Bed Bugs Preparation Checklist

Last Updated: August 23, 2025

General Room Preparation

  • Declutter: Remove all clutter from floors, closets, and surfaces. Dispose of any items you can't or don't want to treat.
  • Move Furniture: Pull all furniture at least 1-2 feet away from the walls. This allows the technician to treat baseboards and behind furniture.
  • Secure Small Items: Place small, non-essential items in sealed plastic bags or airtight bins.
  • Vacuum Thoroughly: Vacuum all carpets, rugs, and hard floors. Pay special attention to baseboards, corners, and the edges of walls. Dispose of the vacuum bag immediately in a sealed trash bag and place it in an outdoor trash can. For bagless vacuums, empty the canister, wash it with hot soapy water, and wipe it down.
  • Clean and Mop: After vacuuming, clean hard floors and wipe down all surfaces.

Bed and Bedding

  • Launder Bedding: Place affected items in the dryer first to kill bed bugs (putting in dry items is highly recommended because the clothes would heat up faster). Bed bugs cannot withstand high temperatures (at least 118°F or 48°C). Washing the affected items right away may leave live bed bugs in your washer. After a good dryer spin cycle then wash all affected items in hot water.

Note: We do not recommend using the cold method as it is reported not effective.

    • Dry on High Heat: Dry all washed items on the highest heat setting for at least 30 minutes to kill any remaining bed bugs or eggs.
    • Bag Clean Items: Immediately place all clean bedding in new, clean, sealed plastic bags or containers to prevent re-infestation.
    • Encasing: Place your mattress and box spring in a certified, zippered bed bug encasement. Do not remove the encasement for at least one year.
    • Disassemble Bed Frame: If possible, take apart your bed frame to allow the technician to treat all joints and crevices.

    Clothing and Linens

    • Wash Everything: Place affected items in the dryer first to kill bed bugs (putting in dry items is highly recommended because the clothes would heat up faster). Bed bugs cannot withstand high temperatures (at least 118°F or 48°C). Washing the affected items right away may leave live bed bugs in your washer. After a good dryer spin cycle then wash all affected items in hot water.
    • Bag All Items: Bag all clean items immediately after drying.
    • Dry-Clean Only Items: Take items that cannot be washed to a professional dry cleaner. Inform them that the items may be infested.
    • Closet & Dresser: Empty all closets, drawers, and wardrobes. Wash or dry-clean all items and bag them immediately.

    Furniture and Belongings

    • Disassemble Furniture: If possible, turn over and take apart furniture like couches and chairs to expose all areas (cracks and cervices).
    • Wipe Down: Thoroughly wipe down the inside and outside of all furniture.
    • Empty and Clean: Empty all drawers, shelves, and cabinets. Wipe down the interiors.
    • Inspect and Treat Shoes: Inspect shoes and boots, especially the seams and crevices. Place them in the dryer on high heat for 30 minutes or use a steamer.

    Electronics and Appliances

    • Unplug and Open: Unplug all electronics (TVs, stereos, etc.) and open up any battery compartments or removable covers. Bed bugs can hide in these areas.
    • Separate and Seal: Place small electronics like alarm clocks and remote controls in sealed bags.

    Please complete as many items on this bed bug preparation checklist as possible. The more tasks that are completed, the more successful to preventing a future bed bug incident.