bed bug control Treatment Preparation

To enable the technician to perform the most thorough treatment possible, the homeowner/resident MUST perform the following steps in all agreed upon treatment areas. 

• Remove all electrical wall plates, phone jack plates, and light switch covers. Turn off smoke alarms.
• Remove all wall décor (paintings,pictures,and decorative mirrors). 
• All electrical equipment should remain in the areas for treatment. 
• Remove the front panel from the heating/air conditioning units if near the bed. 
• Take clothing and other belongings out of all drawers, nightstands, tables, closets, and any other storage areas (loose clothing found outside of a dresser, under the bed, etc.) and launder as instructed. Transport all garments from the infested area in sealed bags or containers to prevent the spreading of insects to non-infested areas. Discard plastic bags used to transport items immediately in an exterior garbage can.
• Remove all bedding and pillows. Place in bags and launder as instructed. Discard plastic bags immediately in an exterior garbage can.
• Vacuum the floor extensively. Remove the vacuum bag immediately and discard in an exterior garbage can.
• Larger items that are stored under the bed should not be moved as bed bugs may be relocated into other areas of the structure.
• Aquariums may be left on site; however, they should be covered, and air filters must be turned off.
• Separate all parts of sectional sofas.

Laundry Instructions: It is necessary that all garments be laundered in hot water (>140°F) or placed into a dryer on the highest setting for a minimum of 30 minutes (>140°F). The dryer must be capable of reaching this temperature to kill all stages and not be loaded to more than 50% capacity. All laundered items must remain out of the treatment area during service. Clothing and fabrics associated with beds and sofas cannot be treated due to the prolonged contact with skin. This step is crucial and necessary to ensure the treatment program does not fail with re-introduction of bed bugs from infested clothing. 

The follow-up service will occur approximately 2 weeks after initial treatment. We advise you to not completely reassemble your home until this service has been performed.

• Do not re-enter the premises for at least 4 hours after treatment (including all pets, except for aquariums). If you have medical problems or are sensitive to odors, it may be advisable to stay out longer. Consult with your physician.
• We recommend purchasing mattress and box spring encasements. These will protect the mattresses and box springs from becoming re-infested.
• Keep as much clothing as possible in sealed plastic bags to prevent potential re-infestation. Any clothing placed back into dressers and closets will need to be removed, bagged and re-laundered prior to the follow-up service.
• Do not introduce any new or used furniture or any other potentially infested items not previously in unit.

Future Prevention Against Bed bugs

• When traveling both outside of and within the country be sure to inspect hotel rooms to ensure they are free of bed bugs. Inspect the bed, box spring, and the headboard. When returning home, bag and launder all clothing and be sure to inspect suitcases for bed bugs - this stage is preferably done outside or in a garage. 
• Do not buy used furniture, electronics, or bed unless you can verify their origin and are confident, they are free of potential bed bug presence.
• Periodically perform an inspection of your home, focusing on the sleeping quarters and inspecting the beds and furniture.
• Never open the box spring or mattress encasement covers. Bed bugs hide in cracks and crevices and prefer wood and fabric surfaces so they will be found in these areas most often.
• Bed bugs are highly mobile but typically remain close to the host. They are generally only active at night to avoid detection; however, they can be found when inspecting areas where they like to hide.