of every item. Focus on seams, folds, and hidden compartments of furniture, mattresses, and upholstered pieces. Use a flashlight and a magnifying glass to detect live insects, shed skins, or dark spots indicating feces.
-
Isolate suspect objects. Place each examined piece in a sealed, heavy‑duty plastic bag or a dedicated container with a zip‑lock closure. Label bags clearly to avoid accidental opening later.
-
Apply heat treatment where feasible. Expose small items such as clothing, linens, and accessories to temperatures of at least 120 °F (49 °C) for a minimum of 30 minutes. Use a dryer on the highest setting or a professional heat chamber.
-
For larger furniture that cannot be heated, employ a cold‑freeze method. Store items in a freezer maintained at –20 °F (–29 °C) for at least four days, a protocol proven to kill all life stages of the pest.
-
Utilize a residual insecticide approved for bedbug control on surfaces that cannot be washed or heated. Apply according to the manufacturer’s instructions, ensuring complete coverage of crevices and joints.
-
Launder all fabrics at the hottest temperature the material can tolerate. Follow the cycle with a thorough drying phase on the highest heat setting.
-
Disassemble beds, sofas, and other multi‑piece furniture before transport. Separate frames, heads, and footboards, then wrap each component individually in pest‑proof material.
-
Schedule the move during a period when the receiving property has been inspected and, if necessary, pre‑treated. Confirm that no existing infestation is present before unloading.
-
Upon arrival, keep all sealed containers closed until the new space has been examined. Only introduce items after a final inspection confirms the absence of pests.
-
Maintain a clean environment throughout the moving process. Vacuum floors, carpets, and vehicle interiors regularly, disposing of vacuum bags in sealed trash bags outside the premises.
Adhering to this systematic approach eliminates the risk of unintentionally relocating bedbugs, safeguarding both the original and the new dwelling from infestation.