How should you prepare for bedbug treatment? - briefly
Remove and seal all bedding, clothing, and personal items in plastic bags, vacuum all surfaces, and discard any infested materials before the technician arrives. Turn off heating, air‑conditioning, and electronics, keep pets away, and follow any specific instructions given by the pest‑control service.
How should you prepare for bedbug treatment? - in detail
Before an extermination begins, take actions that limit the insects’ hiding places and protect personal belongings.
- Remove all clothing, bedding, and washable fabrics from the infested area. Launder on the hottest setting the fabric can tolerate, then place each item in a sealed plastic bag to prevent re‑infestation.
- Pack non‑washable items such as books, electronics, and decorative objects in airtight containers or heavy‑duty zip‑lock bags. Label bags clearly for later identification.
- Clear clutter from floors, under furniture, and around baseboards. Dispose of unnecessary boxes, papers, and toys that could serve as shelters.
- Vacuum carpets, rugs, and upholstered furniture thoroughly. Immediately empty the vacuum canister or bag into a sealed trash bag and discard it outside the home.
- Seal cracks, crevices, and gaps in walls, baseboards, and around pipes with caulk or expandable foam. This reduces escape routes for the pests.
- Relocate pets to a secure, untreated area for the duration of the treatment and any required quarantine period. Provide food, water, and a comfortable space away from the work zone.
- Inform the pest‑control professional of all items that cannot be moved, any recent renovations, and any special access requirements (e.g., locked doors or stairwells).
- Arrange for clear, unobstructed pathways to all rooms that will be treated. Move furniture away from walls to expose baseboards and seams.
After the chemicals or heat treatment is applied, follow the technician’s instructions precisely. Typically this includes staying out of the treated rooms for a specified period, refraining from cleaning surfaces until the product has dried, and conducting a second vacuum of all surfaces after the waiting period. Finally, inspect sealed bags and containers for signs of live insects before returning items to the living space.