Bed bugs are more common than ever — especially for those who rent. Over 99 percent of exterminators report seeing bedbug infestations within the last year. Chances are, someone in your current complex (if you share housing) has them. Maybe you have already been bitten by them.
If you have them now, bedbugs will try their best to come with you on your furniture, in your books, electronics, clothes, and of course, your bed. Moving with bedbugs may seem impossible, but with a little knowledge and some diligent effort, it really is possible to leave them behind.
What You’ll Need:
– A powerful vacuum cleaner with a detachable hose (bagless is best)
– Isopropyl alcohol
– Cotton balls (do not cheap out on the synthetics, get cotton)
– Spray bottle
– Air tight bags
– Zip liners
– Diatomaceous Earth
Using Dryness
Moving with bedbugs is really about arriving without them. This means concentrating on giving bedbugs what they hate. They hate dryness, and will flee any area sprayed with strong rubbing alcohol. This is not a permanent solution though, even if you do it daily. Vacuuming, then spraying around, and under your bed and furniture will still keep bedbugs from spreading and may make your home uncomfortable enough that the bedbugs may decide to go elsewhere.
Heat
Bedbugs also hate heat. Wash every piece of clothing, bedding, towel, draperies, cushion covers — everything made of cloth that you own. Leave them in a hot dryer for a bit longer than usual. When they come out, immediately seal these clothes in a zip-top or space-type bag. Vacuuming the air out will save room. Once these items are sealed, do not open the bags until you arrive at the new place. If you have a laundromat nearby with a giant dryer, use this for large items like sleeping bags or comforters. Ideally, you should take these items directly to your new place after cleaning.
Check Unlikely Places
Bedbugs are crafty and annoying, and will hide in places you least suspect — such as your camera, modem, DVD player, or video game console. Take these items apart as much as you’re able and vacuum out the inside. Next, clean every part with alcohol. Seal these in bags once they’re clean, and/or remove them from the infested area.
Don’t Throw Your Stuff Away!
If you are moving with bedbugs and debating whether or not to throw out your mattress, we urge you not to. They’re expensive, and in most cases, trashing the mattress is not necessary. Entire mattresses and pillows can all be zipped up in impenetrable liners. Sprinkle in a bit of Diatomaceous Earth, as well. Diatomaceous Earth will kill any bedbugs that remain, as well as the eggs. Once you move, do not remove the liner for at least a year. Ideally though, you can leave them on forever. If you want to leave it to the experts to kill these pests, TalkLocal can help you find one. Our service is fast and free!
