Bed Bug Extermination
Prep List

 
Proper preparation of a room for bed bug treatment will reduce the spread of bed bugs and help ensure a successful treatment. You will need to prepare your home to ensure the best extermination results.

All people must be prepared to be out of your unit after completion of the treatment for at least 4 hours. Pregnant women, infants and/or persons with respiratory conditions or immune deficiencies are encouraged to stay out of the unit for at least 24 hours.

Please ensure the following preparations are completed before our technicians arrive for treatment. You will need large garbage bags to prepare you apartment.

Pets:

  • Most pets need to be removed for at least 6-24 hours after the treatment has been completed. If you have a fish, bird or reptile you can cover their cage or tank.

  • All pet food, beds, and toys need to be removed and bagged.

Linen and Clothing:

  • Remove all bedding from every mattress and box spring in your home. This includes pillows, linen, comforters, etc... Put them in garbage bags to contain them.

  • Remove all clothing from dresser drawers and closets. Put them in garbage bags to contain them.

  • Heat ALL linen and clothing in a hot clothes dryer for 45-60 minutes on high heat. This will kill any bed bugs that might be crawling in your linen or clothes. Bag them in a clean garbage bag when they come out of the dryer and keep them sealed to prevent recontamination.

All other storage items:

  • Remove everything from under your bed. Discard any clutter you don’t need. All other items need to be bagged in garbage bags to contain any bed bugs that may be crawling around.

  • Books, knickknacks, bedside items, and any other objects need to be bagged.

  • Anything in your drawers or counter tops in your bedroom, living room, or common areas will need to be bagged. You will also need to bag all shoes, backpacks, purses, luggage, and dry-clean only clothing. Mark these bags specifically so we can distinguish them later. These will be treated separately.

Electronics:

  • Unplug all electronics or appliances that are bordering any walls. Pull them back at least 12 inches away from the walls. For example, televisions, radios, speakers, etc...

Furniture:

  • Sofas, dressers, tables, desks, or any other furniture items need to be pulled back at least 12 inches away from the walls.

  • Any furniture items that need to be treated must be empty of all items.

  • If you live in a rental, condo, or co-op building there are rules for discarding unwanted furniture. If it contains bed bugs you must bag them in a plastic furniture removal bag to prevent dropping bed bugs throughout your home and building. Make sure you check your local trash pickup schedule. Disposing furniture on the wrong day may lead to a ticket for you or your landlord.

Kitchen:

  • Clear all food items off counter tops and store them in the fridge or pantry.

  • Put away all silverware, pots, plates, or kitchenware. Anything that is left out or uncovered will need to be rewashed.

 

(Below is a PDF copy of our prep list if you choose to download or print it)