What To Do Before Exterminator Comes For Bed Bugs?

Bed bugs are one of the most unpleasant pests that can invade your home. They are notoriously difficult to get rid of, and often require the services of a professional exterminator. If you have scheduled an appointment with an exterminator to treat your home for bed bugs, there are a few things you can do to prepare. Here’s what you should do before the exterminator comes for bed bugs.

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Confirm the appointment and make arrangements

Before the exterminator arrives, it’s essential to confirm the appointment and make any necessary arrangements. Make sure to double-check the date and time of the appointment, and confirm whether you need to be present during the treatment. If you have pets, it’s a good idea to make arrangements to have them out of the house during the treatment, as the chemicals used can be harmful to animals.

Declutter and tidy up

Bed bugs can hide in clutter and piles of clothes, so it’s important to declutter and tidy up before the exterminator arrives. Remove any unnecessary clutter, such as piles of magazines or newspapers, and organize any items that are scattered around the room. Make sure to vacuum the floors and baseboards, as this will help to eliminate any bed bugs or eggs that may be hiding there.

Launder bedding and clothing

Bed bugs can hide in bedding and clothing, so it’s essential to launder all of your bedding and clothing before the exterminator arrives. Wash your bedding, including sheets, pillowcases, and comforters, in hot water and dry them on high heat. The heat will kill any bed bugs or eggs that may be hiding in the fabric. It’s also a good idea to launder any clothing that may have come into contact with bed bugs, such as clothes that were stored in an infested area.

Move furniture away from walls

Bed bugs like to hide in cracks and crevices, so it’s important to move your furniture away from the walls before the exterminator arrives. This will give the exterminator access to the baseboards and other areas where bed bugs may be hiding. If you have any heavy furniture that you can’t move, make sure to let the exterminator know so they can work around it.

Seal up cracks and crevices

Bed bugs can hide in cracks and crevices, so it’s important to seal up any openings before the exterminator arrives. Use caulk or another sealant to fill in any gaps around baseboards, windows, and door frames. This will help to eliminate any hiding places for bed bugs and prevent them from re-infesting your home after the treatment.

Prepare to vacate the home

Depending on the type of treatment that the exterminator will be using, you may need to vacate the home for a period of time. If this is the case, make sure to pack a bag with any essential items you may need, such as medications or toiletries. Make arrangements to stay with a friend or family member, or book a hotel room for the duration of the treatment.

In conclusion, preparing for an exterminator to treat your home for bed bugs can be a daunting task, but it’s essential to ensure that the treatment is effective. By confirming the appointment and making arrangements, decluttering and tidying up, laundering bedding and clothing, moving furniture away from walls, sealing up cracks and crevices, and preparing to vacate the home if necessary, you can help to ensure that the treatment is successful and that your home is bed bug-free.