If you’ve discovered bed bugs in your home, professional treatment is the most effective way to eliminate the problem. However, success doesn’t just depend on what the pest control technician does—it also hinges on how well you prepare your home before they arrive. Proper preparation ensures the treatment reaches all hiding spots and gives you the best chance at completely removing the infestation.
Here’s a detailed guide on how to get your home ready for bed bug treatment, whether it involves heat, chemical, or a combination of both.
Why Preparation Matters
Bed bugs are notorious for hiding in tiny crevices—inside mattresses, furniture seams, baseboards, carpet edges, and even behind picture frames. They can survive without feeding for weeks, and lay eggs in hard-to-spot locations.
Professional pest controllers bring in the tools and treatments to kill bed bugs at all life stages, but they need access to the right areas. If items are left unwashed, furniture is cluttered, or access points are blocked, the effectiveness of the treatment can be compromised.
Preparation isn’t just about cleanliness—it’s about making sure the treatment reaches every place where bed bugs may be hiding.
1. Declutter and Organise Rooms
Start by removing excess clutter, especially around beds, lounges, and walls. Bed bugs love dark, undisturbed areas, so clutter gives them plenty of places to hide and breed.
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Pick up clothes, boxes, shoes, and personal items from floors.
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Check under the bed, inside nightstands, and behind furniture.
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Don’t move infested items into other rooms—this could spread the problem.
2. Strip Beds and Wash Bedding Thoroughly
All bedding must be removed, including sheets, pillowcases, blankets, mattress covers, and bedspreads.
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Wash items in hot water (at least 60°C) and dry them on the highest heat setting for at least 30 minutes.
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Place clean bedding in sealed plastic bags until after treatment.
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Don’t reuse items until the pest controller gives the all-clear.
3. Launder Clothes and Soft Furnishings
Bed bugs may hide in wardrobes, drawers, and piles of laundry. It’s important to wash and treat any fabric items that could be harbouring pests.
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Empty wardrobes, drawers, and laundry hampers in affected rooms.
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Wash all clothes, towels, curtains, and soft toys using the same hot water and heat-dry method.
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Items that can’t be washed (e.g. delicate clothing) can be placed in a dryer on high heat or sealed and stored offsite for several weeks.
4. Vacuum All Surfaces
Vacuuming is an important part of pre-treatment as it helps remove live bugs, eggs, and debris.
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Vacuum carpets, rugs, skirting boards, upholstered furniture, and mattress seams.
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Use the crevice tool to get into corners and edges where bugs may hide.
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Dispose of the vacuum bag or contents in a sealed plastic bag immediately after use.
5. Move Furniture Away from Walls
Technicians need access to the perimeter of rooms, especially behind beds, lounges, and wardrobes.
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Move furniture at least 30–50 cm away from the walls.
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Remove drawers from dressers and bedside tables to allow treatment inside and out.
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If your bed has a fabric or timber frame, leave it in place—technicians will treat it directly.
6. Unplug Electronics and Protect Delicate Items
If a heat treatment is being applied, high temperatures may affect certain electronic devices and heat-sensitive items.
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Unplug and remove devices such as laptops, tablets, TVs, and chargers from treated rooms.
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Remove candles, makeup, aerosol cans, plants, vinyl records, and anything else that may be damaged by heat.
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If you’re unsure, ask your pest control provider for a full list of what should be removed or protected.
7. Access for Technicians
On the day of treatment, ensure the pest control team can access all necessary areas:
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Unlock all interior doors and remove anything blocking entrances.
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Secure pets outside the home or arrange for them to be cared for elsewhere during and after the treatment period.
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Fish tanks must be covered and pumps switched off temporarily.
8. Follow Post-Treatment Instructions
After treatment, your technician will provide instructions—follow these carefully. This may include:
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Staying out of the property for a set number of hours.
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Not cleaning certain treated areas for a few days.
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Avoiding the use of vacuum cleaners for a short period if residual insecticide has been applied.
You may still see some bed bug activity for a week or two as treatments take full effect. Don’t be alarmed—this is normal and should taper off.
Final Thoughts
Effective bed bug control starts with thorough preparation. Each step outlined above is designed to improve the treatment’s reach and effectiveness—ensuring that no hiding spot is left untreated. While it may require effort, proper preparation can make all the difference in eradicating bed bugs for good.
At Rentokil, our licensed technicians provide detailed pre-treatment advice and use advanced tools to deliver reliable bed bug control tailored to your home. With the right preparation and expert service, you can reclaim your space and sleep soundly again.
