What should be removed when treating for bedbugs? - briefly
Remove all bedding, clothing, and other fabric materials that may contain insects, and either launder them at high temperature or discard them if heavily infested. Eliminate clutter and dispose of or treat heavily infested furniture and personal items.
What should be removed when treating for bedbugs? - in detail
When eliminating bed‑bugs, remove any material that can harbor insects, eggs, or shed skins. Items that should be discarded include:
- Infested mattresses, box springs, and pillow‑top toppers that cannot be heat‑treated or sealed.
- Upholstered furniture with visible beetle activity, especially cushions, slipcovers, and removable covers that cannot be laundered at 120 °F (49 °C) or frozen.
- Bedding, blankets, and linens that show signs of infestation and cannot be washed or dry‑cleaned.
- Carpets, rugs, and floor mats that have been exposed to large numbers of bugs and cannot be steam‑cleaned or replaced.
- Clothing, curtains, and fabric accessories that cannot be laundered or placed in a sealed bag for a minimum of 72 hours at low temperature.
- Stored items in closets or attics that have been left for extended periods without inspection, such as luggage, boxes, and seasonal décor.
- Cracked or damaged wooden furniture, wall paneling, and baseboards that provide hiding places and cannot be repaired or sealed.
In addition to discarding these objects, seal any remaining salvageable items in airtight plastic bags before treatment. This prevents re‑infestation and limits the spread of bugs during the eradication process.