Bedbugs Pre-Treatment Preparation Guide
Updated: 1 day ago
Preparing your property correctly before a professional bed bug treatment helps our RSPH technicians access potential hiding places and carry out the treatment effectively to ensure complete eradication.
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Download our free bed bug preparation checklist
Our free downloadable checklist explains how to prepare your property and what to expect before and after a professional bed bug treatment.
How to prepare for bed bug treatment
Please complete the following steps before your scheduled appointment.
Strip all beds: Remove bedding and clear storage areas underneath or inside beds.
Bag clothing and bedding: Place clothing, bed linen and suitable soft items in sealed plastic bags. Wash washable items at 60°C where fabric care instructions allow, before reuse.
Empty storage areas: Remove contents from wardrobes, cupboards, drawers, shelves and bookcases as instructed.
Move furniture: Move beds, wardrobes and cupboards away from walls to provide access to skirting boards and potential hiding places.
Clear and vacuum floors: Remove clutter and vacuum floors thoroughly, including carpet edges and skirting boards. Seal and dispose of vacuum contents appropriately.
Prepare sensitive items: Follow your technician's instructions for electrical equipment, aquariums, pets and other items requiring special precautions.
Check access: Ensure treatment areas are accessible and contact PGM before your appointment if you cannot complete any preparation steps.
Protect fire and smoke alarms: Follow your technician's instructions for protecting fire alarms and smoke detectors during treatment. Ensure any covers are removed and alarms are fully operational again as soon as it is safe to do so.
What to do after bed bug treatment
Following the aftercare instructions is essential to support the bed bug eradication treatment programme.
Stay out of treated areas: Leave during treatment and remain outside treated areas for at least four hours after application, or longer if instructed by your technician.
Continue using treated rooms: Once your technician confirms it is safe to return, follow their advice about using your usual sleeping area and avoid moving belongings between rooms unnecessarily.
Avoid cleaning treated surfaces: Do not vacuum or wash treated non-food-preparation surfaces for two weeks, in accordance with PGM's aftercare instructions.
Reactivate fire and smoke alarms: Ensure any covers are removed and alarms are fully operational again as soon as it is deemed safe to do so.
Expect possible ongoing activity: You may still see bed bugs after the initial treatment. Follow-up visits may be needed depending on the infestation and treatment programme.
Contact us if you have concerns: Speak to your technician if bed bug activity continues or you need further advice.
Bed bug treatment revisits and warranty
PGM's standard service arrangements include the following:
Revisits: We do not undertake revisits within the first two weeks after the initial treatment.
Revisit deadline: Where required, a revisit must be carried out within one month of the initial treatment.
Warranty: A four-week warranty period applies from the date of the last treatment, subject to the terms of your quotation and service agreement.
Your dedicated RSPH technician will explain the treatment programme and any relevant follow-up arrangements for your property.
Book a bed bug treatment in Herefordshire and Worcestershire
If you suspect a bed bug infestation, PGM & Son Pest Control provides professional bed bug treatments for homes and businesses across Herefordshire and Worcestershire. We provide every customer with a preparation guide alongside their quotation, explaining what to do before and after treatment.
If you suspect bed bugs in your hotel, guest accommodation or holiday let PGM & Son Pest Control offers professional bed bug swab testing to help hospitality businesses investigate suspected bed bug activity.
Our testing service can support investigations where bed bugs are suspected, helping you make informed decisions about the next steps. Early investigation can help you respond promptly to potential issues and protect guest confidence.
Contact PGM & Son Pest Control for a quotation and find out how we can eradicate your bed bug problem or call and speak with an expert in bed bugs on 01981 540088.
Frequently asked questions
How do I prepare my home for bed bug treatment?
Strip beds, bag clothing and bedding, empty relevant cupboards and storage areas, move furniture away from walls where practical, and vacuum floors thoroughly. Follow the full preparation checklist provided by PGM & Son Pest Control before your appointment.
Do I need to wash all my clothes if I have bed bugs?
Clothing, bedding and suitable soft items identified for preparation should be placed in sealed plastic bags and washed at 60°C where fabric care instructions allow. Ask your pest control technician how to handle items that cannot be washed at this temperature.
How long should I stay out of my property after bed bug treatment?
PGM's standard instructions require you to leave during treatment and remain outside treated areas for at least four hours after application. Your technician will advise you if a longer exclusion period is required.
Can I vacuum after bed bug treatment?
PGM's standard aftercare instructions advise against vacuuming or washing treated non-food-preparation surfaces for two weeks. This helps preserve the residual treatment. Always follow the specific instructions provided by your technician.
Is it normal to see bed bugs after treatment?
Some bed bug activity may continue after an initial treatment. The time needed to control an infestation varies, and follow-up visits may be necessary depending on the infestation and treatment programme. Contact your technician if you are concerned about continuing activity.
Do children and pets need to leave during bed bug treatment?
Yes. Children and pets must be kept out of the treatment areas during application and for the required exclusion period afterwards. PGM & Son Pest Control advises customers to follow the technician's safety instructions and not return until it has been confirmed safe to do so. Your technician will explain any additional precautions required for your property.
How should I prepare fish tanks before bed bug treatment
Tell your technician about any fish tanks before treatment. Follow their specific instructions for protecting the aquarium and its occupants, including any precautions required for the treatment product being used. Do not assume that covering a fish tank alone is sufficient.
