Apartment Bed Bug Heat Treatment Prep Checklist

These are the basic steps needed to ensure a SUCCESSFUL AND SAFE Bed Bug Heat treatment. Thorough preparation and attention to the below details will positively affect your treatments success.

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Before The Convectex Heat Treatment Can Commence

• Do not use any pesticide bombs, foggers, sprays, dusts prior to heat treatment. Repellent insecticides severely diminish the effectiveness of the treatment effort by driving bed bugs in to hard to treat areas such as under carpet pads and wall voids
• Do not remove any thing from treatment area except for items in sealed garbage to be permanently removed.
• Furniture and clutter must be pulled away from walls at least 4 inches.
• Unplug all electronics except major appliances
• Any items (clothing, shoes, bags, valuables) taken out with occupant on day off heat treatment must be thoroughly inspected and/or sanitized before being reintroduced to treated area.
• Permanently dispose of all trash and unwanted items before treatment.
  Completely remove litter boxes from the treatment area if present
• Vacuum or sweep up dust/pet hair as they are hazardous to our equipment and personnel.
  Improperly secured pictures and posters that may blow down should be taken down and laid flat.
• Take down, disinfect and remove vinyl or faux wood blinds have a low heat tolerance.
• High power fans are used during this process; loose papers should be secured or weighted down. Heat sensitive items should be clearly labeled and left inside the treatment area.
• Remove all pets and house plants (including fish aquariums).
• Remove fresh, meltable, and or perishable food
• Remove or place prescription / over the counter drugs or vitamins in the refrigerator
• Remove cosmetics
• Remove candles
• Remove all pressurized items – lighters, hairspray, fire extinguishers etc.
• Remove all flammables – fuel, alcohols, solvents, etc.
• Remove wooden and stringed instruments – cases should remain in the treatment
• Family heirlooms and irreplaceable items should be inspected and a determination made as to whether they should remain in the treatment area

Clothing

• Bed bugs will often seek shelter within or under piles of clothing. Piles of clothing should be either hung up on hangers or spread out before the heat treatment commences.
• Wash bedding and washable excess clutter on high heat followed with a high heat dry cycle. After drying, remove and immediately place the clothing in a heavy duty garbage bag and seal the bag by twisting the excess bag and wrapping the twist with tape. Think "Loaf of Bread"
• Open all drawers and unpack any overly packed areas.  Remember...  Air flow is key!
• Large blankets and comforters can be draped over interior doors to limit bed bug harborage and improve effectiveness.

CLUTTER IS A BED BUGS BEST FRIEND!

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Frequently Asked Questions About Apartment Bed Bug Heat Treatment Preparation

Do I need to remove everything from my apartment before a bed bug heat treatment?

No. In most cases, belongings should remain inside the treatment area so any bed bugs hiding in them are exposed to the heat. Only items that are heat-sensitive, hazardous, perishable, or specifically identified for removal should be taken out.

What items should be removed before an apartment heat treatment?

Common items that should be removed include pets, houseplants, pressurized containers, flammable materials, candles, cosmetics, heat-sensitive foods, and certain medications. Always follow the specific preparation instructions provided for the heat treatment system or treatment provider.

What should I do with clothing before a bed bug heat treatment?

Avoid leaving clothing in tightly packed piles. Clothing should be hung up, spread out, or arranged so heated air can circulate around it. Washable items may also be washed and dried on high heat, then sealed in bags to prevent them from being reinfested.

Can electronics stay in the apartment during heat treatment?

Many electronics can remain in the apartment, but they should generally be unplugged unless otherwise instructed. Heat tolerance varies by device, so follow manufacturer recommendations and the treatment instructions for any sensitive electronics.

Do pets need to leave during a bed bug heat treatment?

Yes. People, pets, fish, and other animals must be removed from the treatment area before heat treatment begins. Houseplants should also be removed.

Why do I need to reduce clutter before apartment heat treatment?

Clutter can block airflow and create cooler areas where bed bugs may survive. Moving furniture away from walls, opening drawers, and reducing tightly packed belongings helps heated air circulate throughout the apartment and reach potential hiding places.

Can bed bugs move into neighboring apartments during treatment?

Bed bugs can move through cracks, wall voids, utility openings, and other pathways between adjoining units. In multi-unit housing, management may need to inspect neighboring apartments and coordinate treatment when there is evidence that an infestation extends beyond one unit.

What happens if I do not prepare my apartment correctly for heat treatment?

Improper preparation can reduce the effectiveness of the treatment. Overpacked closets, blocked airflow, tightly packed clothing, excessive clutter, or items positioned incorrectly can create cooler hiding spots where bed bugs or eggs survive. Proper preparation helps the treatment reach all potential hiding areas.