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Cleaning After Bed Bug Treatment

Cleaning After Bed Bug Treatment

Maltisa Driker
Contributing Writer
‍Updated on: January 19, 2024
   ·   Fact Checked
Fact Checked by

Maltisa Driker

Contributing Writer

Maltisa Driker is a fact-checker and researcher who has worked in the custom hoe building industry in sales, marketing, and design.

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Key Takeaways

Cleaning after bed bug treatment is an important step in maintaining a healthy living space. According to a 2020 survey by the National Pest Management Association, 95% of pest control professionals have encountered at least one bed bug infestation in their career. Bed bugs can be difficult to remove, so it's important to be diligent and thorough when cleaning the area in order to make sure that all bed bugs have been eliminated.

When it comes to cleaning after bed bug treatment, it's important to focus on items that cannot be easily washed or dry-cleaned, such as mattresses, upholstered furniture, curtains, and books. Vacuuming these items can help remove any eggs or adults that may still remain after the initial treatment. It is also helpful to use steam cleaners and high heat laundry machines for any washable items such as pillows, duvets and stuffed animals. Additionally, encasements can be used for mattresses and box springs in order to prevent any future infestations of bed bugs.

When cleaning after a bed bug treatment it is also important to dispose of anything that may attract bed bugs such as clutter or piles of clothing or laundry on the floor. Anything made out of fabric should either be discarded if possible or thoroughly cleaned through professional laundering services or steam treated before being returned back into the home.

An effective way to eliminate bed bugs is by replacing your mattress entirely if the infestation has become severe enough - this will ensure that you are getting rid of an entire population rather than just targeting individual pests.

Although replacement could prove more expensive than other methods of cleanup like steam cleaning or encasements, it could prove beneficial in the long run if done correctly and with quality material. If you do decide this route is right for you, research mattresses carefully beforehand - making sure they're from credible brands with good warranties - so you get a good product for your money spent on cleanup efforts.

Finally, regular inspections should be conducted every few months just in case there are any remaining eggs or adults that were not removed during the initial treatment.

What Steps Are Involved In Cleaning After Bed Bug Treatment?

Cleaning after bed bug treatment is critical to prevent reinfestation. First, thoroughly vacuum all furniture, floors, and baseboards. Dispose of the vacuum bag in a sealed plastic bag in an outdoor trash bin. Next, wash all bedding, curtains, and clothing in hot water and dry on high heat. Use a steam cleaner on carpets, furniture, and baseboards, following the manufacturer's instructions and wearing protective clothing. Use an insecticide spray labeled for bed bugs on any remaining areas and ventilate the space. Repeat the process after two weeks to ensure all bed bugs and eggs are eliminated. Prevent future infestations by inspecting used furniture and clothing and being cautious while traveling.

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How Long Should I Wait Before Cleaning After Bed Bug Treatment?

To ensure the effectiveness of bed bug treatment, it is recommended to wait at least 4 hours before cleaning. Follow the instructions provided by the pest control company or product manufacturer for specific cleaning guidelines. Before cleaning, remove any clutter and use a vacuum with a HEPA filter to thoroughly clean crevices, cracks, and other areas where bed bugs may hide. Wash all bedding and washable items in hot water and dry on high heat for at least 30 minutes to kill any remaining bed bugs and eggs. Regularly inspect and monitor your home for any signs of bed bugs to prevent future infestations.

A rotated mattress, much like rotated tires, typically wears more evenly and reduces indentions or support issues.

What Cleaning Products Are Safe And Effective For Post-Bed Bug Treatment?

For effective, safe post-bed bug treatment, it's crucial to choose cleaning products designed specifically for bed bugs. Heat treatments, such as steaming and washing bedding and clothing in hot water, can be combined with residual insecticides in cracks and crevices where bed bugs can hide.

When selecting a residual insecticide, carefully read the label and choose a product labeled for bed bug control. Avoid using products not intended for indoor use and consider natural insecticides, like diatomaceous earth, which is safe for humans and pets but can effectively kill bed bugs.

It's important to follow label instructions and use caution when selecting cleaning products after a bed bug infestation. For further advice and assistance, consider contacting a pest control professional.

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Can I Hire A Professional Cleaning Service After Bed Bug Treatment?

After bed bug treatment, it's possible and even recommended to hire a professional cleaning service. This will ensure that any remnants of bed bug eggs or debris are completely eradicated. The cleaning service you choose should have experience dealing with bed bugs and use effective cleaning methods such as steam cleaning and vacuuming.

When selecting a cleaning service, it's important to inquire about their experience and certifications in dealing with bed bugs. Additionally, you should wait at least a few days after the bed bug treatment before bringing in a cleaning service to make sure that any residual chemicals or treatments have had time to work. Your pest control professional can advise you on the appropriate timeline for cleaning.

Overall, hiring a professional cleaning service can provide peace of mind and guarantee that your home is thoroughly cleaned post bed bug infestation. Just be sure to do your due diligence and choose a reputable company with a proven track record in dealing with bed bugs.

Is It Necessary To Throw Away Infested Items When Cleaning After Bed Bug Treatment?

In some cases, it may be necessary to throw away infested items after bed bug treatment. This is especially true for heavily infested items or those that cannot be effectively treated. However, some items can be salvaged through laundering or high-heat treatment.

Clothes, bedding, and washable items can be laundered in hot water and dried on high heat to kill bed bugs. Non-washable items can be placed in a dryer on high heat or left in a hot car for several hours. It's important to note that bed bugs can survive for several months without feeding, so it's best to store treated items in sealed plastic bags or containers for several months and regularly inspect them for signs of bed bugs.

Ultimately, the decision to dispose of infested items should be based on a careful assessment of the situation and the value of the items. Proper disposal procedures should be followed to prevent the spread of bed bugs to others.

About X

X is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of NapLab.com. He has been featured in Fast Company, Reader's Digest, Business Insider, Realtor.com, Huffington Post, Washington Post, AskMen, and She Knows. X has personally tested over 268+ mattresses and hundreds of pillows, sheets, beds, and other sleep products.

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