PRE-TREATMENT PROCEDURES

Before a Chemical Treatment:

• Reduce all clutter—discard trash, loose papers, and empty boxes.
• Take down pictures, wall hangings and decorations off the walls. Remove plate covers from electrical outlets and switches.
• Pull carpet away from wall edges, baseboards, and loosen from the carpet tacks.
• Remove mattress and box springs from bed frames to expose bed bug hiding places.
• Remove drawers from desks and dressers and turn furniture over.
• Thoroughly clean infected rooms. Scrub surfaces with a stiff brush to dislodge eggs.
• Vacuum areas of bed bug infestation and harborage using an attachment. Do baseboards, nearby furniture, bed stands, railings, headboards, footboards, picture frames, wall hangings, wall decorations, and the entire mattress and boxsprings. Go along the edges of the carpet and tack strip. These are the key areas to remove particles and allow greater insecticide penetration.
• After vacuuming, discard the bag by sealing it in a plastic bag and removing from the premises.
• Wash infested garments and bed linens in HOT water and detergent- -120° minimum. These items cannot be treated with insecticides. If washing is not practical, sometimes placing them in a dryer and heating on the hottest setting for 40-60 minutes may work.
• Items that are bagged (such as clothing) must be thoroughly inspected for infestation BEFORE bagging.
• Caulk cracks and crevices on the exterior of the building, and repair or screen openings to prevent birds, bats, and rodents from access. They may be hosts for more bed bugs!