How to avoid transferring bed bugs to another apartment with belongings? - briefly
Inspect all furniture, clothing, and boxes, isolate any suspect items in sealed plastic bags, and treat them with heat (≥120 °F) or freezing (≤0 °F) for several days before transport. Clean and vacuum the moving vehicle, then move only items that have been confirmed free of pests.
How to avoid transferring bed bugs to another apartment with belongings? - in detail
When moving personal items from an infested dwelling, treat every object as a potential carrier. Begin by isolating clothing, linens, and fabric‑based belongings in sealed, heavy‑duty plastic bags. Wash all washable textiles in hot water (minimum 120 °F/49 °C) and dry on the highest heat setting for at least 30 minutes; heat kills all life stages of the pest. For items that cannot be laundered, place them in a freezer at –4 °F (–20 °C) for a minimum of four days, which also guarantees mortality.
Before packing, inspect each piece for visible insects, eggs, or fecal spots. Use a bright flashlight and a magnifying lens to identify hidden infestations. Remove any debris or soil that might conceal eggs, then vacuum the surface thoroughly. After vacuuming, immediately discard the vacuum bag or empty the canister into a sealed container and seal it.
Encase non‑fabric objects—books, electronics, kitchenware, and decorative items—in zip‑lock bags or wrap them in plastic film. For larger furniture, employ mattress encasements and furniture covers rated for bed‑bug protection; seal the seams with tape. If possible, dismantle furniture to expose interior joints, then treat those areas with a residual insecticide approved for indoor use, following label instructions precisely.
Transport sealed packages in a separate vehicle that has not been used for personal travel. Keep the cargo area closed and clean; avoid placing items on the floor where they might contact carpet or upholstery. Upon arrival at the new residence, unload directly into a clean room that will serve as a quarantine zone. Open each sealed bag only after the room has been treated with a suitable residual spray or after the space has been heated to at least 120 °F (49 °C) for an hour.
Finally, conduct a thorough inspection of the new apartment before introducing any belongings. Use interceptors or sticky traps around bed frames and furniture legs to monitor for any accidental introductions. Maintain a regular cleaning schedule—vacuuming, steam cleaning, and laundering—during the first month to catch any stray insects before they establish a population.