preparing for
​bed bug heat treatment

GUIDE TO PREPARING FOR HEAT TREATMENT
Before the heating equipment arrives at your home or other location, you should prepare the treatment area as shown below.  You should leave everything inside except for listed heat sensitive items and any garbage that is removed in sealed bags.  These are industry best practices and will aid in a successful heat treatment.
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1. PESTICIDES:  Do not use any pesticide foggers, bombs, sprays or dusts just prior to treatment

2. PREMISES PREP:  Eliminate all areas of possible heat loss: 

• Close and cover A/C vents, bathroom exhaust fans
• Cover older windows with insulated blankets (available upon request)
• Vacuum all Diatomaceous Earth powder previously used 
• Single Room Treatment:  Place a bath towel under the door to prevent heat escape  

3. DE-CLUTTER:  Disturb the room as little as possible, but organize any excessively cluttered areas that will make it difficult for heat to circulate, creating possible ‘cold spots.’ Consider separating stacked boxes, loose paperwork should be weighted down, etc.  Unless you are throwing something away, it should stay in the treatment area or you could reintroduce bed bugs back into the space.  Anything thrown away should be done in tied heavy duty or doubled up garbage bags before taking it from the room.   ​

4. CLOTHING/BLANKETS/TOWELS: 

• It is recommended (but not required) that all clothes and linens be washed and dried on high heat at a laundromat during treatment
• It is okay to leave sheets on the bed to be laundered afterwards
• Leave clothes hanging in closet (but not over stuffed- remove some if necessary)
• Thin out clothes in your dresser so they are not overstuffed (especially jeans)
• All excessive piles of clothes/sheets should be loosely placed into open-weave laundry baskets or garbage bags, left in treatment area, then washed/dried immediately following treatment
• During treatment, you will likely “toss” all your linens to allow maximum heat penetration​ (similar to how a dryer tumbles)

​5. FURNITURE PREP:

• Lightly pull all furniture away from the walls 4-6 inches
• Dresser drawers, desk/nightstand drawers should be left opened in a staggered position to allow heat to penetrate all areas inside 
• Place a drawer or other item between the mattress and box spring to separate and prop them up so heat can more easily penetrate
• Chair and couch cushions should be removed and stood on edge, leg rest areas extended
• Sleeper sofas must be pulled out
• Water / Air beds should be drained

6. ELECTRONICS:

• Unplug everything except for the refrigerator
• Leave all electronics in your home during treatment as bed bugs can easily hide in them.  This includes TV’s, computers, monitors, alarm clocks, CD’s, DVD’s, etc.
• Do not turn on electronics until they return to normal temperatures!

 
7. SUITCASES:

• Empty and leave all suitcases, back-packs, purses and briefcases inside treatment area.  These are high risk for bed bug infestation and should be empty for effective treatment

 
8. PETS, PLANTS & AQUARIUMS:

• ALL living things must leave treatment area!  However, kennels, pet bedding and carriers should be left behind

9. PAPERS, BOOKS, MAGAZINES, LOOSE ARTICLES:

• Loose papers and light objects that could be blown away by stiff wind should be weighted down
• Loose posters, paper calendars or other pictures hanging on the wall could blow down if not removed.  Heavier framed pieces should not be affected

​10. MISCELLANEOUS:

• Vacuum all powders, dust and pet hair as it can damage equipment (like Diatomaceous Earth)
• Air flow is critical, so any area heavily overstuffed (closets, dresser drawers, stacks of boxes, etc) will limit the effectiveness of heat treatment and should be rectified. Make sure there is ample space for air flow!
• Area rugs can usually remain on the floor, but consider rolling them up loosely for better heat penetration
• Some vinyl or faux wood blinds have rather low heat tolerance. They can be raised up or taken down/laid flat to avoid possible warping
• Concrete block, tile, brick, stone walls, high ceilings and having lots of furniture may require longer heat times and/or more equipment to properly saturate the area with 120°F heat

11. HEAT SENSITIVE ITEMS:

Bed bugs can lay their eggs anywhere so you should remove as little as possible from the infected rooms.  However, any consider individually inspecting and removing family heirlooms or other irreplaceable items like wedding albums or other unique treasures.  Smaller heat sensitive items can be placed into a heavy duty garbage bag or plastic container for individual inspection and disinfection. Use common sense to guide you here!
We are not responsible for any heating related damage to your personal belongings or the structure.

​Heat Sensitive Items Include:

• All living things (people, pets, plants)
• Fire extinguishers
• Aerosol cans: Hairspray, spray paint, shaving cream
• Combustibles: Butane lighters, lamp fuel, solvents, ammo
• Wax items: Crayons, candles, deodorant, lipstick
• Consumables: Medicine, vitamins, fresh fruit, vegetables, chocolates, carbonated beverages, wine, etc. 
• Oil paintings, photographs, musical instruments (leave the case), cassette tapes, printer ink cartridges, certain electronics (check with manufacturer)
• Other items not mentioned here

Fire Sprinkler Systems: 
It is the Customer’s sole responsibility to be knowledgeable of and protect any fire sprinkler systems and/or heat sensors located within the treatment area.  It is recommended all fire sprinklers be shut off and drained if possible.  Many systems will activate at 150°F. ​

12. RE-ENTRY PROCEDURE:

Things to be aware of upon your return home or entering the treatment area:

• Temperatures will be elevated!  Think hot car, sauna or attic in the summertime.  Turn off the heat and allow cool down to occur as naturally as possible. Open windows.  A/C can be turned on below 90°F.
• Have a newly laundered change of clothes and bed linens ready.
• Any clothes worn or taken with you should immediately washed and dried on high heat before being returned to the structure.

 
Important:  If you have visited family or friends while you have been infested, there is a possibility they have become infested too. We recommend they do an inspection.  Also, check your car! (but know that summer heat will typically kill them).

HEATING INSTRUCTIONS