Apartment Bed Bug Heat Treatment Prep Checklist
Dealing with a bed bug infestation in your apartment can be a stressful experience. One of the most effective ways to eliminate bed bugs is through heat treatment. However, to ensure the success of the treatment, proper preparation is crucial.
Why Heat Treatment for Bed Bugs?
Heat treatment is a proven method for killing bed bugs at all life stages, including eggs, nymphs, and adults. By raising the temperature in your apartment to between 120°F and 140°F, bed bugs are eliminated without the use of chemicals. It's an eco-friendly and efficient solution, but to ensure success, preparation is essential.
Bed Bug Heat Treatment Prep Checklist
1. Remove Heat-Sensitive Items
Some items can be damaged by high temperatures. Before the heat treatment, remove or protect the following:
- Certain Sensitive Flat-Screen or Touch Screen Electronics: Laptops, computers, televisions, and other sensitive devices should be unplugged and placed in a safe location outside the treatment area. Older generation electronics like clock radios, radios and CD players should be unplugged but left in the treatment area as bed bugs may be living in the warmer interiors.
- Candles and Wax Items: Any wax-based items, such as candles and crayons, can melt during heat treatment and should be removed.
- Medications and Cosmetics: Heat can affect the potency of medications and the quality of certain cosmetics. Store these in a cool place.
- Art and Collectibles: Items like paintings, vinyl records, and delicate collectibles may be damaged by heat. Remove them from the apartment or store them in a heat-resistant container.
2. Prepare Furniture
Your furniture will be exposed to high temperatures, so it’s essential to prepare it properly:
- Move Furniture Away from Walls: Move all furniture at least 6 inches away from walls to allow for proper heat circulation and penetration.
- Open Drawers and Closets: Open all drawers, closets, and cabinets to ensure the heat can penetrate these areas fully. Remove tightly packed clothing from drawers to ensure heat penetration.
- Loosen Bedding: Strip beds of all sheets, blankets, and comforters, leaving only the mattress and box spring exposed for treatment. (NOTE: If DIY treatment wait until room temp is 120ºF and then prop mattress and box spring in an "A" configuration to ensure heat penetration from all sides. Be careful and quick to exit the room as soon as possible to avoid overexposure to heat.
- Remove Mattress Covers: If you have bed bug-proof encasements, remove them temporarily to ensure proper heat penetration.
3. Handle Clothing and Fabrics
Heat can effectively kill bed bugs hiding in clothing and fabrics, but some precautions should be taken:
- Launder Items: Wash and dry all clothing, bedding, and curtains on high heat. Store clean items in sealed bags or plastic containers until after treatment.
- Hang Clothing: If you leave clothing in closets, ensure there’s enough space between items for heat to circulate properly. You may also hang clothing on the backs of chairs to maximize exposure.
- Bag Sensitive Fabrics: If you own delicate fabrics like silk or velvet, remove them from the treatment area or protect them in heat-safe bags.
4. Secure Fragile Items
The heat treatment process can cause items to shift or fall due to fans moving high volume of air quickly, so it’s important to secure anything that could break or blow away:
- Remove Glassware: Store glassware, vases, and other breakable items in a safe location.
- Protect Fragile Décor: If you have fragile decorations or mirrors, consider removing them from walls and placing them in a secure location.
5. Take Care of Pets and Plants
Pets and plants cannot withstand the high temperatures used during heat treatment and should be removed from the apartment:
- Relocate Pets: Take pets, including cats, dogs, reptiles, and fish, to a friend’s house or a safe location outside the treatment area.
- Move Aquariums: If you have fish tanks, remove them entirely or ensure they’re placed in a cool, untreated area.
- Relocate Plants: Plants are highly susceptible to heat and should be moved out of the apartment during the treatment.
6. Unplug Appliances
To prevent any damage to appliances, be sure to unplug them before the heat treatment:
- Small Appliances: Unplug small kitchen appliances like toasters, microwaves, and coffee makers.
- Large Appliances: Ensure large appliances such as ovens, washers and dryers are unplugged as well. DO NOT UNPLUG REFRIGERATORS AND FREEZERS.
7. Clear the Area
- Vacuum Floors: Vacuum all carpets and floors before the heat treatment to remove debris, dust, and any bed bugs that may be visible. Discard the vacuum bag outside of the apartment immediately after use.
- Declutter: Remove unnecessary clutter from the apartment to allow better heat penetration and make it easier for the heat treatment techicians to move around.
8. Follow Additional Instructions from Professionals
Your pest control company may provide specific instructions based on your apartment’s layout and infestation level. Be sure to follow their guidelines closely to ensure the treatment is as effective as possible.
9. Post-Treatment Considerations
After the heat treatment is complete, there are a few important steps to take:
- Inspect Belongings: Once the treatment is over, inspect your belongings to ensure they have not been damaged by the heat.
- Rewash Delicate Items: If you removed any heat-sensitive items, consider rewashing or inspecting them before returning them to the apartment.
- Monitor for Activity: Even after treatment, it’s essential to monitor for any bed bug activity. Consider using bed bug interceptors or traps to ensure the infestation is fully eliminated.
Conclusion
Heat treatment is an effective way to eliminate bed bugs from your apartment, but proper preparation is key to its success. By following this comprehensive checklist, you can ensure your belongings are protected, and the treatment is as thorough as possible. With the right precautions, you can look forward to a bed bug-free apartment and a fresh start.