How can you relocate without bringing bed bugs with you? - briefly
«Inspect all belongings, seal clothing and linens in airtight bags, treat furniture with heat or approved insecticide, and discard any infested items before packing». «Use mattress encasements, conduct a professional pest‑inspection after the move, and verify the new residence is free of bed‑bug activity».
How can you relocate without bringing bed bugs with you? - in detail
Moving while avoiding the transfer of bed‑bugs requires thorough inspection, targeted treatment, and controlled packing.
Begin by examining every item in the current residence. Focus on seams, folds, and hidden crevices of mattresses, box springs, upholstered furniture, and luggage. Use a bright flashlight and a fine‑toothed comb to detect live insects or shed skins. Isolate any suspect objects in sealed plastic bags for later processing.
Apply an appropriate insecticide or heat‑treatment to confirmed infested items. Professional heat chambers raise temperatures to ≥ 50 °C for at least 30 minutes, eliminating all life stages. If chemical control is chosen, select a product labeled for bed‑bug eradication and follow the manufacturer’s safety instructions.
When packing, employ the following protocol:
- Encase mattresses and box springs in certified encasements that are zip‑sealed and labeled «treated».
- Wrap furniture in polyethylene sheeting, securing seams with tape.
- Place all boxed belongings inside double‑layered plastic bags; seal each bag with a heat‑shrink band.
- Label each package with a brief status indicator, such as «clean» or «treated», to maintain traceability.
Transport items in a vehicle that can be cleaned and, if possible, heated. Before loading, vacuum the interior and discard the vacuum bag. Keep sealed packages separate from the vehicle’s carpet to prevent accidental contact.
After arrival at the new location, repeat the inspection process before unpacking. Treat the new premises with a preventative spray on baseboards and cracks. Unpack only items marked «clean», and dispose of any packaging that shows signs of contamination.
Maintain a monitoring regime for several weeks post‑move. Place passive interceptors under furniture legs and regularly examine them for new activity. Early detection allows prompt remedial action, preserving a pest‑free environment.