Getting your home ready for a bed bug treatment is an important step toward achieving better results. It allows pest control professionals to access critical areas and treat more thoroughly, whether you are dealing with a minor issue or a severe infestation. To help you get started, the following sections offer practical guidance to prepare after your inspection.
Declutter and Open Up the Space
Bed bugs love hiding in tight, dark spaces. To help exterminators access all problem areas, declutter your home. Start by removing items from underneath the bed, and if advised by your pest control provider, move the bed at least 6 inches away from the wall to reduce hiding spots.
Clear space around other furniture or pull it slightly away from the walls to help technicians access more areas. Then, vacuum all surfaces, paying close attention to baseboards, behind furniture, and closets, especially along mattress seams, floorboards, and carpet edges. Immediately seal and dispose of vacuum bags or empty canisters outside your home to stop any bed bugs from getting out.
Wash and Secure All Fabric Items
Bed bugs and their eggs often hide in linens, clothes, and other soft materials. All washable items should be laundered on the hottest cycle the fabric will safely tolerate, then dried on high heat for at least 20-30 minutes to ensure bed bugs and eggs are eradicated. This includes bedding, clothing, curtains, stuffed animals, and pet beds.
Any fabric items should be left exposed during the treatment, as directed by your pest control professional, to help ensure effective bed bug elimination.
Get Ready for Heat Treatment
Follow proper preparation steps. Heat-based bed bug treatments raise room temperatures to at least 120°F (49°C) for around three hours or more, effectively killing bed bugs at all life stages, including eggs, in a quick, chemical-free process.
To maximize treatment effectiveness, open all drawers, cabinets, and closet doors before the process begins to allow heat to circulate freely. Remove heat-sensitive items like candles, food, electronics, plants, and aerosol cans to prevent damage. Keep storage containers loosely packed, and make sure all pets and people are out of the home during the bed bug elimination service.
Trust the Experts for Your Bed Bug Issues
Effective bed bug treatment depends on thorough preparation, professional execution, and ongoing prevention. At Wingate Pest & Lawn, we combine proven extermination methods with expert guidance and follow-up support to help keep your home pest-free after treatment. Contact us today to learn more about our bed bug elimination solutions and options for on-going bed bug programs.