Proper preparation gives your bed bug treatment the best chance to work as intended. This guide covers the general steps that apply to most Toronto properties, with links to detailed checklists for heat treatment and insecticide treatment.
Bed bugs hide in small cracks, seams and folds of fabric, and a treatment can only reach what it can access. Taking a few preparation steps before your appointment helps our technicians work through your property thoroughly, whether the plan is heat treatment, insecticide treatment or a combination of both.
General Preparation Basics
Steps That Apply to Most Properties
These general steps apply broadly, whichever treatment method is recommended for your property. Your technician will confirm any additional steps specific to your appointment.
Launder and Bag Linens
Wash and dry bedding, clothing and curtains on the highest heat setting the fabric allows, then seal cleaned items in plastic bags until treatment is complete.
Reduce Clutter
Clear items off floors, beds and furniture surfaces so technicians can see and reach every area that needs attention.
Vacuum Thoroughly
Vacuum mattresses, box springs, upholstered furniture and along baseboards to remove loose debris before your appointment.
Give Clear Access
Move beds away from walls where possible and open closet doors, dresser drawers and cabinets so technicians have clear access.
Important
What Not to Do Before Treatment
It can be tempting to move furniture, bedding or belongings out of an affected room to protect them, but this can spread bed bugs into rooms or units that were not previously affected. Keep items within the treatment area unless your technician instructs otherwise.
Avoid applying your own store bought sprays or foggers before your appointment. This can cause bed bugs to scatter into new hiding spots, which makes them harder to treat.
Choose Your Treatment
Preparation Checklists by Treatment Method
Heat treatment and insecticide treatment call for slightly different preparation. Use the checklist that matches the method recommended for your property.
Heat Treatment Preparation
Equipment raises the temperature throughout the room, so heat sensitive items, electronics and pets generally need to be removed beforehand. See the full checklist for details.
Products are applied to cracks, seams and baseboards, so clearing furniture from walls and vacuuming ahead of time helps technicians reach every area. See the full checklist for details.
Tell us a bit about what you are noticing and where you are located in Toronto or the GTA, and our team will help you understand your options and how to prepare.