Bed Bugs | How to Move Without Taking Bed Bugs With You
Moving to a new home is an exciting chapter in life, but the last thing you want to bring along are unwanted hitchhikers like bed bugs. These pesky insects can quickly infest your new space and cause sleepless nights. To ensure a bed bug-free transition, it’s important to take proactive measures during the moving process. Major Pest Control in Calgary has many essential tips and precautions to help you move without taking bed bugs with you.
Inspect Your Current Home
Before packing a single box, thoroughly inspect your current home for any signs of bed bugs. Check the mattress seams, cracks, crevices, and furniture near the bed. Look for live bed bugs, shed skins, dark spots (fecal stains), or eggs. If you discover an infestation, it’s crucial to address it promptly before moving.
Declutter and Clean
Reduce the number of items you’ll be moving by decluttering. Clutter provides additional hiding places for bed bugs, so discard or donate unnecessary belongings. Clean and vacuum all your possessions, paying close attention to furniture, clothing, bedding, and rugs. Washing items in hot water and drying them on high heat will kill any potential bed bugs or eggs.
Use Bed Bug-Proof Encasements
Invest in bed bug-proof encasements for your mattress and box spring. These encasements create a barrier that prevents bed bugs from infesting or escaping the bedding. Ensure the encasements are high-quality, tightly sealed, and designed specifically for bed bug protection.
Pack Strategically
When packing, use sealed plastic bags or containers for your belongings. This will prevent bed bugs from infesting your items during the moving process. Be cautious when packing items from infested areas, as bed bugs can easily hide in furniture, clothing, or luggage.
Bed Bugs | Inspect and Treat Furniture
Before moving any furniture, carefully inspect it for signs of bed bugs. Pay close attention to cracks, crevices, and joints. If you find any evidence of bed bugs, consider treating the furniture with appropriate bed bug control methods or seek assistance from Major Pest Control in Calgary.
Transport with Care
During the move, take precautions to prevent bed bugs from hitching a ride. Use sealed plastic bags or protective covers for your packed items. Avoid placing them on the floor of moving trucks or in close proximity to infested areas. Consider using a truck with a smooth, clean surface that is less likely to harbor bed bugs.
Inspect Your New Home
Upon arriving at your new home, conduct a thorough inspection before bringing any belongings inside. Check for signs of bed bugs, focusing on the bedroom, living areas, and adjacent spaces. Look for live bugs, eggs, or dark stains. If you discover an infestation, it’s crucial to address it immediately to prevent further spread says Major Pest Control’s entomologist, Jun Bukht.
Unpack with Caution
As you unpack, carefully inspect each item before placing it in your new space. Be mindful of where you put your belongings and avoid creating potential hiding spots for bed bugs. Launder clothing and linens promptly using high heat.
Monitor for Bed Bugs
Even with precautions, it’s wise to monitor for bed bugs in your new home. Regularly inspect your mattress, furniture, and other key areas for any signs of infestation. Early detection can help you address the issue before it becomes widespread.
Moving to a new home without bringing bed bugs along is possible but does require thorough planning and diligent precautions. In fact, many people tend to think it may be easier to move to escape a bed bug infestation. However, it is as much work to move and not bring any bed bugs with you as it is to simply take care of the infestation properly from the start. In fact, if you will simply move the problem to a new home if you try to move instead of hiring a pest control company.
Only by carefully inspecting, cleaning, and treating your belongings, using bed bug-proof encasements, and taking care during the moving process, you can minimize the risk of transporting these unwanted pests. Stay vigilant and promptly address any signs of bed bugs in your new home. If you have any questions or concerns about bed bugs or other pests, Major Pest Control in Calgary wants to hear from you!