Bed Bug Preparation Checklist

Terminix Wil-Kil Pest Control has been contacted to treat your residence for bed bugs using pesticides. Our service technicians need your full cooperation to control these pests. 

For a successful bed bug treatment, we do ask for a few simple steps to be completed prior to the scheduled service. This low preparation model still requires high cooperation.

DIFFERENT TYPES OF BED BUG TREATMENT

Our approach is rooted in years of expertise, using proven techniques and tools to ensure that every stage of the bed bug life cycle is targeted. Here’s a closer look at the core methods we use to combat bed bug infestations:

CONVENTIONAL TREATMENT

We provide effective, long-lasting conventional bed bug treatments, using tried-and-true methods to ensure complete eradication. Our approach includes:

• Chemical Treatments – We apply insecticides to key areas like mattresses, baseboards, and furniture, targeting bed bugs in all life stages. Chemical treatments are one of the most widely used methods for dealing with bed bugs, and for good reason. 

At Terminix Wil-Kil, we use specially formulated, EPA-approved insecticides that are both safe for your home and highly effective against bed bugs. 

• Residual Insecticides – We also use residual insecticides that create a long-lasting barrier. These products continue to work over time, killing bed bugs that come into contact with treated surfaces long after the initial application. This extended protection is key in ensuring that any newly hatched bed bugs are eliminated before they can spread.

• Dust Insecticides – For hard-to-reach spots like wall voids, we use dust to target hidden bed bugs. These fine powders penetrate deep into cracks and crevices, effectively targeting hidden bed bugs. The dust remains active for an extended period, ensuring that any bed bugs that come into contact with it are killed. This method is particularly useful for treating areas where liquid treatments may not be practical.

• Mattress Encasements – As part of a comprehensive treatment plan, we often recommend using mattress and box spring encasements. 

These protective covers trap bed bugs inside and prevent new infestations from establishing in your bedding. Encasements are a valuable addition to chemical treatments, ensuring that your bed remains a safe zone during and after the treatment process. 

We also recommend encasing mattresses and box springs to trap and prevent infestations in bedding.

• Vacuuming & Removal – While chemical treatments are the backbone of our conventional approach, physical removal of bed bugs is also essential in some cases. Our team uses high-powered vacuums to remove live bed bugs from mattresses, furniture, and other infested areas. 

This step reduces the bed bug population before applying chemicals and is especially useful in severe infestations. In certain cases, we may also recommend disposing of heavily infested items, such as old mattresses or furniture that can’t be effectively treated.

• Follow-Up Inspections – Effective bed bug control often requires more than just a single treatment. Terminix Wil-Kil provides follow-up inspections to ensure that the infestation is fully eradicated. 

We use specialized tools and monitoring devices to detect any signs of lingering bed bugs. If necessary, we’ll perform additional treatments to address any remaining pests, ensuring your home remains bed bug-free.

HEAT TREATMENT

Heat treatment for bed bugs is highly effective – especially for bigger areas. Bed bugs cannot survive high temperatures, making heat a powerful tool to eradicate them. Our technicians raise the temperature in your home to levels that kill all life stages of bed bugs, from eggs to adults, without using chemicals. This method is quick, often completed in a single day, and doesn’t require repeat treatments.

Learn more about Terminix Wil-Kil’s bed bug heat treatments here.

HOW TO PREPARE FOR A BED BUG TREATMENT

Getting ready for a bed bug treatment is crucial for its effectiveness. Follow these steps carefully to ensure a successful service.

BEFORE THE INITIAL SERVICE

• DO NOT remove any items (mattresses/furniture) from the home. It is important that you leave all items in place to reduce the risk of spreading the infestation to other rooms, hallways, or adjoining residences.
• DO NOT use or apply any type of over-the-counter products or pesticides anywhere inside the residence.
• DO NOT place clothing into trash bags. All clothing in drawers and closets may be left in place.
• DO, prepare a washed and dried change of clothing to wear the day of the treatment. Leave your home with as little as possible. Purses, handbags, backpacks, and briefcases should remain inside the residence for the treatment.
• DO, be ready to leave your residence at the posted time. All residents and animals will need to be gone for the duration of the treatment.
• DO, avoid visiting any other residences or common areas in the building until after the treatment is completed.
• DO, clean up the entire residence. We will not proceed with the treatment with any of the following present in the residence: trash, left out or spoiled food, pet waste, or any other unsanitary items.

Following the initial service, we will be asking for the following steps to be taken. Additional steps that are specific to your residence will be noted and provided to you. Any directions asked to be done after the initial service should be done immediately upon your arrival back home.

HOW TO PREPARE SHEETS & OTHER TEXTILES PRIOR TO BED BUG TREATMENT?

Here’s how to make sure you prepare your sheets and textiles before we come to treat your space.

• DO launder all bed linens, sheets, pillowcases, and blankets using hot water and a high-heat dryer cycle.
• DO wash other textiles, like curtains and cushion covers, using the same method.
• DO NOT put clean linens back on the bed until the treatment is completed.

AFTER THE INITIAL SERVICE

After your bed bug treatment, it’s important to take specific steps to ensure the effectiveness of the service and prevent any potential re-infestation in your home. Follow these guidelines closely to maintain a bed bug-free home and monitor for any signs of activity.

AFTER RESIDENTIAL TREATMENT

• Vacuum thoroughly. You may see dead bed bugs, this is normal and a sign the treatment is working. Be sure to thoroughly vacuum the entire home, paying extra attention to areas where bed bugs were most active.
• The only untreated items are the ones you took with you during the treatment. Items such as clothes, coats, backpacks, and bags should be placed in a dryer on high heat for at least 20 minutes to eliminate any potential bed bugs.
• Wash and dry all bed sheets, blankets, liners, and pillowcases that were on the bed during treatment using high heat. Our technicians may have bagged these items to contain bed bugs.
• Vacuum your vehicles. Since we cannot treat the inside of cars, we recommend vacuuming the seats, floor, and trunk thoroughly to eliminate any bed bugs that may have been transported.
• Conduct weekly visual inspections of previously infested areas to monitor for any signs of bed bug activity. If you see any live bed bugs, capture and document them, and contact us immediately.
• Consider your daily habits and places you visit. Bed bugs may have been introduced to your home from places you frequent, such as work, babysitters, or friends’ and family members’ homes. If the infestation came from one of these locations, re-infestation is possible, so it’s important to be vigilant and proactive.

HOW TO CLEAN YOUR HOME AFTER BED BUG TREATMENT

Alongside keeping your home clean and tidy post-treatment, ensure you dispose of vacuum bags immediately in a sealed plastic bag to prevent spreading bed bugs.

We suggest you avoid mopping or scrubbing treated surfaces for at least two weeks to allow the residual insecticides to remain effective.

DO YOU NEED TO WASH CLOTHING AND TEXTILES FOLLOWING BED BUG TREATMENT?

Any clothing or textiles left outside the treated area should be washed and dried using high heat to kill any potential bed bugs. Items left in closets or drawers during the treatment typically don’t need to be washed unless instructed otherwise by the technician.

AFTER COMMERCIAL TREATMENT

After a bed bug treatment in your commercial setting, implement the following guidelines to maintain a pest-free environment and ensure all infested areas are effectively addressed:

• Conduct a Thorough Inspection:
  Regularly check treated areas for any signs of remaining bed bugs, including live insects, shed skins, or eggs.
• Implement a Monitoring Program:
  Use bed bug monitors or traps in high-risk areas, such as break rooms and employee lockers, to detect re-infestations quickly.
• Communicate with Staff:
  Educate employees about the signs of bed bugs and encourage immediate reporting of any sightings to ensure swift action.
• Maintain Cleanliness:
  Regularly clean and sanitize common areas, offices, and storage spaces to minimize potential hiding spots for bed bugs.
• Monitor High-Traffic Areas:
  Pay close attention to frequently visited locations, such as waiting rooms and break areas, as these are more susceptible to bed bug introductions.
• Review Your Policies:
  Update pest management policies to include routine inspections and treatments as part of regular maintenance.
• Encourage Responsible Practices:
  Remind employees to inspect personal items, like bags and coats, before bringing them into the workplace to prevent introductions.

HOW LONG BEFORE IT’S SAFE TO ENTER A ROOM FOLLOWING BED BUG TREATMENT?

Rooms can typically be used again once the treatment is complete and it’s safe for residents and employees to return. This usually takes a few hours, depending on the treatment method used.

Be sure to follow any specific re-entry instructions provided by the technician, especially regarding sensitive areas or equipment.

DOWNLOAD OUR HANDY BED BUG PREPARATION CHECKLIST PDF

Stay prepared and make the treatment process smoother by downloading our bed bug preparation checklist. 

This easy-to-follow guide will ensure that you complete all the necessary steps before and after your bed bug treatment for the best results. Click below to get your copy!