How to prepare for bed bug treatment
A practical checklist for laundry, clearing space and what to avoid before and after bed bug treatment.
Good preparation helps treatment work. Cornell University says preparation usually takes about a week for a typical infestation, so start as soon as you book. This guide gives you a plan.
If you are not yet sure you have bed bugs, begin with the signs of bed bugs.
Quick checklist
- Wash and dry all bedding and clothing on high heat.
- Bag clean items in sealed plastic bags.
- Clear floors, closets and the space around the bed.
- Leave furniture where it is unless told otherwise.
- Do not use foggers or move items between rooms.
- Vacuum, then seal the contents in a bag.
- Tell your landlord in writing if you rent.
- Plan for pets and children while products are applied.
Laundry
Hot wash and dry
Health Canada lists washing and heating among the physical ways to control bed bugs. In practice, wash fabrics on the hottest setting they allow, then dry them on high heat. The dryer does the most work, so even items that cannot be washed hot may go in the dryer. Cold water alone will not do the job.
Bagging
Put clean, treated laundry straight into sealed plastic bags and keep them closed until treatment is finished. Carry dirty laundry to the machine in a bag too. Do not leave it on the floor, where bugs can climb in.
Clearing and access
Clutter
Bed bugs hide in clutter. Clear floors, nightstands and the space under and around the bed. Put items in sealed bags or bins, but do not move them to a clean room.
Beds and furniture
Strip the bed and take the bedding straight to the laundry. Pull furniture a little away from the wall so a technician can reach the edges. Remove items hanging from walls near the bed. Your technician will tell you if anything else needs to be moved.
What not to do
- Bug bombs and foggers. They can push bugs deeper into walls and into other rooms.
- Moving items between rooms. It can spread bugs to clean areas.
- Unregistered products. Health Canada says that if a label has no PCP registration number, do not buy or use it.
- Throwing furniture out in a panic. Cornell advises against replacing an infested mattress. If you do discard something, tell your neighbours and wrap it so bugs do not drop off in the hall.
During and after treatment
Vacuuming
Vacuum floors, mattress edges and furniture seams. Health Canada’s advice is to seal the used vacuum bag in a plastic bag and put it in a lidded outdoor bin. Do not vacuum right after products have been applied unless your technician says it is fine.
Encasements
A bed bug-proof mattress and box spring cover traps bugs inside and removes hiding places. Cornell notes that one kept on for about a year and a half can starve remaining bugs. Choose covers made for bed bugs, and check the zipper regularly.
Follow-up
Plan for a follow-up visit two to three weeks after the first. Eggs can survive a treatment, so a second visit catches new hatches. Keep notes on new bites or bugs, and tell your technician.
Renters: what to tell your landlord
Tell your landlord in writing and keep a copy. Include dates and photos of anything you found. Ask who is arranging treatment and when. Tenants are usually expected to prepare their unit as directed. Our bed bug treatment page explains how we work with owners and tenants.
In student and shared rentals, such as in Waterloo, neighbouring units may need attention too. We also serve Hamilton and many other Ontario cities. Read more about bed bugs.
Next step
Ready to get started? Send the free quote form or call us. You get price details or a call-back in under 30 minutes, and we help you plan the preparation steps.
Common questions
Should I throw out my mattress?
Usually not. Cornell University advises against replacing an infested mattress, since a new one will be infested too if the bugs remain. A bed bug-proof cover can help. Ask your technician before discarding anything, and never drag furniture through shared halls.
Can I use foggers?
No. Foggers and bug bombs can scatter bed bugs into new rooms and may not reach their hiding spots. They can also be a safety risk if used wrongly. Use only products with a PCP number, and leave the heavy work to a licensed professional.
What if I can't lift furniture?
Do not strain yourself. Tell us before the visit if you cannot move heavy items, or if you need help with laundry. We will explain what must be moved and what can stay. Asking a friend, family member or building staff for help is also fine.
How long until I can use my bed?
Your technician will tell you when surfaces are dry and safe, and that depends on the products and method used. Follow those instructions. Sleep in your own bed afterward unless advised otherwise, since moving rooms can spread bugs.
Will you move my belongings?
You are generally asked to prepare the space yourself, such as clearing floors and bagging laundry. We can explain what to do at the quote stage. Tell us if you have limited mobility, so we can plan around it.
Does my landlord have to pay?
In Ontario, landlords must keep rental units in a good state of repair, which includes dealing with pests. Tenants are usually expected to prepare as directed. Tell your landlord in writing and ask who arranges treatment. A tenant legal clinic can advise on your case.
Get a free quote
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