Bed bugs have long had a reputation of inhabiting homes with poor sanitation. That’s just not true.
The reality is that bed bugs will infest even the cleanest homes and other properties. While cluttered spaces give bed bugs plenty of places to hide and feast, bed bugs are very adaptable and can infest just about any type of space when conditions are right.
If you suspect that your home might have a bed bug infestation, don’t panic. Treatments are quick and easy and can help you reclaim your home in no time.
But while the treatment may be fast and effective, you will need to put in a little work before the professionals arrive at your home.
Keep reading to learn what you need to do to prepare for your bed bug removal Missoula.
Take Care of Your Linens
The first step to preparing for bed bug treatment is to clean all the linens in your home.
As the name suggests, one area that bed bugs infest is your beds. Your bed bug prep should include stripping all sheets, blankets, mattress protectors, and comforters from your beds and wash them in hot water with soap. You want to wash them at the highest temperature the fabric can handle without being ruined.
You’ll also want to keep your linens in sealed plastic bags or bins and out of your home until after the treatment is complete. They can also be placed in an area of the home that won’t be treated such as your garage.
Other linens that you’ll want to consider washing and keeping out of your home are your towels, curtains, stuffed animals, and dust ruffles.
Any fabric that provides a warm, dark spot for bed bugs to hide should be thoroughly cleaned to eliminate any critters. If home washing is not possible, take items to a dry cleaner.
Wash All of Your Clothing
Your bed linens aren’t the only fabric that can harbor bed bugs. Your clothing is also a great spot for them to hide and hitch rides into other homes here in Missoula.
If you want to make sure that you get rid of every bug, you need to wash all your clothing. This includes every dirty sock off your floor and those old outfits hiding in the very back of your closet.
To tackle them all without re-infecting your home, place your clothing in sealed bags and take it to a laundromat where you can wash everything at once. Make sure that you use plenty of detergent and wash your clothing in the hottest water possible without ruining items.
Consider Replacing Old Mattresses, Pillows, and Cushions
If you know that you have bed bugs present, you might have already noticed the tell-tale reddish-brown stains on your mattress. These are caused by bed bugs getting crushed beneath you as you sleep.
For newer mattresses, simply stripping your linens and washing them will eliminate many of the bed bugs and stains. When performing bed bug removal Missoula, our experts will then separate the components (mattress, box springs, etc.) and treat them thoroughly with your chosen extermination method.
But if your mattresses, couch cushions, or pillows are ripped, torn, or otherwise worn-out, you may have bed bugs hiding inside. Getting rid of bed bugs hidden deep within your mattress is a significant challenge.
If you have holes or tears in your mattresses or furniture, the best thing you can do is bag them carefully and throw them away.
We realize that disposing of furniture can be a burden on your finances, so if items absolutely cannot be replaced, we can discuss options like encasements for mattresses and the possibility of follow-up treatments if bed bugs resurface.
Empty Closets and Drawers
If you want to make sure that your bed bug removal treatment is effective, you need to do everything you can to prepare your home for the treatment method.
One smart tip for preparing for the bed bug exterminator is to completely empty out your drawers and closets and wash items as we mentioned above.
Both places are dark and warm, and perfect spots for bed bugs to hide. Emptying both spaces will allow the exterminator to more effectively target the bed bugs to make sure that none get left behind!
Finding spaces to put all your belongings can be a challenge. You can place your belongings on any non-carpeted surfaces, such as countertops, on hardwood floors, or even in your shower or bathtub.
You can also pack your belongings into a shed or garage until the extermination is complete.
Move Furniture Away from Walls
After you’ve cleared your closets and drawers, take a few moments to move all the furniture in your home away from the walls.
For bed bug removal Missoula, this will allow your exterminator to get in every corner of your rooms to make sure that no spots where bugs may be hiding are missed.
You don’t need to move furniture out or even move it very far. Just move it enough that a person can walk between the furniture and the walls to complete your bed bug treatment. About 2 feet will work just fine.
Find a Place to Go
Now that your bed bug preparation is complete, there are a few more things that you’ll need to take care of.
One big one is finding somewhere for yourself and your family to go during the treatment and for at least 4 hours after. Once we decide on a bed bug treatment option with you, we can give you a better idea of the timeframe.
The only exception is our Cryonite treatment which is completely non-toxic and safe for occupation immediately after. You’ll just need to leave your house long enough for the treatment to be performed. If you need bed bug removal Missoula, we can discuss this option.
If you’ve been stressing out about the fact that your home has bed bugs, this can be a great opportunity to get out and de-stress. Enjoy a fun outing to a park or a delicious meal with your family to celebrate your newly bed bug-free home!
Get Your Pets Out, Too
Don’t forget about Fido!
If you have pets in your home, you’ll also need to get them out while the treatment is being performed.
If you don’t want to take them with you while you and your family are out and about for a few hours, you can always look into local doggy daycare or pet boarding facilities that will care for them during that time.
Preparing for Bed Bug Removal Missoula
Now that you know all the tasks that should be on your bed bug prep sheet, it’s time to prepare to get your home bed bug-free!
Contact us today to see how our bed bug removal Missoula can help you reclaim your home and your health fast!
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