Preparation Checklist for Bed Bug Treatments

Clothing/items will fall into three categories. Clean, dirty and dry clean only.

Step 1 
Clothing – Place dirty clothing, dry clean only clothing and clean clothing in separate plastic trash bags (preferably drawstring) and either label the bags or place them in separate areas accordingly. All clothing throughout the home must be bagged up, including clothes that are hanging up and in drawers. All bags must be air-tight.   

Items – Inspect items (stuffed animals, blankets, bedding, curtains, etc.) to determine which are clean and dirty. Bag and label them accordingly.

Step 2
Take all of the bags (except the dry clean only ones) to the washer and dryer area/laundry room. Empty the clean clothes/items directly in the dryer and turn on the dryer for 30 minutes on the highest heat setting. Heat alone will kill bed bugs and their eggs. Place the dirty clothing/items in the washer on the setting recommended on the item’s tag.  For dry clean only items/clothing, contact a local dry cleaning business in advance to get their recommendation on how to proceed with those items/clothing. Immediately dispose of the trash bags on the outside of the home/business when items/clothing is placed in the washer and/or dryer. 

Remove the clothing/items from the dryer and immediately place them in a plastic trash bag (preferably drawstring) or similar air tight container.  

Clothing/items should remain sealed, in plastic trash bags during our treatment. When accessing the bags for clothing or items, immediately re-seal or tie up the bags to make them air-tight again. We understand that this process can be frustrating and is less than ideal, however, this is the only way to completely ensure that bed bugs aren’t getting into the dried clothing/items and potentially, back into areas of the home.