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How to Prepare for Bed Bug Treatment: A Simple Checklist
Good prep helps treatment work. The EPA calls preparing your home an essential first step, whether you hire a pro or not. Here is a calm checklist. Your technician will tell you if your home needs anything different.
What should you do about clutter?
Do not move items from the infested room into a clean room.
Put trash straight into plastic bags. Carry full bags to an outside bin right away.
Get rid of extra magazines and newspapers.
Keep clothes off the floor.
Swap cardboard boxes for plastic bins if you need storage. The EPA says bed bugs can hide in cardboard.
How do you make your bed an island?
Move the bed at least 6 inches away from the wall.
Check the bed, frame, and headboard for bugs and eggs.
Take everything out from under the bed. Keep those items in the same room so you do not spread bugs.
Tuck bedding in so it does not touch the floor.
Add zippered covers, often called encasements, to your mattress and box spring. The EPA says bugs trapped inside will starve.
Place interceptors under each bed leg. The EPA says to plan on using them for at least a year.
Our post on encasements and interceptors explains how they work.
How do you clean clothes and bedding?
Run clothing, bedding, and other items that can take it in a household dryer on high heat for 30 minutes. The EPA says this kills bed bugs and eggs.
Washing alone might not do the job.
Carry items to the laundry in sealed plastic bags.
Store clean items in a sealed plastic bag so they stay bug free.
Vacuum well. Then seal the vacuum bag in a plastic bag and put it in an outside trash can.
What about cracks and outlets?
Caulk cracks and gaps around baseboards.
Fix loose wallpaper and damaged wallboard.
Check outlets and wall switches for signs of bed bugs. Clean them if needed.
Tape or caulk the rims so bugs cannot get behind the plates.
Where do we help?
We help clients in Wichita, Derby, Andover, and Overland Park. Learn about bed bug control in Wichita and bed bug control in Overland Park.
Quick Answers
Should I throw out my mattress?
Not always. The EPA says bed bugs trapped inside a good encasement will starve. Ask your technician before you throw anything away.
Is washing everything enough?
No. The EPA says washing alone might not do the job. Use the dryer on high heat for 30 minutes for items that can take it.
Should I move my things to another room?
No. The EPA says not to move items from an infested area to a clean one. Bag them and keep them in the same room until your technician says otherwise.
How We Help
We take a look, explain what we see in plain words, and walk you through your options. No scare tactics. No contracts. Call or text us at (316) 775-7867 in Wichita or (913) 222-2847 in Overland Park. You can text a photo of what you found.
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