Bed Bugs

Bed Bug Treatment Preparation Sheet

Before Treatment: Preparation Checklist

1. Clothing, Linens, and Fabrics

• Wash All Items
  • Wash all bedding, clothing, curtains, and other fabrics in hot water (at least 120°F) and dry on the highest heat setting.
  • Place clean items in sealed plastic bags or containers to prevent reinfestation.
• Empty Drawers and Closets
  • Remove all clothing, linens, and personal items from dressers, nightstands, and closets.
  • Store these items in sealed plastic bags or containers after washing.

2. Furniture and Mattresses

• Strip Beds
  • Remove all sheets, blankets, mattress protectors, and bed skirts.
  • Leave mattresses and box springs uncovered for treatment.
• Inspect Furniture
  • Empty all drawers and remove items from surfaces like dressers, nightstands, and desks.
  • Move furniture 2-3 feet away from walls to allow access to baseboards and corners.

3. Declutter Affected Areas

• Reduce Clutter
  • Minimize items on floors, under beds, and in closets to eliminate hiding places for bed bugs.
  • Place items in sealed plastic bags or containers for storage during treatment.
• Dispose of Infested Items
  • If you decide to discard infested furniture or items, wrap them in plastic before removing them to prevent spreading bed bugs to other areas.

4. Cleaning and Vacuuming

• Vacuum Thoroughly
  • Vacuum all floors, carpets, rugs, mattresses, and upholstered furniture. Pay special attention to seams, crevices, and edges.
  • Dispose of vacuum bags or empty the canister into a sealed plastic bag and place it in an outdoor trash can.
• Clean Surfaces
  • Wipe down walls, baseboards, and other surfaces where bed bugs may hide.

5. Access to the Home

• Provide Access to All Rooms
  • Ensure all rooms, including closets, basements, and attics, are accessible for inspection and treatment.
  • Notify the technician of any specific areas where bed bug activity has been observed.

6. Vacate the Property

• Leave During Treatment
  • Plan to vacate the property for 4-6 hours during and after the treatment.
  • Inform the technician of any individuals with asthma, respiratory issues, or chemical sensitivities for additional precautions.

After Treatment: Post-Service Instructions

1. Wait Before Returning
   • Do not enter treated areas until the advised time has passed (typically 4-6 hours).
2. Ventilate the Home
   • Open windows and doors to air out the home for 30 minutes upon your return.
3. Do Not Clean Immediately
   • Avoid washing treated surfaces for at least 14 days.
   • Do not move furniture or disturb treated areas to ensure the residual treatment remains effective.
4. Monitor Activity
   • It is normal to see bed bugs for up to two weeks after treatment as the residual products take effect.
   • Contact us if activity persists beyond three weeks or if you notice new bites.
5. Follow-Up Treatments
   • Bed bug infestations often require multiple treatments. Follow the technician’s recommendations for follow-up services.

Additional Notes

• Post-Treatment Prevention Tips
  • Avoid bringing second-hand furniture or mattresses into your home unless thoroughly inspected.
  • Use protective covers on mattresses and box springs.
  • Reduce clutter and vacuum regularly to minimize hiding places.

Thank you for trusting us to help you reclaim your home from bed bugs!