Going through a bed bug extermination is a traumatic experience that no one can deny. Just thinking that you have been roommates with parasitic insects that feed on your blood is enough to keep you awake at nights. Fortunately, you have had an effective bed bug removal treatment by certified professionals and the problem is solved. In a bed bug-free environment, you can now have your life return to its normal pace. In order to maintain that, here is a small to-do list with all the basics you will need to know so you are sure bed bugs are gone for good and are not coming back.
Right after the Bed Bug Treatment
First and foremost, you need to respect the bug exterminator’s recommendations regarding the time of your return to your home or commercial property (approx.6 hours, which could increase up to 24 hours for babies, pregnant women, and young children). All treated rooms should be well ventilated and you should not walk barefoot in the treated areas for the first 48 hours after extermination, at least. [1]
After Working with a Pest Management Company
You can use:
1.Heat & Cold
Bed bugs cannot survive temperatures hotter than 49° C and colder than -5° C. [2] So, the best thing you can do is use the medium-high setting of your washing machine and dryer for at least 20 minutes as a means to kill all stages of bed bugs that may be infesting clothes. You may also want to sterilize backpacks, curtains, toys, stuffed animals, and other fabrics and similar objects by putting them in the dryer for about half an hour. We suggest you take all your clothes to a reputable dry cleaner in your area (such as Love Your Leather Cleaning) , that has experience cleaning bed bug infested items. They will make sure your items do not shrink and that any bed bugs are killed.
Now, in regards to the cold treatment, bed bugs cannot live in freezing temperatures for more than a week. Therefore, you could, alternatively, place objects into your freezer, set the temperature to lower than -5° C and leave for a week or so. This will be enough to kill all stages of bed bugs. If you are lucky enough to be dealing with bed bug extermination during the Canadian winter, then you may be able to leave your potentially infested items in your garage or outside in your backyard, if outside temperature is colder than -5° C. This will do the trick, as most people do not have a freezer large enough to put large garbage bags full of clothes and garments into.
2.Encasements
An encasement is a fabric that covers box springs or mattresses completely, creating a barrier that helps prevent bed bugs from re-infesting your box springs or mattresses. They are particularly useful when you know for sure your mattress is free of bugs (e.g. after a bed bug extermination or heat treatment) and want to protect it from becoming infested again. Encasements are also an excellent idea in cases you do have an infested mattress or box springs, as it traps the bed bugs inside, while allowing you to continue having a normal life without any unwanted bed bug-related issues. Just make sure your encasements are not torn or ripped.
Encasements can be purchased from either retail stores (selling bedding or home furnishing) or professional pest control services, and they have to be specifically designed for bed bug protection. Our bed bug exterminators will let you know the best options for your situation. You can buy these bed bug encasements at the Bay, or Bed and Bath.
3.Bed Bug Interceptors
Bed bug interceptors are fantastic monitoring tools that can also help reduce the number of bugs that try to climb up or down your bed. They are small plastic trays with an outer and inner well and are placed under the legs of the bed. According to a recent study, interceptors or bed bug monitors are effective tools in both evaluating the results of a bed bug control program and detecting early bed bug infestations [3]. For this reason, if, by any chance, there are any live bed bugs after a treatment, you will see them either in the outer or inner ring of the interceptor. That way, you will always know what’s going on inside your residential or commercial property and who you share your space with. Our bed bug exterminators will provide all details before and after treatment.
Note: You may want to use insecticides to kill bed bugs. You are discouraged from performing such a treatment yourself because you could damage your health and the health of your loved ones via pesticide exposure, plus over-the-counter products are ineffective in terms of bed bug control. So it is always advisable to leave the bed bug treatment work to an experienced professional like Bed Bug Exterminator Pro. We offer 100% guaranteed bed bug extermination so if you notice any bed bugs after treatment call us immediately.
Things to Do For Additional Protection from Bed Bug Re-Infestation
1.Make Your Bed Less Desirable for Bed Bugs
Bed bugs hide under objects, in cracks, holes (e.g. where wires or pipes go through the wall) and in tiny spaces particularly difficult to reach. To stay on the safe side after a bed bug extermination, you can vacuum box springs and mattresses to help keep them clean and free from bed bugs and their eggs.
You can also cover mattresses and box springs with zippered covers for 4-5 months, at least, because it has been evidenced that bed bugs can survive up to 5 months without a meal.[4] Just make sure you seal all tears with a duct tape.
2.Treat your Bedding Properly
Wash your bedding once a week in hot water and then use the dryer on the highest setting possible. Non-washable items and pillows should be placed in the dryer for approximately 20 minutes, always on the highest setting. Alternatively bring your items to a reputable dry cleaner in your area. Finally, better not let the bedding touch the floor.
3.Vacuum your House Regularly
Keep your carpets, upholstered furniture, and fabric drapes as clean as possible. Vacuuming them once or twice a week is enough to keep bed bugs away. Just dispose of the vacuum’s content carefully in a sealable plastic bag and then carry it out of your home at once.
4.Minimize the Risk from Traveling
Bed bugs are transported from one place to another using humans as their transportation means. For that reason, always check the room you are staying, when traveling, regardless of the type of accommodation. What you should be checking around is the luggage stands or any other area that your luggage is set down. Also, the bed’s adjacent areas, and pay close attention to any unexplained bites you may notice in the morning. It could be a strong indicator that the place you are staying is still infested. In addition, watch for fecal points on the bed sheets. If you notice any of these signs, make sure to contact us immediately.
Living in a healthy environment without annoying insects bothering you is not only a right, but entirely doable. Bed Bug Exterminator Pro employs only licensed, experienced professionals that undergo ongoing training, which is why we have the highest success rates in bug extermination in Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area.
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Sources
[1] Gouvernement du Québec, 2015 – Portail santé mieux-être, Exterminating Bed Bugs, February 3, 2015
[2] JAMES S. STUDDIFORD MD, KATHRYN M. CONNIFF MD, KATHRYN P. TRAYES, MD,AMBER S. TULLY, MD, American Family Physician – Bedbug Infestation, Volume 86, Number 7 October 1, 2012,
[3] Wang C, Tsai WT, Cooper R, White J. (2011). “Effectiveness of bed bug monitors for detecting and trapping bed bugs in apartments.” J Econ Entomol. 2011 Feb;104(1):274-8.
[4] Andrea M. Polanco , Dini M. Miller, Carlyle C. Brewster, Department of Entomology, Virginia Tech., Survivorship During Starvation for Cimex lectularius L. Insects 2011, 2(2), 232-242, 11 May 2011
