A bed bug infestation can be a homeowner’s worst nightmare. The biting, itching, and sleepless nights can turn your home into a battleground. But finding, and eliminating, bed bugs can be challenging task. That’s why it’s important to call in professional help if you think you may have a growing bed bug problem.
Professional inspections and treatments are the key to ending your bed bug infestation nightmare. But for inspections and treatments to be successful you need to know how to prepare home.
The Importance of Preparation
Proper preparation not only makes the inspector’s job easier it also increases the likelihood the likelihood of early detection. Early detection can prevent a minor infestation from becoming a major problem. Having your home well-prepared allows the inspector to assess the extent of your bed bug problem quickly and accurately. That means better, faster, and more cost-effective treatments.
Once you’ve scheduled your inspection and confirmed the date there are a few basic tips that will help ensure a successful inspection.
Declutter Your Home
A cluttered environment provides a host of hiding places for bed bugs and that can make it more difficult for the inspection team to do their job effectively. Before the team arrives take some time to remove any unnecessary clutter from areas that are to be inspected. This will help to ensure a more accurate assessment any potential infestation.
Remove Personal Items
Prior to your scheduled inspection remove items such as clothing and shoes from drawers and closets. Your inspection team will want to check these areas of your home for bed bugs and clearing them out will make that much easier. Place the items in plastic bags or containers to prevent any bed bugs from hiding in them during the inspection process.
Clear Access to Walls and Baseboards
Walls and baseboards are prime hiding spots for bed bugs and your inspection team will need to access these areas to perform a full and successful inspection. Wherever possible clear these areas of obstacles. Move furniture away from walls to provide a clear view for your inspectors.
Seal Cracks and Crevices
Before your inspection team arrives check for cracks and crevices throughout your home. Pay special attention to the walls and baseboards in the bedrooms. If you find any cracks or crevices seal the opening up with caulk to prevent any bed bugs from entering or escaping. Focus on gaps in the walls, around baseboards and electrical outlets, and any other obvious entry points.
Remove Pets
During the inspection process it’s best to keep any pets of the areas being inspected. This is especially useful if your inspection team is using bed bug sniffing dogs to locate and potential hot-spots in your home. Arrange for a safe and comfortable place for your pets to stay during the inspection to avoid any potential issues.
Pet owners should be assured that a bed bug inspection can in no way harm their pets. Removing them simply makes the inspection process easier and avoids putting your pets through any unnecessary stress.
Thoroughly Vacuum Your Home
Finally, the last thing to do before your inspection team arrives is to thoroughly vacuum your home. Vacuum all carpets, rugs, and upholstery, paying extra attention to any seams or crevices where bed bugs might hide. Dispose of the vacuum bag or empty the vacuum’s canister outside to prevent and captured bed bugs from escaping.
While you’re vacuuming your home it is also a good idea to wash any bedding, curtains, or linens that may have come in contact with bed bugs. Wash them in hot water and dry them on high heat. When everything is washed and dried put the items in plastic bags or tubs until after the inspection has been completed.
After the Inspection
Following the completion of your bed bug inspection you’ll want to work closely with your team to review their report. The report will detail any and all evidence of bed bug activity in your home.
If the presence of bed bugs is confirmed your pest control experts will recommend treatment options. At this point you want to work closely with your team to decide on the most effective treatments for your home and to schedule those treatments at the earliest opportunity. That includes any necessary follow-up inspections and treatments to ensure that your bed bug infestation has been totally eliminated.
Preparing for a professional bed bug inspection is a critical step in effectively eliminating an infestation. The more your pest control team can learn during the inspection the better able they will be to successfully address your bed bug problems. If you suspect you have a growing bed bug infestation in your home or business schedule a professional bed bug inspection at your earliest opportunity.
Published by Scott Palatnik
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