Mistakes to Avoid When Preparing for Bed Bug Extermination
Proper preparation for an effective bed bug extermination service is a critical step in reclaiming your home and peace of mind. However, some home or rental property owners can make well-intentioned mistakes that can limit the effectiveness of the treatment, or even make the infestation worse.
If you’re facing a bed bug problem, make sure your efforts don’t go to waste! In this article, the Advanced Bed Bug Preparation team will help guide you towards the proper steps to take when prepping for a bed bug extermination service.
Below are 8 of the top mistakes to avoid when preparing for bed bug extermination. If you have any questions, just contact us online, or give us a call directly at (920) 355-1535.
1. Skipping Steps/Instructions from the Exterminator
Every bed bug exterminator may use different methods, for example, chemical treatments, heat, or a combination of both.
As such, following their preparation checklist is absolutely essential. Skipping steps or improvising can lead to incomplete treatment, and no one wants that!
Pro-tip: Read the instructions carefully and ask questions if anything is unclear. Your preparation can make or break the effectiveness of the extermination service. When in doubt, contact a professional bed bug preparation company to ensure that you’ve covered every step.
2. Moving Infested Items Around the House
A common mistake is to relocate infested furniture, clothing, or boxes before treatment. While of course it’s natural to want to protect your belongings, if done incorrectly, moving infested items to another room or storage area can cause bed bugs to spread. In this article, we discuss in great detail what attracts bed bugs.
Pro-Tip: Leave items in place unless advised otherwise by your pest control provider. If you must move something, seal it tightly in plastic and inspect it first.
3. Disgarding Furniture Too Soon
Many people panic and toss out beds, couches, and chairs, thinking it’s an effective way to eliminate the bugs. This is usually unnecessary and can create additional costs and stress knowing you need to replace your furniture. The truth is that most furniture can be successfully treated.
Pro-Tip: Since most furniture can be successfully treated, you should consult your exterminator or a preparation specialist before disposing of anything.
Related: Common Bed Bugs Myths Debunked
4. Improperly Sealing or Bagging Belongings
Another mistake some people make is not sealing or bagging their belongings correctly. Sealing items incorrectly or even over-packing storage bags can trap bed bugs inside and make them harder to eliminate.
Pro-Tip: We suggest that you use clear plastic bags, don’t overstuff them, and always launder items thoroughly before sealing.
5. Leaving Clutter in Problem Areas
Clutter offers the perfect hiding spots for bed bugs and makes it harder for exterminators to treat infested zones.
Pro-Tip: Declutter areas around beds, baseboards, and furniture. Remove items from under the bed and off the floor per your prep checklist. If you’re finding the cleaning process overwhelming, or you need the help of a professional, the team at Advanced Bed Bug Preparation can assist with helping reducing clutter.
6. Not Washing Linens and Clothing Properly
Did you know that bed bugs and their eggs can survive normal laundry cycles? With this in mind, you’ll want to ensure that you’ve correctly washed all your linens and clothing.
Pro-Tip: We suggest washing all clothing and bedding on high heat and dry on the highest setting for at least 30 minutes. Bag them in clean plastic bags immediately afterward.
7. Reintroducing Items Too Early
Even after a successful treatment, it’s important to wait before bringing items back into treated rooms. Make sure that you’ve discussed timing on bringing in your household items with your extermination team.
Pro-Tip: Don’t unbag items or return furniture until your exterminator confirms it's safe. Premature reintroduction can lead to reinfestation.
8. Skipping Follow-Up Treatments
Many infestations require multiple treatments to fully eliminate all life stages of bed bugs. Your bed bug extermination company will discuss how many treatments will be require to eradicate the infestation.
Pro-Tip: We suggest attending any and all scheduled follow-up visits and continue monitoring for bed bug activity using traps or interceptors.
Related: How Long Does It Take to Get Rid of Bed Bugs?
Contact Advanced Bed Bug Preparation for Pricing Today!
If you are noticing signs of bed bugs in your living space or business, you’ll want to reach out to a trusted bed bug preparation team. At Advanced Bed Bug Preparation, our team is licensed and fully trained in preparation, laundry treatment, and restoration services, and we understand the stress of discovering that you have bed bugs in your indoor space.
We can get your home ready in just one business day for the bed bug removal team to come in and perform the extermination service. We detail more about our bed bug preparation process here.
Our bed bug preparation specialists serve the cities of Oshkosh, Fond Du Lac, Sheboygan, Appleton, Green Bay, and Northeast Wisconsin. Let Advanced Bed Bug Preparation help you prepare to eliminate your bed bug infestation!
