While highly effective, professional bed bug heat treatments are a strategy for bed bug elimination that will require a relatively comprehensive amount of prep work. Unlike sprays, foggers, and other bed bug treatments, professional heat treatments will almost instantly eliminate bed bugs within minutes. It does not matter what stage of life they are in – be it eggs, nymphs, or adults. It must be understood, though, that this treatment is complex, carries its own level of risk, and requires a bit of preparation on your end for it to be 100% effective. Here, you will learn how to prep for your professional bed bug heat treatment.
The Basics
If you elect to obtain a professional bed bug heat treatment from us here at All Pest Exterminating, it must be understood that the property to be treated will need to be vacated upon the arrival of our pest control technician.
All people and pets must be removed from the residence for a minimum of two hours. Should additional time be required, our technician will inform you. If you must cancel the appointment, it must be done over 48 hours beforehand. Failure to do so or last-minute cancellations could incur a rescheduling fee of $50.00.
Decluttering
First and foremost, the entire area to be treated must be decluttered. Bed bugs will attempt to hide in areas that have a high level of clutter once exposed to the heat of the treatment. This is a basic survival instinct. It is critical that all areas are free of clutter and debris that the insects may use to get away from the heat that will be administered. It is especially important that all items are moved away from the walls during the decluttering process.
Laundering and Storage
It is absolutely critical to understand that quite a bit of laundering MUST be completed prior to the initiation of the heated bed bug treatment. First, you should start with the draperies, bedding, and linens. All should be washed in hot water and dried in the highest heat possible for a minimum of 30 minutes. In addition to the above, the same should be done to the following:
- Towels
- All Apparel/Clothing
- Furniture Covers
- Any Other Fabrics
As you finish each fabric that you are washing and drying, you should store the items in a bed-bug resistant bag that zips for complete closure. You may choose to remove the bags from the property, but it is not necessary. You may store in the home, but make certain that the bags are not stored against the walls, on top of dressers, etc.
The Beds
Each bed in your home should be covered with a brand-new zippered mattress encasement. This includes the box springs and the mattresses. You should ensure that the encasements are bed-bug proof and/or resistant to the bites of a bed bug. Do not make up the beds. As stated previously, all bedding should be placed in a bed-bug resistant zippered plastic bag for optimal protection once washed and dried in the highest heat possible.
Contents & Belongings
All of the dressers, nightstands, drawers, and closets should have contents and belongings completely removed. Again – if possible – store these items in zippered, protective storage bags. If you find that you no longer have a need for the items, discard them. If – while emptying contents from drawers throughout the home – you discover insects in those drawers, leave them out from where they came from so that the treatment may seep through successfully to eliminate those insects.
Floors
All of the floors in the home should be completely vacuumed – even if they are not carpeted. Once finished, you should empty the vacuum outdoors, away from the home. If your unit has a bag, this should be emptied and discarded outdoors. Once you have succeeded in this endeavor, the floors should be mopped using hot water. If you have a steam mop that you use within the home, this is the time to utilize the appliance.
Wall Art and Decorations
If you have wall art and decorations throughout your home, these should be checked prior to our arrival. Once you check to ensure that they are free from pests, you should wipe what you can with alcohol. Not all wall art and decorative pieces will be able to be wiped with alcohol. Only do this if it is safe. You may have to contact the creator of the piece for instructions. You must do this at your own risk. We are not responsible for any damages incurred to these pieces.
Pet Tanks
We recommend all pets are completely removed from the residence. If you have fish and/or reptile tanks, please cover completely. Then, turn off any associated pumps with the units. If these are placed against the wall, please move them out. We are not responsible for pets left within the home during the treatments.
If you have any questions about pets and/or tanks, please discuss them with us prior to setting your appointment. If you have already set the appointment, contact us prior to our arrival to perform the professional bed bug heat treatment.
Health Concerns
If there are any health concerns regarding individuals in the home – such as pregnancy, those with respiratory conditions, or allergies – please let us know prior to the start of the treatment. We have a material safety data sheet that we may provide to you about all of the products that we utilize in and around the home. We recommend all stay out of the residence for up to two hours following the treatment.
If there is someone who is elderly or who has health problems in the home – including pets – they should remain out of the home for a MINIMUM of two hours; however, longer may be recommended. Discuss this with our technician.
Remaining Bed Bugs
It is often possible for there to be remaining bed bugs in the home after the heat treatment is administered. This is actually very normal because they have had their homes disturbed and they are attempting to survive. It is impossible for every single space throughout the home to be completely covered. Rest assured, though, we will help in eliminating those that have been left behind. We know the tricks to eliminating those that remain quickly and effectively. The insects will be under duress, but it is not something that we cannot handle. You can rest assured that we will take every step possible to ensure that you have a home free of bed bugs – once and for all.
Contact Us
We here at All Pest Exterminating are highly skilled and possess a high level of expertise in the complete extermination of bed bugs. Unlike other companies, we do not depend on harsh, potentially dangerous chemicals. Instead, we utilize specially-designed bed bug heat treatments. When you elect to sign up for our services, you will receive a print out of our official instructions, our heat treatment agreement, and more. You will know exactly what to do and how to do it.
In addition to heat bed bug treatments, we handle all pest problems. We are both proactive and reactive. We act proactively to ensure that pest problems are prevented. If you catch us after you have noticed pests, we are reactive in eliminating those pests – once and for all! If you are ready to take control over your home and get rid of those nasty bed bugs, contact us now by calling: 765-259-0043
