Bed bugs are persistent pests that can invade even the cleanest homes. If you’ve scheduled a bed bug service with Kona Coast Pest Control, congratulations on taking the first step toward a pest-free* home! To ensure a smooth and effective bed bug treatment, it’s essential to prepare your space adequately. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to prepare for a bed bug service, ensuring the process is efficient and delivers long-lasting results.

Pre-Bed Bug Treatment To-Do Checklist

The following items are required for us to perform the service so please take care to read through our checklist thoroughly:

Wash & Dry Bedding: Launder all clothing, bed sheets, blankets, and pillowcases on HOT settings. Drying on high for a minimum of 30 minutes is crucial for killing bed bugs.
Dry Non-Washable Items: Place shoes, pillows, curtains, jackets, small rugs, and non-electronic plush toys in the dryer on high for at least 30 minutes. Avoid overloading the dryer for optimal heat distribution.
Home Cleaning: Clean and organize your home, allowing access to all walls, closets, and furniture. Clear shelves and cabinets. Dispose of unnecessary items.
Storage: Immediately store cleaned items in plastic bags away from the treated area. Avoid using cardboard boxes, as bed bugs can hide and lay eggs in the creases.
Floor Maintenance: Vacuum and wash floors and carpets, paying attention to crevices between walls and floors. Dispose of vacuum bags immediately.
Avoid DIY Products: Do not use bug bombs or store-bought foggers for bed bugs, as they only treat surface areas and may exacerbate the problem.
Furniture Arrangement: Move all furniture at least 18 inches away from walls to facilitate thorough treatment.
Plush Items: Ensure rooms are free of plush toys and pillows, laundering them before treatment.
Picture Frames: Remove and clean or treat picture frames on the walls.
Fish Tank Precautions: If you own a fish tank, cover it completely with a towel or plastic, as fish are sensitive to chemicals.
Evacuation: Remove all people and pets from the home before treatment. Do not re-enter the treated area for at least 4 hours after the treatment is completed.

Tips to Prevent Future Bed Bug Infestations

If you’ve dealt with a bed bug infestation before, you know how difficult it is to eliminate them. Here are a few tips on what you can do to hopefully avoid a bed bug infestation:

Mindful Furniture Purchases: Exercise caution when buying furniture; thoroughly inspect items before bringing them into your home. Avoid picking up discarded items, such as mattresses, furniture, shoes, or clothing, as they may harbor bed bugs.
Travel Smart: When traveling, store belongings on shelves and use hangers. Avoid leaving items on beds or floors, reducing the risk of bed bugs hitching a ride.
Wicker Furniture Caution: Refrain from keeping wicker furniture, as its intricate design can offer countless hiding spots for bed bugs.
Protective Bedding: Invest in bed bug-proof protective covers for all mattresses and box springs, including hide-away beds. These covers act as a barrier, preventing bed bugs from infiltrating your sleeping space.

Say Bye to Bed Bugs With Kona Coast Pest Control

Preparing for a bed bug service is a crucial aspect of the pest control process. By following these steps, you contribute to the effectiveness of the treatment and increase the likelihood of eliminating bed bugs from your home.

If you have any questions or concerns about preparing for your bed bug service, don’t hesitate to reach out to Kona Coast Pest Control. Our team is here to guide you through the process and ensure a pest-free* living environment.