How should belongings be treated during a move to eliminate bedbugs? - briefly
Inspect each item, seal it in airtight bags, and apply heat (≥120 °F for at least 30 minutes) or freezing (≤0 °F for four days) before transport. Any object that cannot be treated should be discarded.
How should belongings be treated during a move to eliminate bedbugs? - in detail
When relocating, every item must be processed to prevent the transfer of Cimex lectularius. Begin with a comprehensive inventory; separate items into three categories: discard, treat, and safe‑move.
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Discard – irreparable furniture, heavily infested mattresses, upholstered pieces with visible stains. Seal each in a double‑bag of heavy‑duty plastic, label as “contaminated,” and dispose of according to local hazardous‑waste regulations.
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Treat – clothing, linens, and washable fabrics. Place each load in a sealed bag and launder at a minimum of 120 °F (49 °C) for 30 minutes. Dry on high heat for at least 30 minutes; heat kills all life stages. For non‑washable textiles, enclose in a sealed polyethylene bag and expose to a professional heat‑treatment unit (≥120 °F) or a freezer chamber (≤0 °F / –18 °C) for a minimum of four days.
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Safe‑move – solid wood furniture, metal frames, and hard‑sided containers. Inspect thoroughly for cracks, seams, and upholstery. Apply a residual insecticide approved for bed‑bug control to all joints, crevices, and surface areas, following label directions. After application, wrap each piece in a new, impermeable plastic sheet, sealing edges with tape. Label the package with a date and treatment details.
For personal items that cannot be laundered or heat‑treated, consider vacuum‑sealing in a high‑efficiency bag equipped with a HEPA filter. Run the vacuum for at least 10 minutes per bag to extract any hidden insects or eggs. Store sealed bags in a temperature‑controlled environment (≥120 °F or ≤0 °F) for the required duration before transport.
During packing, use only new, clean boxes and packing material. Discard any cardboard that has been in the infested residence. Place a thin layer of insecticide‑treated paper or a disposable mattress cover inside each box to create an additional barrier.
Transport vehicles must be decontaminated. Spray the interior with a residual aerosol labeled for bed‑bug control, then allow a drying period of at least one hour before loading. After unloading, repeat the spray inside the vehicle and ventilate for another hour.
Upon arrival at the new location, unpack directly into a pre‑treated space. Maintain the treated environment for at least 72 hours, monitoring for any signs of activity. Conduct a follow‑up inspection with a professional pest‑management service to confirm eradication.