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Treatment Preparation
The key to successful heat treatment lies in thorough preparation, but the good news is that with a heat treatment is that it’s a one-time effort and not as daunting as it might seem. We understand that this process can feel overwhelming, and we’re here to support you every step of the way. Not only can we assist with preparation, but we’ll also conduct a final walkthrough with you before the treatment begins to address any last-minute questions or concerns.
Wash Bedding
Contaminated bedding should be washed and dried, but to avoid spreading bugs throughout your home, it’s best to bag the items and transport them to the washer and dryer inside the bag. If needed, it’s acceptable to leave used bedding on the bed on the treatment day. During our heat treatment process, we will strip the beds, flip the bed and box spring upright, and thoroughly heat all bedding by flipping and rotating it. Any items stored under the bed should be removed and raised off the ground to prevent cold spots.
Remove Clutter & Organize
To make the treatment effective, you’re absolutely right—clearing clutter is key. Moving items like boxes to a kitchen table, dresser, or an open space like the living room can free up floor space and improve access. This not only helps with airflow for heating but also ensures our treatment can reach all areas. Stacking boxes neatly or redistributing them to less critical zones could maximize your square footage and keep things manageable. Now’s the perfect moment for a thorough 'spring cleaning'—a great opportunity to let go of any extra stuff you don’t need including trash and debris. The photo above is a perfect example of what we want to avoid.
Empty Out Closets & Dressers
Airflow is essential for this process. Items that are already hanging can stay in place. Dresser drawers or overly packed shelves should be emptied to at least half their capacity to ensure sufficient airflow. For optimal results, wash all excess clothing, towels and bedding, then immediately seal them in black garbage bags. Remove any boxes, totes, toys, or other items from the floor of the closet. Ideally, elevate or stack these items off the ground to prevent cold spots. We will use various temperature-reading devices to confirm there are no cold spots. If these steps are not followed correctly and cold spots occur, we will reposition or rotate items to ensure every square inch of your home is getting properly heated. This picture is a good reference point.
Move Furniture Away From Walls
This one’s straightforward. Please move all furniture—couches, dressers, nightstands, etc.—about 4 inches away from the walls. If you can’t move something, don’t strain yourself; that’s why we’re here. Our team is fully equipped to handle moving items during the treatment.
Remove Outlet Covers
Bed bugs are attracted to three main things that help them find us: warmth, kairomones, and carbon dioxide. A plug-in near an infested spot, like a bed or couch, can give off a subtle heat that bed bugs can’t tell apart from human body heat or electrical sources. Please remove outlet covers in these areas so we can apply a bed bug dusting, as they tend to gather around these spots.
Vacuum & Mop
Vacuuming and mopping before a bed bug heat treatment is a crucial step to ensure its success. By doing so, you remove dust, debris, and even some live bugs, eggs, and nymphs from carpets, cracks, and furniture, reducing the population and exposing more hiding spots. This prep work allows the heat to penetrate evenly and deeply, targeting every last pest. Skipping it could leave bed bugs with safe havens, and excess dust, animal hair, or food can be swirled around by our fans, causing a mess you’ll have to clean up after the treatment. So, a quick clean sets the stage for a thorough wipeout—just be sure to empty the vacuum outside to avoid bringing anything back!
Personal Care
On the morning of the treatment, make sure to shower before we arrive and dress in freshly laundered clothes straight from the dryer. Avoid sitting on any furniture afterward. This step is critical to stop bed bugs from spreading and to prevent accidentally taking them with you. It also helps ensure you don’t bring any bugs back after the treatment.
Plan Ahead
Get ready for your treatment day by managing your time wisely in advance. The night before, place any shoes, bags, or items you’ll need for the day in a freezer. Wash and dry any clothing you plan to wear on treatment day the night prior as well. Make sure all pets, like cats and dogs, are boarded or removed from the treatment area. Before they return home, give your pets a bath—while bed bugs don’t typically feed on animals, their fur can carry them. A quick rinse with an outdoor hose should be enough to clear off any unwanted pests.
Sealed Garbage Bags or Totes
You may be curious about what to do with your freshly washed clothing and bedding. Since these items have already been 'treated' in the washer and dryer, store them outside the treatment area—places like a garage, patio, or shed work well. If you dont have many bags or a safe place to store them, keep them in a less cluttered space to make moving them easier later.
Blinds
Take down vinyl or faux wood blinds, as they have a low heat tolerance and may warp. Clean and disinfect them prior to removal from the house. Metal or hardwood blinds can stay in place.
Meltables
Take out items with low melting points. Scented candles, wax melts, crayons, and decorative wax objects will turn to liquid at relatively low temperatures. Chocolate, candy, butter, and other edibles prone to melting need to be taken out. Remove medications, as they may have an external sugar coating. Pills or gels can degrade or liquefy. Cosmetics should also be considered for removal, particularly since they can be costly. Lipstick, lip balm, deodorant sticks, and creams that might melt or separate should be removed. These items can also be put into the refrigerator during the treatment.
Pressurized Items & Aerosols
Aerosol cans & pressurized items (e.g., hairspray, shaving cream, cleaning supplies, spray paint, oxygen tanks, fire extinguishers, & wine bottles) may warp or, in rare cases, explode under extreme heat. These items must be removed in advance.
Paintings, Pictures & Wall Hangings
Remove oil paintings and acrylic artwork from the walls. Picture frames or other wall hangings attached with adhesive tapes or strips should be taken down and placed on the floor beside the wall, as heat can weaken the strips’ adhesion, causing items to fall. Ensure that any items remaining on the walls are firmly secured. Be aware that fans may shift unsecured objects. Lay small tabletop picture frames flat and secure loose papers with a weight. At the end of the day, if an item is a family heirloom or valuable, play it safe and remove it.
Electronics
Devices such as laptops, tablets, gaming systems, and televisions can remain in place during the treatment. Keep in mind that bed bugs are drawn to heat, and the subtle warmth from electronics can mimic human body heat or electrical sources, attracting them. To be cautious, check labels and review heat tolerance information for electronics. CDs, DVDs, and Blu-rays should be safe to leave, but vinyl records and tape cassettes must be removed due to their low heat tolerance.
Along with your quote, we’ll provide a more in-depth preparation list. While not every item on the list is mandatory, the more you’re able and willing to do, the more effective the treatment will be for you.