Home > Preparation Checklist - Bed Bug Treatments
Preparation Checklist for Bed Bug Treatments
Vacuuming
- Thoroughly vacuum all carpeted areas in every room.
- Use your vacuum’s hose and attachments to vacuum:
- Mattresses, box springs, and bed frames
- Sofas and chairs, including underneath
- Dressers, desks, and desk drawers
- Behind pictures and curtains
- Focus especially on cracks and crevices where bed bugs hide.
- After vacuuming, immediately remove and seal the vacuum bag in a plastic trash bag, then dispose of it in an exterior trash bin or dumpster.
- For bagless vacuums: empty the canister, rinse it with water, and wipe it dry with a paper towel.
Laundry
Clothing and other fabric items must be sorted and bagged into three categories: clean, dirty, and dry clean only.
Step 1: Sorting & Bagging
- Place all clothing, including hanging and folded items, into separate airtight plastic bags.
- Inspect other fabric items (stuffed animals, blankets, bedding, curtains, etc.) and bag them accordingly.
Step 2: Washing & Drying
- Take all non-dry-clean-only bags to the laundry area.
- Empty clean clothes/items directly into the dryer and run it on the highest heat setting for 30 minutes (heat kills bed bugs and eggs).
- Wash dirty clothing/items using the highest recommended setting on the tag.
- For dry-clean-only items, contact a dry cleaner in advance for recommendations.
- Immediately dispose of empty trash bags outside once emptied.
Step 3: Sealing & Storage
- After drying, immediately place clothing/items into a new airtight plastic bag or sealed container.
- Keep all sealed items bagged during treatment. When accessing clothing/items, immediately reseal the bags to prevent reinfestation.
Food Items
- All food must be stored in sealed containers, cupboards, or the refrigerator before treatment.
- No food items should be left exposed during service.
Other Preparations
- Furniture should be pulled away from walls.
- Shelving, cabinets, nightstands, and desks must be emptied to allow treatment access.
- Mattresses and box springs should be stripped of all linens.
- Floors and perimeter areas must be clear of clutter, including books, storage boxes, and miscellaneous items.
Please Note
- Some mattresses, box springs, and furniture may need to be discarded if deemed untreatable (e.g., heavily infested or soiled items). We will notify you if this is necessary.
- For commercial locations: We will report any concerns to on-site management. Before disposing of furniture, consult us for secure disposal guidelines.
- We will treat all mattresses, box springs, bed frames, and affected areas with pesticides labeled for bed bugs.
*** IMPORTANT: Occupant & Pet Safety ***
ALL PEOPLE AND PETS MUST VACATE THE PREMISES DURING TREATMENT AND REMAIN OUT FOR AT LEAST 4 HOURS AFTERWARD.
No Guarantee
Bed bug treatments are not guaranteed. Bed bugs are excellent hitchhikers and are typically introduced into a home through infested items rather than entering from the outside like other pests. Because reintroduction is always possible, we cannot guarantee complete elimination. However, following this preparation checklist and scheduling follow-up treatments will significantly improve the effectiveness of the service.
Regal Pest Control is not responsible for reinfestation due to the introduction of new bed bugs into the property after treatment. Customers should take preventative measures, such as inspecting secondhand furniture, avoiding placing bags or luggage on beds or floors when traveling, and regularly monitoring for signs of bed bugs.
Follow Up Treatments
We strongly recommend two follow-up treatments to ensure effectiveness. These treatments should be scheduled 14 to 21 days apart to address bed bug eggs that may hatch after the initial service.
Chemical Sensitivity Disclaimer
If any occupants of the structure(s) or adjacent buildings are sensitive to pesticides or have been advised of such sensitivity by a healthcare provider, they must notify Regal Pest Control, LLC in writing before treatment. Regal Pest Control, LLC may deny or terminate service upon receiving this notification. Failure to provide notice assumes risk and waives claims against Regal Pest Control, LLC related to chemical sensitivity.
Limitation of Liability
Regal Pest Control will not be responsible for the following:
- Expenses related to the replacement of linen, upholstery, furniture, mattress, soiling, or any other damages or related costs due to the services.
- Expenses related to medical evaluation or treatment for bites associated with bed bugs.
- Damages or expenses for any claim of personal injury related to an infestation of bed bugs.
- Loss of income claimed to be related to any bed bug bites or associated illnesses.