Bed Bug Removal Prep Checklist

1. Cover Plates & Wall Decor

• Uncover Outlets: Unscrew and remove all electrical wall plates, light switch covers, and phone jacks across affected rooms.
• Remove Wall Art: Take down all framed pictures, mirrors, and wall hangings. Leave them inside the room so technicians can inspect and treat their reverse sides.
• Keep Electronics in Place: Leave TVs, gaming consoles, and desktop computers inside the room—do not transfer them to uninfested areas.

2. High-Heat Laundry Protocol

• Empty Storage: Remove all clothing, linens, and personal fabrics from dressers, nightstands, wardrobes, and closets.
• Bag Before Transport: Place all items into heavy-duty plastic bags and seal them tightly before carrying them to your laundry room. This prevents dropping live bugs in hallways or clean rooms.
• Immediate Bag Disposal: Throw transport bags directly into an outdoor garbage bin immediately after loading machines.
• High-Heat Wash & Dry: Wash fabrics in hot water or run them through a dryer on maximum heat for at least 30 minutes. Do not overload the dryer beyond 50% capacity.
• Keep Clean Clothes Sealed: Once laundered, store clean clothes inside fresh, tightly sealed plastic bags outside the treatment zone until follow-up service is finished.
• Why Heat Drying is Mandatory: Pesticides cannot be applied directly to clothing or bedding that touches human skin. High-heat drying is the only guaranteed way to destroy bed bugs and their eggs embedded in your wardrobe.

3. Bedding & Under-Bed Clearance

• Strip All Beds: Remove sheets, pillowcases, duvet covers, and mattress pads. Bag and launder them immediately using the high-heat protocol.
• Clear Under-Bed Storage: Bag and launder any clothing stored beneath beds.
• Do Not Relocate Large Items: Leave plastic bins, suitcases, or non-fabric items stored under the bed right where they are. Moving them to other rooms spreads the infestation.

4. Deep Cleaning & Vacuuming

• Vacuum Perimeters: Vacuum carpets, rug edges, baseboards, and furniture seams thoroughly using a narrow nozzle attachment.
• Dispose of Vacuum Contents: If using a bagged vacuum, remove the bag immediately, seal it in plastic, and throw it in an exterior garbage bin. For bagless vacuums, empty the canister into an outdoor bin and wash the receptacle with hot, soapy water.
• Curtains & Drapes: In heavily infested rooms, remove window drapery, seal in plastic, and have it professionally dry-cleaned or heat-dried.