If you’re moving out because of a bed bug infestation, you should be aware that there’s a chance you’ll bring the bed bugs with you. Those tiny creatures are skilled at concealing, so they’ll probably hitchhike you to your new home unless you take all required precautions to keep bed bugs from following you.
Remember that it’s highly suggested to hire a pest removalist before hiring house movers to get rid of a bed bug infestation before leaving. If circumstances require you to move before a pest control professional has completely eradicated the pests, taking necessary precautions to prevent transporting bed bugs is essential.
What Exactly Are Bed Bugs?
Bed bugs are small, flat, oval, light brown to reddish-brown insects belonging to the genus Cimex. Because such insects lack wings, they crawl rather than fly across floors, walls, and even ceilings.
Adult bed bugs are about the size of apple seeds, measuring around 0.16 inches (4 mm) long. On the other hand, Young bed bugs can be as small as poppy seeds or as large as sesame seeds.
Bed bugs feed mainly on blood during the night, praying on sleeping birds and mammals.
Unfortunately, those wingless insects are difficult to identify because they usually emerge at night when people sleep.
First and foremost, DO NOT FREAK OUT! Bed bugs aren’t dangerous, and their bites aren’t linked to infectious diseases.
Second, to leave bed bugs behind when you relocate, follow the procedures below.
Tips To Leave Bed Bugs Behind While Moving
Should you leave your home if you have bed bugs? If you uncover a bed bug infestation in your home, one of the first thoughts that may come to mind is to relocate to get rid of those annoying insects. Of course, if you’re a renter, this scenario is very pertinent.
Another instance is dealing with a bed bug infestation in your house while preparing to relocate. It would be best to do all possible things to keep bed bugs from following you to your new home. The problem is that unless you take the proper safeguards, those dreadful viruses will infect you.
Step 1- Vacuum Your Furniture First
The first step in preventing bed bugs when relocating is to vacuum everything – floors, furniture, and the bed and its surroundings. The mattress, predictably, requires extra attention, so scour the mattress seams with a firm brush to eliminate bed bugs and their eggs. Then suck them up and place them in the vacuum bag.
When finished, place the vacuum bag in a plastic garbage bag, seal it tightly, and dispose of it outside as soon as possible because it will contain live bed bugs.
Step 2: Remove Your Mattress
Taking your old, diseased mattress with you when you move is a proven way to bring bed bugs. Do not attempt it. Mattresses aren’t cheap, but you don’t want to risk getting those pesky critters with you to your new house.
You can use various methods to eliminate bed bugs in your mattress, including heat, pesticides, and mattress encasement, but the only way to be sure you’ve killed all of them is to throw the mattress away.
It would be best if you still were cautious about how you dispose of your mattress. Put it in a plastic mattress bag, close it tightly so no bugs can get out, and write BED BUGS on the top to warn anyone who might be tempted to bring that mattress into their homes. Ensure your mattress is adequately disposed of by following the garbage disposal procedures in your municipality or city.
Step 3: Clean And Disinfect Contaminated Furnishings
As a general rule, you should bring as few furniture items as feasible. Bed bugs are challenging to detect, and even if a few insects make it to the new location, you’ll face the same infestation problem.
When moving out of a bedbug-infested home, it’s best not to take furniture with you because those disgusting critters are brilliant at concealing and hitching a ride. However, if you have specific units you want to move to your new home, you must ensure they are clear of bed bugs.
It would be best to sanitize all of the furniture you’re transferring. When transporting items such as a desk, nightstand, or bookcase, they must be emptied to be adequately cleaned.
Remove and pack the contents of the furniture pieces you’re relocating — everything should be packed in plastic storage boxes with click-in lids. In this manner, no bug will be able to escape the temporary prison until you find a solution.
Finally, get the furniture you’re relocating treated by a registered pest control technician.
Step 4: Launder All Infected Clothing And Bedding
If you know or think that some of your items have been in contact with bed bugs, you should wash them since high temperatures and washing detergent have been proven to kill bed bugs and their eggs. Use the maximum heat setting on your washer and dryer when washing and drying the garments under suspicion to ensure bug removal.
It is advisable to do your laundry in batches. When you’re finished with a batch, lock the washed and dried clothes in sealable plastic bags or plastic storage boxes with tight lids and label them CLEAN. This way, you’ll be specific.
Do the same with any washable bedding (sheets, pillows, blankets, towels, etc.).
Remember that drying your textiles on high temperature for at least 30 minutes is more effective than washing them to kill bed bugs.
Step 5: Put Everything You Own Into Plastic Bags
To ensure you don’t bring bed bugs when you move, place all objects that can’t be washed in clear plastic bags and close them tightly so that nothing may escape. Books, electronics, tiny appliances, and other goods that cannot be disinfected inside a washer and dryer are such items.
Once bed bugs have been effectively captured inside those bags, contact a pest control professional for advice on treating the objects to rid them of pesky insects.
Conclusion
In conclusion, leaving bed bugs behind when you move requires diligence, meticulous planning, and the assistance of professionals. By following the comprehensive steps outlined above, you can significantly reduce the risk of bringing these unwanted pests to your new home. Remember that a bed bug-free move is achievable with the right approach and the guidance of dedicated experts in the field.
For further assistance and house moving service, contact our team of expert house movers in Canada. Team Removals is committed to addressing your concerns and ensuring a seamless transition to your new abode.
Contact us now through:
Call: +1-6479322202
Mail: info@teamremovals.ca
