If you’re like most people, the last thing you want to talk about is bed bugs. It’s scary enough to contemplate infestations of any kind, but it’s even scarier when it comes to bed bugs because these critters are known, as hitchhikers. They’re picky little buggers too, as not every kind of pest or person is attracted to them. That said, we know your home is a retreat for you and your family and we want you to sleep better knowing a trusted Orkin Pest & Termite Specialist can help keep these nasty creatures from invading your home. We all hate bed bugs right? Even though there are no confirmed deaths from this insect, it still haunts every one of us (especially those who have them). Bed bugs can be very tricky and cunning. You can try all kinds of tricks but still not get rid of them. The best thing that you can do is to contact an exterminator to help you with your problem. They will help you by telling you what to do in order to fix the problem as well as recommend a solution for bed bug infestation. (A bed bug is not a termite, although they infest homes just like termites.) Bed Bugs are an expensive problem even on their own, and if you don’t handle it right, your treatment can get worse! I’ve already taught you what to do after you find out you have bed bugs, but now it’s time to talk about the preparation before calling Orkin. Before we jump into what tasks need to be done prior to bed bug treatment, I’d like you to print out this checklist and check off everything as it’s completed.

How To Prepare For Bed Bug Inspection

Introduction

Bed bugs are an increasing problem in New York City and other urban areas, but you can do your part to help keep an infestation from spreading through your apartment building by preparing for a bed bug inspection. This means you’ll need to start getting rid of clutter in advance because bed bugs like to hide in clutter. You’ll also need to take the time to wash all of your clothes and launder them before the inspection or exterminator visit, something it’s important to do regularly anyway. Last but not least, you’ll want to prepare by finding out which rooms the inspector will be checking, which generally means every room except bathrooms (but they will check behind any furniture that has been moved into a bathroom). If you have pets, make sure they’re not in the way either!

Get rid of clutter.

• Get rid of clutter. Clutter makes it harder to inspect your room and may hide bed bugs that we can’t see. Remove all items from shelves, closets, under the bed and nightstands.
• Don’t leave clothes in drawers. If you are in a hotel or other temporary lodging where you cannot wash clothes for several days after inspection, then remove them from your drawers and hang them in clear plastic bags located outside of your room on hooks provided by the establishment (if available). This will help us locate any signs of bed bug activity inside any clothing items during our inspection process while limiting the risk they pose to others staying at the same location as you do not get removed with other items when they’re cleaned regularly via routine maintenance activities such as vacuuming daily (which is required anyway).

Keep pets out of your bedroom.

As anyone who has ever had a cat will tell you, keeping the little critters out of your bedroom can be a nightmare. They love to jump on your bed at night and curl up next to you—but this is exactly what bed bugs do too! It’s important that you keep animals off your bed and out of your bedroom if you have them in order to prevent any unwanted surprises or problems during an inspection. If there are already pets in the house, talk with their owners about how they can help keep these furry friends safe while you’re having work done on the home.

If possible, don’t be home when the inspection is happening.

If you can, try to be away from home during the inspection. Inspection reports are typically confidential, but if anything happens (like a bed bug is found), it will be on record and you may need to show that report in court. If someone sees or hears something that could indicate infestation or cleanliness issues and that person’s name is on your lease agreement with the landlord, then it could be used against you later.

If possible, don’t let anyone else in your apartment while the inspector is inspecting it either—especially not friends or family members who might take photos with their phones!

Don’t do your laundry on the day of inspection.

Don’t do your laundry on the day of inspection.

Don’t vacuum on the day of inspection.

Don’t clean on the day of inspection.

Don’t wash your bedding on the day of inspection.

Don’t wash your mattress on the day of inspection

You can prepare for a bed bug inspection with these steps

Bed bug inspections are not a pleasant experience, but they’re not impossible to prepare for. If you’re going to be home on the day of the inspection, here are some things that you can do in advance:

• Get rid of clutter. Clutter makes it harder for inspectors to detect bed bugs and their eggs (known as nymphs). To remove clutter from your room(s), consider storing items in plastic bins or cardboard boxes until after the inspection is over.
• Keep pets out of your bedroom(s). Pets may be infested with bed bugs or fleas that carry them, which could lead to false positives during an inspection. You can also ask friends and family members who have pets not to visit you until after the inspection has been completed.
• Remove clothes from drawers/bureaus before having them inspected by an exterminator—this will make it easier for him/her to see what he/she’s looking for in terms of signs of infestation.[1]

Conclusion

They can be hard to find and even harder to eradicate, but if you do your research and follow some of these tips, you should be able to get rid of them before they become a problem. And remember: when in doubt, call a pest control professional!