How do you prepare to exterminate bedbugs? - briefly
Clear clutter, launder and heat‑treat all bedding and clothing, and seal items in plastic before treatment. Inspect and vacuum infested zones, then apply an EPA‑approved insecticide exactly as the label instructs.
How do you prepare to exterminate bedbugs? - in detail
Begin by confirming the presence of bedbugs. Use a flashlight and magnifying glass to examine seams, mattress edges, headboards, and nearby furniture. Look for live insects, shed skins, or dark spotting. Document findings with photographs to guide treatment and monitor progress.
Next, isolate the affected area. Remove bedding, clothing, and curtains; place each item in sealed plastic bags. Wash fabrics in hot water (minimum 60 °C) and tumble‑dry on high heat for at least 30 minutes. For items that cannot be laundered, seal them in airtight containers for several weeks to starve the insects.
Clear clutter that provides hiding places. Discard heavily infested items or treat them with a high‑temperature steam cleaner. Vacuum all surfaces, including floor joints, upholstery, and cracks. Immediately empty the vacuum canister into a sealed bag and discard it outside the home.
Prepare chemical or non‑chemical treatments. If using insecticide, select a product labeled for bedbugs, verify its active ingredients, and read the label for dilution ratios and safety precautions. Wear disposable gloves, a protective mask, and eye protection. Apply the solution to cracks, baseboards, bed frames, and any voids where insects may reside. For heat treatment, rent or purchase a portable heater capable of raising room temperature to 50–55 °C and maintain that range for 90 minutes, ensuring even heat distribution.
Seal treated spaces. After application, close doors, windows, and vents; use tape to cover gaps. Install bedbug‑proof mattress encasements that zip tightly, preventing re‑infestation. Place interceptors under each leg of the bed to capture wandering insects.
If the infestation is extensive, enlist a licensed pest‑control professional. Provide them with inspection reports and a list of items already treated. Request a written plan outlining the methods, chemicals, and follow‑up schedule.
Finally, schedule regular monitoring. Inspect the bedroom weekly for three months, focusing on previously treated zones. Re‑vacuum and re‑apply treatments as necessary until no evidence of activity remains. Maintain cleanliness, reduce clutter, and perform periodic laundering of bedding to deter future outbreaks.