Pretreatment plan for bed bugs

What to do before treatment

Proper preparation is crucial for the success of your bed bug treatment.

Following these steps carefully will ensure the treatment is effective and help minimise the risk of re-infestation.

1. Clear and organise your home

Bedrooms and living areas

Make sure that you:

  • remove all clutter - bed bugs thrive in untidy spaces
  • clear items from underneath beds and seal them in bin liners
  • empty wardrobes, drawers, and bedside tables  
  • bag all clothing, bedding, and linens securely
Furniture

Move all furniture at least 2 feet (60 cm) away from walls to allow access for treatment.

Remove sofa cushions and furniture covers. Launder them following the instructions below.

Walls and Decorations  

Remove wall hangings such as pictures, posters, and clocks, and seal them in bags.

2. Launder and store items properly

Clothing and Bedding  

Wash all items at a minimum of 60°C and tumble dry on the hottest setting.

After laundering, immediately seal items in clean bin liners.

Non-washable items

Place delicate fabrics or soft toys in a hot tumble dryer for at least 30 minutes.

If an item cannot be safely laundered at 60°C, place it in a sealed bin liner and freeze for at least 4 days to eliminate bed bugs and their eggs.

3. Vacuum thoroughly

Before the treatment vacuum all carpets, rugs, skirting boards, floors, and furniture.

Focus on cracks, crevices, and joints where bed bugs hide.

After vacuuming, dispose of the vacuum bag immediately in an outdoor bin and clean the vacuum cleaner thoroughly.

4. Pet preparation

Remove all pets (including birds, fish, and reptiles) from the property during treatment.

Cover fish tanks and aquariums securely and turn off filters during chemical application.

5. Prevent the spread of bed bugs

When moving infested items, seal them tightly in bin liners.

Avoid transferring items between rooms to prevent spreading bed bugs.

6. Visitors and cross-contamination

No visitors

Where possible, avoid anyone visiting your home during the treatment process.

Do not visit other homes

Where possible, avoid visiting others to avoid carrying bed bugs elsewhere.

Identify the source

Reflect on where the infestation may have originated (for example, travel, second-hand furniture, visitors) to prevent future problems.

7. Vacating the property

All residents and pets must vacate the home for a minimum of 4 hours after treatment.

Confirm the exact re-entry time with your technician.

8. After treatment: important instructions

Follow all instructions provided by the pest control technician carefully.

Ventilation

Open windows for at least 1 hour upon re-entry.

Sleeping

Sleep in your bed as normal. This helps monitor any residual activity.

Cleaning

Avoid vacuuming, mopping, or polishing treated areas for at least 14 days.

Pets

Keep pets out of treated rooms for 4 to 5 hours after treatment.

Movement

Do not move items between rooms until the infestation is fully resolved.

By preparing your home thoroughly, you are helping to maximise the success of the treatment and return to a bed bug-free environment as quickly as possible.

Page last updated: 29 August 2025

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