how to prepare your house for bug treatment

• Reduce Clutter--a Great Hiding Place for Bed Bugs. Don't move items from the infested area to a non-infested area. Place trash or other infested items directly into plastic trash bags.
• Make Your Bed an Island. Move the bed at least 6 inches away from the wall. ...
• Clean All Items Within a Bed-Bug-Infested Living Area. Heat treat clothing, bedding, and other items that can withstand a hot dryer (household dryer at high heat for 30 minutes), which ...
• Eliminate Bed Bug Habitats. See "reduce clutter." Caulk cracks or crevices around baseboards. Repair any wallboard damage, ensure wallpaper is not loose.
• Additional Information

How do I prepare my house for bedbug treatment?

Preparing Your House for Bedbug Treatments Biting and Stinging Pests. Vacuum the mattress and box spring to remove live/dead bedbugs. Double‐bag and discard the vacuum bags in an outdoor trashcan immediately to avoid re‐introducing or spreading any bedbugs caught in the vacuum. If the mattress and box spring will be encased,...

How do I get rid of House bugs in my house?

Place trash or other infested items directly into plastic trash bags. When full, immediately carry the bags to an outside bin. Get rid of excess magazines and newspapers. Keep clothing off the floor. Eliminate all cardboard boxes (the bugs can hide in the cardboard).

How do I prepare my home for pest control?

Whether you are hiring a pest management professional or trying to eliminate the bugs yourself, properly preparing your home is an essential first step. Taking these steps before starting out will help speed the process and reduce control costs. Don't move items from the infested area to a non-infested area.

How to get rid of bed bugs?

These encasements are thick enough so that bed bugs cannot bite through it and have tight zippers that the bugs cannot escape through. Vacuum couches, chairs and recliners thoroughly before treatment. Bedbugs are often found in couches and upholstered chairs. If possible, turn the furniture over or on its side/back and vacuum underneath as well.

How do I prepare my house for pest control?

How to prepare for an exterminator.Note all pest locations.Deep clean the floors.Put away clutter.Fix water leaks.Store food and cookware.Keep pets away.Move large, heavy furniture.More items...•

What should be removed from house before bed bug heat treatment?

Heat sensitive items should be clearly labeled and left inside the treatment area. Remove all pets and house plants (including fish aquariums). Remove all pressurized items – lighters, hairspray, fire extinguishers etc. Remove all flammables – fuel, alcohols, solvents, etc.

Should I clean before the exterminator comes?

Clean the Place This is the #1 piece of general advice that you should follow before the pest control pro arrives. The purpose of this is not to make your home look nice for visitors but to help the technician perform their duties properly.

How long after bed bug treatment can I put my stuff back?

Keep all mattresses and pillows sealed for a full year after treatment, so any lingering bed bugs die of starvation. Don't enter your home or treated rooms for at least 4-5 hours after treatment.

Does bed bug heat treatment ruin electronics?

DON'T move electronics. Our heat treatment will not damage electronics like laptops or televisions. Electronics are especially susceptible to infestation, so it is important these items stay in place.

Do you have to leave your house during bed bug treatment?

To keep them safe, move them away from windows and walls. You must leave your home, before treatment starts. Stay away from your home for a minimum of 4 hours.

Should I mop after pest control?

Wait to Clean after the Application of Pest Control Spray The good news is that you can clean after a Smithereen technician has sprayed your property. However, you should always wait for the spray to dry first. Also, try to avoid mopping or wiping down the perimeter areas of rooms (e.g., baseboards).

How do you prepare for a roach treatment?

What to do before a pest control spray for roachesThoroughly clean all areas that will be sprayed.Clear your kitchen countertops & cover and store any food.Put away all children's toys and possessions.Pull movable furniture away from the wall.Open cupboard doors.Evacuate the house.Wait until it's safe to return.More items...•

Do bugs come out after spraying?

Also, bugs will come out after spray because they will die. Bugs will appear afterward and it is typical for every pest treatment. When pests are sprayed, their movements are slowed down until they die in the end. Sometimes, it needs two hours for bugs for them to be eliminated.

Can I sleep on bed after bed bug treatment?

You may continue to sleep in your bed after treatment. Encasements should be put on mattresses and box springs. Any surviving bed bugs in the mattress or box spring will not be able to escape the encasement or bite.

How do I prepare my house for bed bug fumigation?

Move as few items as possible and have them checked for bedbugs (or heat them) before removing them. Wash all sheets, blankets, pillowcases, and other bedding in hot water. Place the items in a dryer set on the highest setting that won't damage the items. Dry the items thoroughly and then place them in trash bags.

What do you wear when cleaning for bed bugs?

Wear clothing that can be washed then dried in a hot dryer. This includes your winter coat and other outerwear (like mittens). Light coloured clothing makes it easier to see bed bugs. Choose pants without cuffs and shoes that are smooth with no trim that bed bugs can hide underneath.

Will heat treatment damage my home?

Heat treatments are an excellent and proven method for effectively eliminating a bed bug issue. However, there are potential pitfalls to the method, with one of the most common being damage to materials in the space. Most bed bug heat treatments have operating space conditions of 120 degrees to 150 degrees Fahrenheit.

How do you clean bed bugs after heat treatment?

STANDARD HOUSEKEEPING: Following your heat remediation treatment, thorough vacuuming of the entire home and some contents is required to remove the dead remains of bed bugs, eggs and nymphs. This should include : Vacuuming on and in seams of all mattresses and box springs.

How long does it take for a house to cool down after a heat treatment?

We recommend opening up the room to cool it down once the treatment is complete, which should be 6-10 hours after starting. Open windows, doors, and any closed vents to lower the temperature of the room until it is tolerable and safe for people to be in.

Does chemical bedbug treatment work?

Chemical Treatment Pros Chemical treatment can be highly effective: Especially if you catch the infestation in its early stages, chemicals can eradicate bed bugs quickly and reliably.

What to do before extermination?

A few of the standard preparation steps recommended before extermination include: Washing all pet bedding in hot water or destroying it. Vacuuming carpeting and mopping hard-surface floors, including along walls and inside closets. Cleaning or vacuuming furniture, especially between and under cushions.

What is the best way to control cockroaches?

Cockroach Control Service. There are ways to prepare for cockroach control. Today, professionals most often use gel bait insecticides to control and eliminate cockroaches. This requires the placement of small beads of gel bait in areas where cockroaches are known or expected to harbor, travel, or feed. In addition to cleaning your home ...

What insecticides are used to kill ants?

Similar to cockroach control service, professionals often use gel bait insecticides to control and eliminate small ants. This requires the placement of small beads of a gel bait, primarily in areas where ants have been seen feeding or trailing.

What does it mean when you see a mouse in your house?

The sighting of even a single mouse or rat in your home can mean that there is an entire family (with aunts, uncles, and other kinfolks) living in your home's basement, in the walls or floors, or in and around stored items.

Do bed bugs need professional service?

Bed bugs have become one of the most serious pest problems and are among the most difficult to control. In almost all cases, professional service is required for complete elimination. However, the homeowner or resident plays an important role in the success of a bed bug treatment program. To begin prepping for a service call:

Can termites be found above ground?

Knowledge of termites can help homeowners detect problems and understand control methods, but because of the special expertise and equipment required for elimination, it is generally recommended that termite control is left to professionals. This is also due to the different species of termites and the specific techniques needed for control of each. For example, subterranean termites nest near or below ground, while dry wood termite nests are found above ground.

How to kill bed bugs in a house?

Clean All Items Within a Bed-Bug-Infested Living Area. Heat treat clothing, bedding, and other items that can withstand a hot dryer (household dryer at high heat for 30 minutes), which will kill bed bugs and eggs. Washing alone might not do the job.

What to do if you have bed bugs?

Ensure all bed bugs, larvae, and eggs are removed from the bed, frame and headboard. Place bed-bug-proof covers (often called encasements) or liners on your mattress and boxspring (available in home stores or online).

How to prevent bed bugs from getting behind the plates?

Check electrical outlets and wall switches for evidence of bed bugs. Clean if needed. Tape or caulk the rims to prevent bed bugs from getting behind the plates.

How to get rid of bed bugs on furniture?

Look for bed bugs, eggs, and other bed bug evidence (e.g., shed skins, hatched eggs) on furniture and remove--this will also help in evaluating treatment success. Seal the vacuum bag in a plastic bag. Place in trash outside.

How to get rid of a bug in a plastic bag?

Place trash or other infested items directly into plastic trash bags. When full, immediately carry the bags to an outside bin. Get rid of excess magazines and newspapers. Keep clothing off the floor. Eliminate all cardboard boxes (the bugs can hide in the cardboard).

Can bed bugs be in the box spring?

Any bed bugs trapped inside will eventually starve to death, and other bed bugs won't be able to hide in the bed or box spring. Make sure all bedding is tucked under mattress and does not touch the floor. Place bed bug interceptors under each leg of the bed (available in home stores or online).

Bed bug treatment preparation checklist

Treat any items that you’ve identified as infected separately by whichever method you prefer – chemically, at -18.0°C (0.00°F) temperatures in a freezer for several days, or through heat. Things such as toys, shoes, books, picture frames, electronics (with no LCD screens), etc., can all be subjected to a cold treatment without being harmed.

What should you do after a bed bug treatment is done

The name of the game from this point on is “Prevention”. Using protective mattress and couch encasements is a great way to make sure that there will never again be bed bugs living inside of them.

How long after bed bug treatment can you get rid of birds?

If removing, check for bed bugs. Pets and birds must be removed from the premises and not re-enter for 4-6 hours after treatment. Birds preferably 24 hours after treatment. Fish tanks and pumps must be covered and air filters must be disconnected and covered. Leave electronics in the room for treatment.

What is the hardest pest to treat?

Bed bugs are without doubt one of the most serious pest problems that pest control companies have to deal with, and they are also one of the hardest to treat if an infestation has taken hold.

How to get rid of a swollen couch?

Vacuum the carpets daily and remove the contents into a garbage bag and dispose of in the outside garbage immediately. Thoroughly clean all kitchen countertops and food preparation areas. Use clean sheets and bedding on all beds. Cover the couch with a clean sheet after treatment.

What to do if you are unsure of anything on the preparation sheet?

If you are unsure of anything that is on the preparation sheet given to you by the pest control company, then always make sure you talk it over with them so they can fully address your concerns and provide the most effective bed bug treatment.

How to get rid of a bed?

Remove ALL bedding from the beds and immediately place in bags and take straight to the laundry for washing and/or drying. Dry on the highest heat possible. Put the laundered items into new garbage bags and completely seal. Do not put back on the beds. Remove picture frames, mirrors, etc from walls.

Do you wash bed frames after bed bug treatment?

You’ll want to do some cleaning after the bed bug treatment, but do not wash the baseboards, door frames, window frames or bed frames for the timeframe specified by the technician. Do not remove any mattress or box spring encasements. These protect from re-infestation and protect you from being bitten.

What temperature do bed bugs get?

During the heating process, temperatures will be from 120 degrees to 140 degrees. These are lethal temperatures to bed bug populations but not hot enough to damage most things; however, a few items will need to be removed or prepared.

What items should be removed from the treatment area?

The following heat sensitive items should be removed from the treatment area, stored in the refrigerator, or placed in a contractor 3 mil garbage bags: Pressurized cylinders – Spray cans, Fire extinguishers, oxygen bottles, etc. Firearms and ammunition. Paints.

How long do you have to clean carpet after climbing up interceptor?

If purchased by customer, Climb-up Interceptors will be placed on infested beds/furniture. Do not shampoo/steam clean carpets for 30 days after treatment. It is very important to understand, there will be considerable clean up after the treatment is complete.

Can bed bugs be in clothing?

Clothing. Bed bugs often seek shelter on and in clothing. To avoid re-introducing bed bugs, any clothing removed during heat treatment must be treated before being returned to the treated area. Loosely packed clothing may remain in dresser drawers and laundry baskets to avoid clutter on floor in small rooms.

Do you have to remove boxes from under bed?

All boxes and items stored under bed must be removed. If container under bed is packed tight with belongings, the items will be removed from the container during the heat treatment to ensure heat penetrates every item. If there are sentimental, irreplaceable items stored under bed and/or items that may be damaged by extreme temperatures, ...

Can a wheelchair be infested with bed bugs?

Wheelchairs and scooters are often infested by bed bugs . Wheelchairs and scooters need to stay in the home to be treated. Please make arrangements prior to the first treatment to accommodate your transportation needs.

Why are bed bugs not treated?

This is because bed bugs can live in the tiniest of places, so an unprepared area could serve as a hidden and impenetrable harborage during the treatment.

Can you remove pets from a home?

Remove all pets from the home during the time of treatment except for fish tanks. Fish tanks are to be covered with plastic wrap, and pumps turned off until you are allowed to reoccupy the home. Remove all sheets, covers, dust ruffles, or any other bedding covers from the mattresses and box springs in all bedrooms.

Do bed bugs need a PCO?

In almost all cases, you will need to contact a professional pest control operator (PCO) for service.

What to do if your house has been infested by roaches?

If your home has been infested by these nasty pests, you must immediately get in touch with a roach exterminator to help you get rid of them. However, before the roach exterminator comes, there are a few things you can do to prepare your home for the service. Make sure your home is neat and clean before the roach exterminator visits.

How to get rid of roach eggs?

Mop and scrub the kitchen and other surfaces with detergent. Vacuum the carpets. If you see any roach eggs before the exterminator visits, just vacuum them up using a crevice attachment. Once you have vacuumed the eggs, make sure you discard them safely.

What to do if you are sick and pregnant?

If any of your family members are sick, have asthma, are pregnant or are under the age of one, take special precautions and inform the pest control company about it. Keep in mind that people and pets often have to be kept away for a period of time when pest control services are in progress.

How to keep a baby clean?

If there is any open food, cover and store it. Put away or cover your baby’s stuff such as toys, crib mattresses, and other supplies. Mop and scrub the kitchen and other surfaces with detergent. Vacuum the carpets.

What are cockroaches?

Cockroaches are undesirable pests that are not just a nuisance but a threat to health as well. They consume our food and contaminate the indoor environment. They transfer disease-causing pathogens and may cause food poisoning by contaminating kitchen surfaces, utensils, and cooking surfaces. They are also believed to be responsible ...