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Bed Bug Heat Treatments & Inspection – Rock Pest Control

Heat Treatments & Inspection for Bed Bugs

Understanding how bed bugs enter your home and the most effective ways to eliminate them.

How Heat Treatments Work

Steps to Heat Treatment Are Simple

Rock Pest Bed Bug heat treatments utilize a straightforward process that yields dramatic results. This method represents both a technological and ecological breakthrough in treating partial and entire structures for bed bugs. The science behind these treatments is simple: the process works by raising the temperatures of an affected area to a level proven to kill bed bugs. We employ the highest quality Convectex heaters and accessories to ensure the most effective treatment is performed.

  • Increase temperatures of the affected area to 120-150 degrees Fahrenheit.

High Temperature

  • Hold this elevated temperature for 3-6 hours.

Duration

  • Monitor the temperature and seal any areas where heat can escape the treatment zone.

Observation

Why Choose Heat Treatments?

Bed bugs and their eggs, illustrating common pests targeted by Rock Pest Control's eco-friendly heat treatments for effective extermination.

Rock Pest Control’s bed bug heat treatment can resolve your bed bug infestation in as little as 24 hours. We offer eco-friendly and non-chemical treatment options to suit your needs. Rock Pest Control is proud to provide revolutionary bed bug heat treatments. Our treatments can solve your bed bug infestation in as little as 24 hours, with eco-friendly and non-chemical options available.

The Advantages of Heat Treatments

Non-chemical bed bug treatment seal with text highlighting eco-friendly and effective pest control solutions.
  • All-natural, non-toxic, and eco-friendly.
  • Safe and effective.
  • Works quickly without the need for multiple treatments.
  • Saves money by reducing the number of treatments.
  • No need to replace mattresses and furniture.
  • Rooms are bed bug-free within hours, instead of days or months with traditional treatments.

Understanding Bed Bugs and How You Get Them

Bed bugs are notorious hitchhikers. They don’t live outdoors but are typically brought into your home by unsuspecting guests, family members, or on used furniture or belongings. You can pick them up in any public place, from restaurants to buses to doctor’s offices. It’s important to remember that having bed bugs does not mean you are a dirty housekeeper. Bed bugs infest any area they can, regardless of cleanliness or the homeowner’s habits. You’re not a bad person if you have bed bugs!

Approximately 80% of the time, it’s our friends or family members who inadvertently bring them into our homes. They might have bed bugs and bring them when they visit, or we might visit their home, sit on their couch, and they hitch a ride back on our clothing, backpack, or purse.

Bed bugs can live for up to a year without feeding. This means that unless you move out for an entire year, they aren’t going to die on their own. They are also very close to where we sit or sleep, preferring to be touched on all sides, which leads them to hide in cracks and crevices. Common hiding spots include zippers, the edges and folds of curtains, the rolled edge of mattresses, the underside edge of box springs, seams of headboards, couches, and chairs, behind picture frames, along trim, in boxes, end tables, drawers, and under piles of clothes.

The signs of a bed bug infestation include small, reddish-brown bugs, dark spots of bed bug excrement on bedding, and itchy, red bite marks on the skin. Early detection is crucial for effective treatment. You might notice small reddish-brown stains on your sheets, tiny dark spots of bed bug excrement, and bite marks on your skin, often in clusters or lines.

Bed bug bites themselves are not always visible. A bed bug inserts a small tube into you, similar to a mosquito, and injects an anti-coagulant. If you are allergic to this, you will show a mark. Everyone’s body chemistry is different, and about 50% of people have no reaction to bed bug bites. If you do react, the bites tend to be in a straight line and fairly close together. One bug can leave potentially 1-3 bites. They usually itch badly, and it can take months for the marks to disappear.

It’s important to know that bed bugs do not live in walls or floors in the traditional sense, but they can come through outlets and sometimes live in walls. However, they normally want to be close to you and are usually found in furniture.

Regarding prevention, sealing cracks and crevices, using protective mattress covers, regularly inspecting second-hand furniture, and maintaining cleanliness are key to minimizing hiding spots and reducing the risk of an infestation. Regularly inspect your home for signs of infestation, use protective covers on mattresses, keep clutter to a minimum, and be cautious when traveling by checking hotel rooms and luggage for any signs of bed bugs.

If you suspect you have bed bugs, immediate action is required. First, isolate the affected area by removing bedding and vacuuming thoroughly. Then, contact us to schedule a free inspection and discuss our effective heat treatment solutions.

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How We Treat Bed Bugs with Heat

There are two primary methods for eliminating bed bugs: chemical treatments and heat treatments. While we do perform chemical treatments, we reserve them for situations where heat is not a viable option. Heat treatment is highly effective against all life stages of bed bugs, typically requires only a single treatment, and is non-toxic and safe for your home and belongings.

The process involves elevating the temperature of the entire affected area to above 122°F (50°C). At this temperature, all forms of bed bugs—adults, juveniles, and eggs—will die within minutes. The challenge lies in ensuring that every part of the structure reaches this lethal temperature.

We use industrial-sized heaters to introduce warm air into the affected areas. This warm air is ducted systematically through the structure, ensuring that all spaces, including the deepest cracks and crevices within couches, chairs, and beds, reach the target temperature. We aim for temperatures between 130°F and 140°F (54°C to 60°C) to guarantee that the core areas achieve the necessary 122°F (50°C) for complete eradication.

With our heat treatment, it’s a “one and done” method. This means that today you might have bed bugs, and tomorrow you won’t. We find this clarity appealing, and our customers certainly do. There’s a very clear line in the sand when you should, and when you should not, have bed bugs.

The duration of a heat treatment typically ranges from 6 to 8 hours when using our propane system, and around 20 to 24 hours for an electric heater system, depending on the size of the area being treated and the severity of the infestation. If we are only heating one room, you may not need to leave your home. However, if the entire house is being treated, it is too hot to remain inside, and you will need to vacate the premises.

Heat will not harm most of your belongings. However, some items need to be removed as they can be damaged at high temperatures. These include items like chocolate, wax, candles, houseplants, pets, toiletries, and vinyl mini-blinds.

We offer a three-month warranty on our treatments, which can be extended for a small monthly fee. There is no contract required for this warranty.

We also utilize a bed bug detection dog. While we are very proficient at finding bed bugs visually, in some scenarios, especially with early infestations, a dog’s sense of smell is 1000 times better than our eyes. The detection dogs are trained to detect as little as three live bed bugs. They will scan the room and sit when they come across the scent. When asked where the bugs are, they will point their nose to the spot with live bed bug activity.

Regarding preparation, it is the most critical part of the entire process. Clutter is our enemy when getting rid of bed bugs; the more clutter you have, the harder it is to eliminate them.

To assess the level of preparation needed, we ask: “How would you rate yourself on a scale of 1 to 10, where 10 is a hoarder and you can barely walk between piles of stuff to get from one room to the next, and a 1 is someone with OCD where nothing is ever out of place and everything has a home? Where would you rank yourself?”

  • A rating of 1 to 3 suggests you could potentially prepare very quickly, meaning the preparation is something you can do overnight, and we could treat as early as the next day, pending our availability.
  • A rating of 4 to 6 typically means you need a weekend or a few days to prep, but we can move as quickly as you can.
  • A rating of 7 to 10 indicates you would likely require a week to two weeks of preparation before we can treat the job properly.

Again, preparation is the most important part, and unfortunately, you are responsible for it. However, we have the knowledge. When our inspector arrives, they will walk room by room, peek into closets, and look under beds, leaving you with a detailed preparation sheet. Based on this sheet, you can let us know how much time you need to prep the house so we can properly treat for those bed bugs. We can move as quickly or as slowly as you need, but it all starts with that free inspection.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Bed Bugs and Treatments

How do I prevent bed bugs from entering my home?

Preventing bed bugs involves several proactive measures. Seal cracks and crevices, use protective mattress covers, regularly inspect second-hand furniture, and maintain cleanliness to minimize hiding spots and reduce the risk of an infestation. Regularly inspect your home for signs of infestation, use protective covers on mattresses, keep clutter to a minimum, and be cautious when traveling by checking hotel rooms and luggage for any signs of bed bugs.

Can I get rid of bed bugs on my own?

Getting rid of bed bugs on your own is challenging. While DIY methods may provide temporary relief, they often fail to eliminate the entire infestation, leading to recurring problems. Professional heat treatment is more effective and ensures complete eradication. It is possible, but unlikely. Bed bugs are by far the hardest household pest to get rid of. The methods you see online most likely will not work, the products you can buy in the store are not very effective, throwing your stuff away will not work, and because bed bugs can live a year without feeding, you can’t wait them out. It is much better to hire a professional immediately, before they get worse, rather than waste time and money trying other treatment methods.

What are the most effective bed bug control methods?

The most effective bed bug control methods include heat treatment, which eliminates all life stages of bed bugs, and integrated pest management strategies that combine thorough inspections, sanitation, and targeted insecticide use for long-term prevention. There are two main methods of killing bed bugs: chemicals and heat. We do perform chemical treatments, but only when heat is not an option. Heat is effective against all forms of bed bugs, most of the time requires a single treatment, and is non-toxic and safe. We will either use a small electric heater in the room treated, or for larger areas, a specially-made propane heater will sit outside of your house and ductwork will bring in hot air. We will heat the area being treated to killing temperatures (about 130 degrees for electric, 160 degrees for propane). It is safe for your belongings, quick, effective, and normally only takes one treatment.

How do I choose a reputable bed bug exterminator?

Choosing a reputable bed bug exterminator involves researching their experience, checking customer reviews, confirming licensing and certifications, and ensuring they use effective, eco-friendly methods like heat treatment. Always ask for a free inspection to assess your specific needs. Look for professionals who specialize in heat treatments, as they offer effective and eco-friendly solutions for bed bug infestations.

Can heat treatment kill all bed bugs?

Yes, heat treatment can effectively kill all bed bugs at every life stage, including eggs, when applied correctly. This method raises temperatures to a lethal level, ensuring complete eradication of the infestation. Heat has been used to kill bed bugs and other bugs for decades. It is effective, non-toxic, and safe.

What are the signs of a bed bug infestation?

The signs of a bed bug infestation include small, reddish-brown bugs, dark spots of bed bug excrement on bedding, and itchy, red bite marks on the skin. Early detection is crucial for effective treatment. Signs that you may have bed bugs in your home include small reddish-brown stains on your sheets, tiny dark spots of bed bug excrement, and bite marks on your skin, often in clusters or lines.

Can exterminators eliminate bed bugs?

Exterminators can effectively eliminate bed bugs. By utilizing specialized treatments, such as heat treatment or chemical solutions, they can eradicate infestations and prevent future occurrences, ensuring a pest-free environment for your home.

What are the best prevention methods for bed bugs?

The best prevention methods for bed bugs include regularly inspecting your living space, using protective mattress encasements, reducing clutter, and being cautious when traveling by checking hotel rooms and luggage.

How can I identify bed bug signs early?

Identifying bed bug signs early is crucial for effective treatment. Look for small reddish-brown bugs, shed exoskeletons, dark spots of fecal matter, and tiny white eggs in your bedding and furniture. Get a strong flashlight and remove your sheets and blankets. Look for any signs of blood or small dots (fecal matter) on the sheets and bedding. Look along the seams and edges of mattresses and the frame and headboard. Pick up the mattress and look underneath, as well as under the edge of the box spring. If inspecting furniture, look in the seams and cracks, along zippers, and under the edges of couches and chairs. Their fecal matter looks like you took a Sharpie and put the tip on the fabric for a moment, and the ink slightly spread out. It will often look like little stars in fabric. It cannot be rubbed off; it will be embedded. It can be seen on unfinished wood, as well as on painted surfaces.

What should I do if I find bed bugs?

Finding bed bugs requires immediate action. First, isolate the affected area by removing bedding and vacuuming thoroughly. Next, contact Rock Pest Control to schedule a free inspection and discuss our effective heat treatment solutions to eliminate the infestation.

How effective is heat treatment for bed bugs?

The effectiveness of heat treatment for bed bugs is significant, as it can eliminate all life stages of bed bugs, including eggs, in a single session. This eco-friendly method ensures thorough eradication without the use of harmful chemicals.

What is the cost of bed bug extermination?

The cost of bed bug extermination varies based on the severity of the infestation and the treatment method used. Generally, prices range from $300 to $1,500, with heat treatments often being a more effective and eco-friendly option. It runs about $1.65 per square foot. For example, a thousand-square-foot house would cost approximately $1650 to $1700.

How long does bed bug treatment take?

The duration of bed bug treatment typically takes about 6 to 8 hours, depending on the severity of the infestation and the size of the area being treated, when using a propane system. For an electric heater, it can take around 20-24 hours.

Can I treat bed bugs without professional help?

Treating bed bugs without professional help is possible, but it can be challenging and often ineffective. DIY methods may not eliminate the infestation completely, leading to recurring problems. Professional services, like those offered by Rock Pest Control, ensure thorough and effective treatment.

What are common myths about bed bugs?

Common myths about bed bugs include the belief that they only infest dirty homes and that they can fly. In reality, bed bugs can thrive in any environment, regardless of cleanliness, and they do not have wings.

How often should I inspect for bed bugs?

Regular inspections for bed bugs should be conducted at least once every few months, especially after travel or if you notice signs of an infestation. Prompt checks can help catch problems early and prevent widespread issues. We strongly recommend checking your furniture and beds at a minimum every two weeks for at least a couple of months after treatment. If you have not seen activity within that time, the bugs are gone. If you see any activity, call us immediately.

What should I expect during a bed bug inspection?

During a bed bug inspection, you can expect a thorough examination of your home by a trained professional who will check common hiding spots, furniture, and bedding for signs of bed bugs, ensuring a comprehensive assessment of the infestation.

Are there eco-friendly bed bug treatment options?

Eco-friendly bed bug treatment options are available and effective. At Rock Pest Control, we specialize in heat treatment methods that eliminate bed bugs without harmful chemicals, ensuring a safe environment for you and your family.

How do bed bugs spread in homes?

Bed bugs spread in homes primarily through hitchhiking on clothing, luggage, and used furniture. They can also move between rooms via walls, electrical outlets, and plumbing, making them difficult to detect and eliminate without professional help.

What items should I treat for bed bugs?

The items you should treat for bed bugs include bedding, mattresses, furniture, clothing, and any personal belongings that may have come into contact with infested areas.

How can I prepare for bed bug treatment?

Preparing for bed bug treatment involves clearing clutter, laundering bedding and clothing in hot water, and ensuring pets are safely relocated. Additionally, vacate the premises during the treatment for optimal results. Clutter is our enemy when getting rid of bed bugs; the more clutter you have, the harder it is to get rid of bed bugs.

What are the risks of untreated bed bug infestations?

The risks of untreated bed bug infestations include increased discomfort from bites, potential allergic reactions, and psychological stress. Additionally, infestations can spread quickly, leading to more extensive damage and higher costs for eradication.

How do I choose the right treatment method?

Choosing the right treatment method involves assessing the severity of the bed bug infestation, considering eco-friendly options like heat treatment, and consulting with professionals to determine the most effective and safe solution for your situation.

What follow-up care is needed after treatment?

Follow-up care after treatment involves monitoring the treated areas for any signs of bed bugs and maintaining cleanliness. It’s also essential to avoid reintroducing bed bugs by inspecting secondhand items before bringing them home. We strongly recommend checking your furniture and beds at the minimum every two weeks for at least a couple of months. If you have not seen activity within that time, the bugs are gone. If you see any activity, call us immediately.

Can bed bugs survive in cold temperatures?

Bed bugs can survive in cold temperatures, but their activity slows significantly. They can endure temperatures as low as 46°F (8°C) for a limited time, making heat treatment a more effective solution for eliminating them.

What are the signs of a severe infestation?

The signs of a severe infestation include numerous bed bug bites on the skin, dark spots of bed bug excrement on bedding and furniture, and the presence of shed skins or eggs in hiding places.

How can I protect my home from bed bugs?

Protecting your home from bed bugs involves several proactive measures. Regularly inspect your living spaces, seal cracks and crevices, wash bedding frequently in hot water, and be cautious when bringing in second-hand items. You can minimize your danger by never going to someone’s house that has bed bugs. Also, do not buy used furniture or take furniture from the side of the road. It may look free, but it won’t be free if bed bugs are in it!

How do people get bed bugs a second time?

The number one way most people get bed bugs a second time is when they prep their house for bed bug treatment. They remove stuff from the inside of their house and put it outside of their house, maybe in a garage or a storage facility. Bed bugs can live up to a year without biting a human being. So what happens is people will let their guard down, their anxiety level will go down. Three or four months after the treatment and then they’ll go out to that garage or the storage and grab some of their contents and bring them back in. And they when they do that, they have just reinvested themselves all over again. The second most popular way for people to get bed bugs a second time is usually from the friend or family member that they originally got them from. They continue with that. Communication going back and forth from one each other’s house. And the bed bugs will go from one place to the next. The most common scenario here is a split family where kids have to spend time at both houses. If both houses do not treat at the same time, bed bugs just flip flop from one house to the next. You must treat both at the same time. Another common scenario is grandparents watching the kids. Grandparents have the bed bugs, they bring them back to your house. And they just go back and forth if we do not treat both houses at the same time.

Will throwing my stuff away get rid of bed bugs?

No, don’t do it! Throwing your stuff away most likely will not solve the problem, as bed bugs live in many areas other than your furniture. You will have to spend a ton of money to buy new furniture and you still will have to pay an exterminator to get rid of the bed bugs. Save your money and hire a professional.

Will heating my house hurt my belongings?

Heat will not hurt most items, but some things do need to be removed, as they can be damaged at heating temperatures. Damageable items include chocolate, wax, candles, house plants, pets, toiletries, and vinyl mini blinds.

Do I have to be out of my house during the treatment?

If we are only heating one room, then you will not need to leave. If the entire house is being treated, then you will have to be out of the house; it is too hot to stay inside.

Do you have a warranty?

Yes, we have a three-month warranty, extendable as long as you want for a small monthly fee. No contract. We also have a lifetime bed bug protection plan. It is no contract, and has a deductible of $250. If you ever got bedbugs again while having this plan the max you pay out is the deductible, not thousands of dollars.

Where do bed bugs hide?

Most of the times bed bugs are very close to where you sit or sleep. They like to be touched on all sides, so they will hide in cracks and crevices. They like zippers, the edges and folds of curtains, the rolled edge of mattresses, and the underside edge of box springs. They will hide along seams of headboards, couches and chairs. They hide behind picture frames and along trim. They hide in boxes, in end tables, in drawers, and under piles of clothes.

What do bed bug bites look like?

A bed bug doesn’t actually bite, but rather they insert a small tube into you like a mosquito. They inject an anti-coagulant when doing it, and if you are allergic to that, you will show a mark where they have bit you. Everyone’s body chemistry is different and about 50% of people have no reaction to bed bug bites. So, there’s no one way bites look. But if you do react, the bites can be often identified. The bites tend to be in a straight line and will be fairly close together. The bed bug will feed in 1-3 places, so one bug will leave potentially 1-3 bites. They usually itch badly, and it can take months for the marks to disappear.

Will sprays or powders from the store kill bed bugs?

Sprays will kill the bugs on contact but will not have an effective residual, so they won’t kill bugs after it has dried. And the spray won’t kill the bugs unhatched in eggs; the eggs are like little protectors for the babies. Powder is not that effective, and if you do use powder, people tend to use far too much; you shouldn’t be able to see the dust after applying. And, don’t use diatomaceous earth, you want to use CimeXa dust instead, it is much more effective.

Do essential oils or home remedies kill bed bugs?

They may kill on contact, but so does squishing a bug with your finger. They won’t have a residual, and they aren’t very effective. It is better to call a professional.

What kind of payment do you accept?

We accept cash, credit, and checks.

Will mattress protectors help?

They are much more effective as a monitoring device than a bed bug removal method. It may trap a few in the mattress, but bed bugs hide in many other locations besides your mattress and box spring. We only recommend them if your mattress or box spring are stained and need to be covered up so you can tell if bed bugs are back. The nice white surface will help you see if there’s an issue, but they most likely won’t solve the problem.

Is your chemical product safe for pets?

Yes, Crossfire is safe for pets and people once it has dried. It is made to be applied directly to mattress and furniture, and is not highly toxic. But during application, you will need to be out of the room.

Does your vehicle have a big picture of a bed bug on the side?

Nope, our vehicles are unmarked. Your neighbors don’t need to know what we are doing, and we don’t tell them. “Routine maintenance” is always our answer if we are asked.

How can I make sure I don't take bed bugs with me to other people's houses if I have them?

Put the clothes you’re wearing through a full dryer cycle, don’t sit down on your furniture or take a nap, and head out to where you’re going. Make sure if you are taking a backpack or purse that it was not stored next to the bed or couch, and if possible, put it through the dryer as well before taking it.

I stayed somewhere that might have had bed bugs, how do I protect myself?

Don’t bring your stuff back into the house with you until you deal with it. Put your clothes and any other item that can stand the heat through a full cycle of the dryer. Wrap up luggage in a trash bag and tie the top so none can escape and store outside if possible. If it is summer, put the luggage in a tied trash bag out in the sun for a day or two; it should get hot enough to kill them, or buy a suitcase heater and use that.

Does a dirty house bring bed bugs?

Bed bugs are attracted to people, not dirt or clutter. Having clutter will not make bed bugs come, but it will make it much tougher to treat for them.

Will bed bugs live on my pet?

Bed bugs prefer humans, but they will feed on other animals and pets if they have access to them. If you have pets, make sure to bathe them after a bed bug treatment, and make sure their beds or kennels are treated as well.

How do you get bed bugs anyway?

Bed bugs normally arrive by hitchhiking. They don’t live outside. They are usually brought into the area by guests, family members, friends, or on used furniture or belongings. You can pick them up at any public place, from restaurants to buses to doctor offices.

How long do bed bugs live?

Bed bugs can live up to a year without feeding. So unless you move out for a year, they aren’t going to die.

What if I get bed bugs again?

Call us immediately! If you act fast, before they have time to spread, it will be cheaper than having to treat the whole house.

How do I inspect for bed bugs?

Get a strong flashlight and remove your sheets and blankets. Look for any signs of blood or small dots (fecal matter) on the sheets and bedding. Look along the seams and edges of mattresses and the frame and headboard. Pick up the mattress and look underneath, as well as under the edge of the box spring. If inspecting furniture, look in the seams and cracks, along zippers, and under the edges of couches and chairs. Their fecal matter looks like you took a Sharpie and put the tip on the fabric for a moment, and the ink slightly spread out. It will often look like little stars in fabric. It cannot be rubbed off; it will be embedded. It can be seen on unfinished wood, as well as on painted surfaces.

Can I stay in the house or apartment while you are spraying?

No. For most spray treatments, you are required to be out of the house or the apartment for four hours. This allows time for the product to dry. Once the spray is dried, it is safe for all pets, kids, and ourselves.

I have a cat or dog. What can I do with these?

The best-case scenario is to put your dogs or your cats in a carrier and take them out of the treated area. If that is unable to be done, then in some scenarios, if we do not have to treat the bathroom, then you can put the animals in the bathroom, and we will treat all the other rooms. They will need to be in there during the 4 hours that it takes for our product to dry, and then once all the product is dried, it’s safe for animals, kids, and pets to return into the room.

I have a wheelchair, what do I do with that?

Wheelchairs and walkers are common failure points due to being overlooked. The best thing is, if you have a backup wheelchair or walker to use that and leave the primary wheelchair or walker behind to allow us to treat it. Once the product dries, it will be safe to use again.

I have fish in a tank, what should I do with that?

All fish tanks should be turned off and covered temporarily so none of the product which gets airborne gets sucked into the fish tank. As long as the fish tanks are covered and the pumps are turned off, the fish will be fine. Allow the product to dry for four hours. After that, it is safe for animals, kids, and pets to return to the treated area.

Preparing for Your Bed Bug Treatment

Preparation is the most important part of any bed bug treatment. Clutter is our biggest enemy, as it provides numerous hiding places and can create bridges that allow bed bugs to bypass treatment areas. The more organized your home is, the more effective and efficient our treatment will be.

Clothing and Linens:

All clothing should be picked up, put away, and organized. Everything needs to have a designated place. We cannot have clothing on the floor because it can be placed over the treatment, creating a bridge for bed bugs to reach you without walking across the spray. Clothing can be neatly hung in closets, stacked on shelves, or placed in dresser drawers. If you have extra clothing you can eliminate, now is a good time to do so. Never donate anything that has been exposed to bed bugs, as this can spread the infestation to others. For any clean clothes, running them through a hot dryer cycle for at least 30 minutes will kill any live bed bugs or eggs. Dirty clothes should be washed and dried on high heat before being put away.

Stuffed Animals and Soft Items:

If possible, reduce the number of stuffed animals. For those you keep, run them through a dryer on hot heat to eliminate any live activity. They should not be kept on beds or chairs where treatment is applied. If you have an organized section for them elsewhere in the room, that is acceptable, but they cannot touch the bedding or chairs used for treatment. Never donate stuffed animals; throw them away to avoid passing on the problem.

Items Under the Bed:

We want to remove all items from underneath the bed. This area provides additional hiding spots for bed bugs and often serves as a bridge for them to reach you without crossing the treated areas. Vacuuming under the bed before treatment is also beneficial.

Curtains and Wall Hangings:

It is recommended to remove as many curtains as possible, as bed bugs love to live on them. If curtains touch the back of beds, chairs, or couches, they create a bridge. If curtains must remain, pin them to the window frame so they do not touch furniture. Posters and pictures on walls are generally acceptable if they do not touch bedding or furniture. Bed bugs will have to travel down the wall and across the floor to reach furniture, crossing treated areas.

Closets:

For spray treatments, items can remain in closets, but decluttering is highly recommended. Reduce items on the closet floor as much as possible. We will spray the door trim around every closet, so bed bugs will encounter the treatment upon exiting. Ensure no items are placed on top of the sprayed areas.

Desks and Paper Clutter:

Paper clutter, such as envelopes and old bills, provides extra hiding places for bed bugs. Reduce this clutter as much as possible. Throw away what can be discarded; never donate.

Shoes:

Shoes stored under the bed must be organized and put away elsewhere. If desired, you can spray the insides and outsides with alcohol. The key is organization so we can predict where bed bugs will crawl. Nothing should be under the bed or close to it.

Headboards and Shelving:

If your headboard has shelves or storage areas, remove all belongings. Bed bugs love to hide in these spaces. Store items elsewhere or discard them. Do not store extra items on the headboard, as they can create a bridge for bed bugs.

Cloth Headboards:

Ensure cloth headboards are not touching the walls behind them. Vacuum them before treatment, but do not spray any products on them after our treatment, as this can interfere with our product’s effectiveness.

Limited Space and Overwhelming Clutter:

Clutter is our enemy. Reduce the amount of stuff in your bedroom significantly. Push any extra clutter away from the bed and organize it against the walls. We may use blue contractor’s tape to visually outline where clutter can be placed. Ensure no items are placed on the tape, as this creates a bridge for bed bugs. If we are diligent about keeping clutter away from the bed and the bed is an “island” not touching anything, we can be successful. This may extend the treatment timeline to 60-90 days. Anything removed from the infested area must be kept out of the house for a year, as bed bugs can live that long without feeding.

Toys in Children's Bedrooms:

All toys need to be picked up, organized, and put away. This removes potential bridges for bed bugs. Reduce the amount of clutter by throwing away unused toys. Whatever you keep must be put away by night, as bed bugs are typically nocturnal.

Throw Pillows and Couch Cushions:

Reduce the number of throw pillows to the bare minimum. Additional items like pillows provide more hiding places for bed bugs.

Wheelchairs and Walkers:

If you have a backup wheelchair or walker, use that during treatment and leave the primary one to be treated.

Fish Tanks:

Turn off fish tank pumps and cover the tanks temporarily to prevent any airborne product from entering.

Contact Us

If you have a bed bug problem, give us a call today! Schedule your free and discreet in-home inspection below or call 913-735-5451.

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