If you’re dealing with a bed bug infestation, heat treatment can be an effective solution. However, it’s important to properly prepare your home and room before the treatment can begin. Follow these steps to ensure that the heat treatment is successful in eliminating the bed bugs.
Remove Clutter and Personal Items.
Before the heat treatment begins, it’s important to remove all clutter and personal items from the room being treated. This includes clothing, bedding, toys, and any other items that could be damaged by the high temperatures. Place these items in sealed plastic bags and move them to another room or area that will not be treated. This will ensure that the heat can reach all areas of the room and eliminate any bed bugs hiding in clutter or personal items.
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Live Pants
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Fresh Fruits/ Vegetables
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Wines/Liquors
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Oxygen Tanks
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Aerosol Containers
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Medicines / Vitamins
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Give yourself the power of responsibility.
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All Electronics must be unplugged
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Lighters & other combustible items
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Oil Paintings & Art work
Wash and Dry All Bedding and Clothing.
Before heat treatment, it’s important to wash and dry all bedding and clothing in the room being treated. Use the highest heat setting possible for both the washer and dryer, as bed bugs cannot survive in temperatures above 120°F. Once washed and dried, place these items in sealed plastic bags and move them to another room or area that will not be treated. This will ensure that any bed bugs hiding in the bedding or clothing are eliminated during the heat treatment process.
Vacuum and Clean the Room Thoroughly.
Before heat treatment, it’s important to thoroughly vacuum and clean the room being treated. This will help to remove any debris or clutter that could interfere with the heat treatment process. Pay special attention to areas where bed bugs are known to hide, such as cracks and crevices in furniture, baseboards, and carpeting. Use a stiff brush to dislodge any bed bugs or eggs that may be hiding in these areas. After vacuuming, dispose of the vacuum bag or empty the canister into a sealed plastic bag and dispose of it outside of the home.
Seal Cracks and Crevices.
One important step in preparing your home for heat treatment is to seal any cracks and crevices in the room being treated. This will help to prevent bed bugs from escaping or hiding in these areas during the treatment process. Use caulk or sealant to fill in any gaps or cracks in walls, baseboards, and furniture. You can also use weather stripping to seal gaps around windows and doors. Be sure to seal any areas where pipes or wires enter the room as well. This will help to ensure that the heat treatment is as effective as possible in eliminating bed bugs from your home.
Turn Off Smoke Detectors and Prepare for Treatment.
Before the heat treatment begins, it’s important to turn off all smoke detectors in the room being treated. The high temperatures used in heat treatment can trigger smoke detectors, causing them to go off unnecessarily. It’s also a good idea to remove any sensitive items from the room, such as electronics or artwork, as they may be damaged by the heat. Finally, make sure that all windows and doors are closed and locked to prevent anyone from accidentally entering the room during the treatment process. With these steps completed, your home will be ready for effective bed bug elimination through heat treatment.