Bed bugs are notorious for their ability to travel from one room to another, and even from one apartment to another. These tiny pests feed on blood by biting their victims, leaving behind small, itchy welts. If you suspect a bed bug infestation, it’s essential to take immediate action.
Here’s how you can prepare your home for a bed bug treatment from Callahan’s Termite and Pest Control, a trusted family-owned business serving Ocean, Monmouth, and Middlesex County, NJ since 1991.
Understanding Bed Bugs
Before we delve into preparation, let’s understand a bit more about bed bugs:
- Signs of Infestation: One of the early signs of a bed bug infestation is a cluster of bites on your skin and small blood stains on your bed linens.
- Size Variation: Bed bugs come in various sizes, ranging from as small as a poppy seed to larger adults about the size of an apple seed.
- Hitchhiking Experts: Bed bugs can hitch a ride in personal belongings such as purses, suitcases, and even laptops.
Where Can Bed Bugs Be Found?
Bed bugs are elusive and can hide in unexpected places. While they’re commonly associated with beds and bed linens, they can also be found:
- Inside drawers
- Inside electronics such as clocks and radios
- Under light switch covers
- Beneath door jambs
- In upholstered furniture and furniture frames
Preparation for Bed Bug Treatment
To ensure the effectiveness of the bed bug treatment, it’s crucial to prepare your home adequately:
- Launder and Bag Linens: Remove all bed linens and clothing from drawers and closets. Place them in clear plastic bags to be laundered. Do not reuse these bags.
- Hot Wash and Dry: Wash and dry all bedding and clothing on high settings. Use the highest dryer setting for at least 30 minutes to kill any bed bugs.
- Inspect Non-Washables: Items that can’t be washed should be placed in clear plastic bags and carefully inspected for signs of bed bugs. Again, do not reuse these bags.
- Declutter Your Space: Reduce clutter to provide easy access for thorough treatment. Make sure walls, closets, space around beds, furniture, and baseboards are accessible.
- Remove Covers and Plates: Take off outlet covers and switch plates on all walls to expose potential hiding spots.
- Secure Cleaned Items: Store cleaned and inspected items in plastic bags away from the treated area.
- Vacuum and Wash: Vacuum and wash the floors thoroughly. Remember to dispose of vacuum bags, as they might contain live bed bugs.
- Temporary Relocation: During the treatment application, residents and pets should leave the premises temporarily for safety.
- Protect Fish Tanks: Cover fish tanks with plastic to prevent any contact with treatment chemicals.
- Delay Return: Do not return items to the treated area until it’s declared bed bug-free.
- Avoid Store-Bought Solutions: Refrain from using store-bought bug killers, as they can spread the infestation.
- Be Cautious with Furniture: Avoid picking up discarded items from the street, as they might be infested. Always inspect used furniture before bringing it indoors.
Preparing your home diligently before a bed bug treatment is essential for eradicating these pests effectively. Callahan’s Termite and Pest Control has been serving the community for over three decades, offering expert assistance in eliminating bed bugs and ensuring a pest-free environment.