The Ultimate Bed Bug Preparation Checklist for Milwaukee

Effective bed bug extermination begins with proper preparation. This Bed Bug Preparation Checklist for Milwaukee residents, compiled by our team with over 50 years of experience, is your essential guide. Following these steps carefully will significantly increase the effectiveness of your treatment and ensure a faster, more complete eradication.

Key Actions from Our Bed Bug Preparation Checklist for Milwaukee

React Quickly to a Suspected Infestation

The moment you suspect bed bugs, act immediately. The quicker you engage a professional service, the sooner you contain the problem. Small infestations are simpler and more affordable to resolve, while delaying can lead to a more costly and time-consuming eradication.

Contact a Professional Extermination Service

A professional service has access to treatment options, commercial-grade products, and expertise that are far more effective for complete bed bug removal than any DIY method.

Inform Your Landlord (If Applicable)

If you rent, inform your landlord immediately. Depending on your lease and local regulations, they may be responsible for the cost of treatment. This is a crucial step in the Bed bugs preparation checklist for Milwaukee renters.

Launder All Clothing, Linens, and Fabrics

Bed bugs hide in cluttered areas. Eliminating their hiding spots is crucial. Bag all clothing, linens, and curtains and take them directly to the laundry. Dry everything on the highest heat setting for at least 30 minutes, as high temperatures are proven to kill all bed bug life stages [Source: University of Minnesota Extension]. Once clean, store items in new, sealed plastic bags or tubs to prevent re-infestation.

Save Evidence of Bed Bugs

If you find live bugs, shed skins, or eggs, save a sample in a sealed plastic bag or container. This physical evidence will help our technicians confirm the species and level of infestation upon arrival.

Common Mistakes to Avoid (The DON’Ts)

DON’T Try to Treat the Problem Yourself

Using over-the-counter bug bombs or sprays is a common mistake. These products often cause bed bugs to scatter into deeper hiding places or other rooms, making the infestation much harder for even a professional bed bug exterminator in Milwaukee to eliminate.

DON’T Wait for the Problem to Go Away

Bed bugs are extremely resilient and reproduce quickly—a single female can lay up to 7 eggs per day. Waiting will only make the infestation worse. Call us today.

DON’T Use Insecticides on Bedding

These items should be dry cleaned or laundered in hot water and dried using the “hot” settings.

DON’T Sleep in a Different Room

While it may seem tempting, moving to the couch will not solve the problem. Bed bugs will follow their food source (you) and spread the infestation to a new room, making the problem larger and more difficult to treat.

DON’T Move to Another House

Just as bed bugs will follow you to another room, they are expert hitchhikers and can easily travel with you to another house in your luggage or clothes. You risk spreading the infestation to friends or family.

DON’T Throw Away Your Furniture

Throwing away infested furniture is costly and usually unnecessary with professional treatment. Moving it can also spread eggs and bugs throughout your property or to others. It’s best to keep furniture contained and let us treat it.

Feeling Overwhelmed by This Checklist?

Following a preparation checklist can feel like a lot of work. If you need assistance, we offer a Limited-Prep Service. Many Milwaukee clients find the convenience and peace of mind are well worth it. Call us at 414-446-3030 to learn more about this option.

Limited Prep Available for a Fee

Bed Bug Preparation Treatment Checklist

How to Prepare the Bed for Treatment

Step 1: Strip and Launder All Bedding

Carefully remove all bedding (sheets, blankets, pillows, pillowcases, bed skirts) and seal them in a plastic bag immediately. Launder and dry these items on high heat for at least 30 minutes. Place clean items in a new, sealed bag.

Step 2: Install High-Quality Mattress Encasements

We highly recommend installing high-quality, fabric mattress and box spring encasements before treatment. This traps any bugs inside and prevents new ones from getting in. Do not use plastic covers, as they tear easily and can create new hiding spots.

Step 3: Elevate the Bed on a Frame

Your bed must be on a frame to get the mattress and box spring off the floor. This allows us to treat the frame legs and create a barrier, which is critical for an effective treatment. Keep the bed pulled slightly away from walls.

Step 4: Clear the Area Under and Around the Bed

Remove all items and clear any clutter from underneath and around the bed area. An open, accessible space is essential for a thorough treatment.

How to Prepare Items in the Room

Step 5: Empty all nightstands and dressers near the bed. Launder clothing as described in Step 1. Place other items in open boxes or containers to be inspected and treated.

Step 6: Move all furniture at least 6-12 inches away from the walls to allow our technicians access for treatment.

Step 7: Thoroughly vacuum all flooring around the bed and along the edges of the room.

Proper Bagging Technique for Infested Items

To prevent bed bugs from escaping while moving items, proper bagging is essential.

Place items in a large, sturdy garbage bag, filling it no more than ¾ full.
Twist the top of the bag tightly as far down as you can.
Tie the twisted part into a secure, tight knot. Do not use twist ties or drawstring bags.
After laundering, place clean items into a new, sealed bag. Discard the old, potentially infested bags in an outdoor trash can immediately.

Items to Remove Before a Heat Treatment

High temperatures can damage certain items. For a safe and effective treatment, you must remove the following from the areas being heated. Most food and medications can be safely stored in the refrigerator.

Flammables & Pressurized Items

Aerosol cans (e.g., hairspray, deodorants, spray paints)
All other pressurized cans, including asthma inhalers
Flammable or combustible chemicals (e.g., gasoline, propane, butane, lamp fuel)
Lighters and lighter fluid
Ammunition and gunpowder
Fire extinguishers and oxygen tanks
Carbonated beverages (soda, beer) and wine bottles

Perishables, Plants & Wax

All food items, including candy or anything that can melt
All indoor plants, seeds, and bulbs
Wax-based items like candles and wax figurines

Valuables & Sensitive Items

All medications (these can be placed in the refrigerator)
Musical instruments (guitars, drums, pianos, etc.)
Oil paintings
Any items made of plastic that could melt or warp, like crayons
Any other items of value you are unsure about

Important Post-Treatment Instructions

Be Patient: It can take some time for all bed bugs to be eliminated, especially those that come out of hiding later.

Vacate the Premises: All occupants, including pets, must leave the home before treatment begins and not re-enter for a minimum of 5 hours.

Aquariums: Fish tanks can remain, but you must turn off all filters and aeration systems and cover the tank with a damp blanket.

Cleaning: Do not wipe or mop within 12 inches of baseboards for 28 days post-treatment to ensure the residual barrier remains effective.

Questions? Call Us! If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to call us at 414-446-3030.

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“Don’t wait until it’s too late! Schedule an appointment with our Milwaukee bed bug exterminators now for a free consultation!”

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