Bed Bugs Post-Treatment Guide

Here is your guide to navigating the next few days and weeks.

The most important rule is patience. You want the treatment to work and that requires leaving it undisturbed.

Wait to Re-enter: Stay out of the home for the full duration recommended by your professional (usually 6 hours). This allows sprays to dry and aerosols to settle.‍
Ventilate: Once you return, open a few windows for 15–20 minutes to get some fresh air moving especially if you have a sensitive nose.
Don't Scrub: Do not deep-clean or mop the floors immediately. Most professionals use "residual" insecticides, meaning they are designed to keep killing bugs that crawl over them for weeks. If you scrub the sprayed areas (bed frames, furniture legs, baseboards, headboard), you’re essentially washing away the protection.

This is the most labour-intensive part but it’s the only way to be 100% sure.

Seal it Up: Keep your clothes in sealed plastic bins or heavy-duty garbage bags. Do not put them back in untreated drawers until you are sure the infestation is gone.
The Heat Method: Wash clothing, bedding, and curtains in the hottest water the fabric can handle. We've pulled a quick list of recommended temperatures below. Please always check your clothing tag for the recommended water temperature.

A. High Temperatures (60°C - 90°C / 140°F - 195°F)

Best for: Everyday cottons, synthetic blends (polyester, nylon), denim, and colours that do not bleed.
Purpose: Good for lightly-to-moderately soiled clothes, balancing cleaning power with fabric care.
Polyester: Generally, polyester should be washed at a maximum of 40°C, though it can withstand up to 60°C in some cases.

B. Warm Temperatures (40°C - 50°C / 105°F - 120°F)

Best for: Delicates (silk, wool, lace), dark colours, bright colours, activewear, and lightly soiled items.
Purpose: Protects fabrics from shrinking, warping, and fading while saving energy.
Wool/Silk: Should always be washed on cold or delicate cycles (max 30°C) to avoid damage.

C. Cold/Cool Temperatures (15°C - 30°C / 60°F - 85°F)

It’s a common misconception that you’ll never see another bug the moment the pro leaves. Here is the reality:

Seeing "Stragglers": You may still see a few bed bugs over the next 7 to 10 days. Don't panic! These are often bugs that were hiding deep in walls and are now emerging and crossing the poison.
Increased Activity: Sometimes, the treatment flushes them out making them more visible for a day or two.‍
The Bite Factor: You might still get a bite or two in the first week but it will be less than pre-treatment levels. However, if you are still getting fresh bites after 14 days, the treatment may need a second "knockdown" application.

How do you know if it actually worked?

chanism	Primary Defense	Effectiveness Today
Knockdown (kdr)	Genetic mutation of nerve cells	High (found in ~90% of US populations)
Metabolic	Enzyme overproduction	Moderate to High
Cuticular	Thickening of the outer shell	Emerging / Significant in "Field" strains

Best for: White cottons, linens, towels, bedding, and heavily soiled items.
Purpose: Kills bacteria, dust mites, and removes heavy stains.
Warning: High heat can cause significant shrinkage, colour fading, and damage to delicate fibres.
The Dryer is Key: The wash cycle doesn't always kill bed bugs, but the dryer does. Dry everything on high heat for at least 30 minutes.

De-clutter your home: Bed bugs love hiding in cardboard boxes and piles of paper. Switch to plastic storage bins where possible.
Vacuum Frequently: Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter and a disposable bag. Seal the bag in plastic and take it to the outdoor trash immediately after every use.‍
Check the "Hotspots": Periodically inspect the seams of your mattress and the corners of your headboard.