Preparation for Bed Bug Extermination Guide

Bed bug prep is the first step in our 3 step process for bed bug extermination. Bed bug preparation is about eliminating all hiding spots for bed bugs within your residence; a lack of preparation can lead to an ineffective bed bug treatment, resulting in a reinfestation.

Things to Consider When Doing Bed Bug Cleaning Preparation

  • Reduce clutter in your home as much as possible. Clutter means extra hiding places for bed bugs. 
  • All items in your house should be wiped cleaned and/or vacuumed prior to placing them in plastic bags or bins. 
  • Vacuum bags should be removed immediately after, sealed, and discarded. Filters should be washed clean and dried
  • Items not sealed properly risk spreading pests and re-infesting your home.
  • Items infested should be placed in the center of the living room for treatment

Bedrooms

  • Remove all bedding, linens, and bed pads; place items for washing in sealed plastic bags or bins
  • Remove and inspect all items under the bed 
  • If a mattress is damaged or infested beyond repair it should be torn, sealed, and clearly marked as infested. 
  • Empty all closets, remove and inspect items; move infested items to the living room 
  • Empty and clean all dressers, nightstands, and other room furniture pieces 
  • All other items should (toys, nick knacks, adornments, etc) must be wiped, removed, and placed in plastic bags

Laundry

  • Bag all clothing and washables (clothing, bedding, linen, stuffed animals, etc)
  • Wash all items in hot water and dry for a minimum of 40 minutes, ideally continue drying on the hottest setting for 20 minutes after the clothing has become fully dry 
  • Keep items in sealed bags until after the 2nd treatment has been completed

Other Areas of the Home

  • Empty all other closets, follow the procedure mentioned above
  • Remove and inspect all items from the wall, if free of pests, seal all items
  • Remove curtains and other fabric items for wash
  • All furniture pieces should be cleaned and vacuumed free of debris. 
  • Unplug all electronics
  • All items from around the home, on furniture, and desks, should be removed, cleaned, and bagged or sealed in plastic bags or bins
  • Pets should be removed from the premises before treatment and for at least 24 hours after; Fish and aquariums should be removed as well, ensure they can survive
  • Vacuum all rugs thoroughly and in infected areas dispose of debris appropriately
  • Clean and place all kitchen utensils and items in cabinets after cleaning those areas, and seal prior to treatment; ensure all counters and surfaces are clear of all items
  • Make sure that you and your family or other household members/residents vacate the premises during treatment and for an additional 4 hours after completion

Our 3 Step Solution for getting rid of bed bugs:

  • Step 1 in our process is preparation for bed bug extermination.
  • Step 2 is treatment application after bed bug prep 
  • Step 3 is prevention – in this step we recommend encasing the mattress, pillow, and box spring in bed bug protectors