How can you move to an apartment without bedbugs? - briefly
Inspect the new unit thoroughly, focusing on seams, mattress tags, and baseboards, and request professional pest‑control treatment if any signs appear. Transport belongings in sealed containers and wash all fabrics on high heat before unpacking.
How can you move to an apartment without bedbugs? - in detail
Before signing a lease, inspect the unit thoroughly. Bring a flashlight and examine seams, mattress tags, baseboards, and cracks for tiny dark specks or live insects. Ask the landlord for recent pest‑control records; a professional report confirming no recent infestations adds confidence.
When packing, treat each item as a potential carrier. Seal clothing, linens, and soft goods in airtight plastic bags or vacuum‑sealed bags. For hard‑sided furniture, wipe surfaces with a solution of 70 % isopropyl alcohol or a commercial insecticide approved for indoor use. Dispose of any secondhand items that cannot be decontaminated, such as infested mattresses or upholstered chairs.
Transport belongings in a clean vehicle. Lay down a disposable liner on the floor and keep all sealed containers upright. After arrival, place all boxes and bags directly onto a clean surface; avoid setting them on the floor or carpet until the new space is verified as pest‑free.
Conduct a final sweep of the new residence before unpacking. Use a professional‑grade bed‑bug interceptor or sticky trap under each bed leg and near furniture legs; leave them for 7‑10 days to detect hidden activity. Apply a perimeter treatment of a labeled residual insecticide around baseboards, door frames, and window sills, following label instructions precisely.
After confirming the environment is clear, unpack only essential items first, keeping everything sealed until it reaches its final location. Wash all fabrics in hot water (≥ 120 °F) and dry on high heat for at least 30 minutes. Vacuum the entire apartment, paying special attention to seams, crevices, and upholstery; empty the vacuum canister into a sealed bag and discard it outside.
Maintain vigilance by regularly inspecting seams, mattress tags, and furniture joints for signs of re‑infestation. Replace interceptor devices every month for the first six months, then quarterly. Promptly report any suspicious findings to a licensed pest‑control professional to prevent a full‑scale outbreak.