Prior to removing heat-sensitive items from an infested space, inspect each item thoroughly for any signs of infestation before transferring them to a non-infested area to minimize the spread of the infestation. Place them in tightly secured trash bags before carefully transporting them. Any infested items that need treatment should remain in the space.
 

Avoid using chemical treatments prior to the heat treatment process. Chemical treatments can cause bed bugs to flee the space and nest within walls, power outlets, baseboard moldings, heater ducts, under rugs, and floorboards.
 

Set aside personal effects needed during the eradication process, such as medication, medical devices, properly prepared clothing, shoes, car keys, cell phones, chargers, etc. Inspect these items for infestation and set them aside if they are clear.
 

Unplug all appliances, electronics, or devices that may consume power (except for your refrigerator or freezer). Most devices can remain in place once unplugged and will be safe during the treatment.
 

Remove specialized or essential equipment that is heat-sensitive or irreplaceable. Inspect these items for infestation before removing them.
 

Remove flammable items, including liquor, spirits, aerosols (e.g., hair spray, deodorant, spray paint cans), rubbing alcohol, ammunition, carbonated beverages, oxygen tanks, propane tanks, CO2 cartridges, lighter fluid, and fire extinguishers.
 

Take out items that may be particularly heat-sensitive, such as candles, crayons, chocolate, hot-glued crafts, makeup (lipstick), plants, wine, stringed instruments (including pianos, if possible), nail polish, expensive perfume, antiques, and collectibles.
 

Remove all pets from the space, including fish tanks (consider purchasing an aquarium chiller), terrariums, and cages with small animals or reptiles.
 

Bag any trash, unnecessary clutter, heavily infested bedding, or other items to be discarded. Use heavy-duty black plastic bags, seal them tightly (preferably with zip ties), and place them outside in the sun if possible. The heat from the sun can kill any bed bugs or eggs inside.
 

Address dense pockets such as baskets of laundry, clothing closets, or piles of laundry. Hang as many clothes as possible to ensure proper airflow during treatment, ensuring they are not packed too tightly. You can use clothing racks, shower rods, or anchored broom handles to hang clothes. Open purses or backpacks and hang them on door handles. Drape comforters or quilts over doors. Dirty laundry should be washed and dried for 90 minutes on high heat to kill bed bug eggs. Store dried clothes in heavy-duty sealed bags and place them on countertops or appliances until after treatment.
 

Open dresser drawers and cabinets to allow for proper air circulation. Hang as many clothes as possible and follow the same washing, drying, and bagging instructions for non-hangable items. Empty drawers should be staggered or removed entirely to ensure heat circulation.
 

Separate books if possible or slide them to the front of shelves to allow airflow behind them. Avoid stacking papers. File cabinets and folders should be opened to allow heat to circulate.
 

Remove plants or decorations that could be knocked over by heaters or fans. Items on shelves or counters that may fall and become damaged should be laid on their sides. Remove any irreplaceable or one-of-a-kind items, such as valuable paintings or sentimental crafts.
 

In heavily infested areas, move furniture away from the walls to ensure proper airflow. If heavy items cannot be moved, the treatment team can assist.
 

Place couch cushions upright or against the wall. Open reclining chairs and position furniture to allow airflow into cold spots.
 

Elevate mattresses and box springs by placing them on end against the bed frame or wall to maximize airflow.
 

Inspect and consider removing corner tabs on box springs, as bed bugs commonly nest in these areas, potentially shielding them from complete eradication.
 

If you have an inflatable mattress or specialty bed (e.g., Sleep Number), deflate it just before treatment.
 

Be mindful of additional spaces or items that bed bugs may have infested, such as closed boxes or suitcases. Address these areas to prevent cold spots, as bed bugs can survive over a year without feeding.
 

After vacuuming, ensure that live bed bugs or eggs in the vacuum canister or bag are discarded immediately. Empty the bag or canister into a small trash bag, seal it tightly, and dispose of it outside.
 

Remove pictures or wall hangings attached with adhesive anchors, such as Command Strips. These may loosen during treatment due to heat and fall.
 

If you do not opt for vehicle steaming services, have your vehicles professionally vacuumed and cleaned during the heat treatment process. Additionally, bathe any pets before reintroducing them to the treated space.
 

You may store heat-sensitive items like candles, soda, beer, wine, perfume, and makeup in the refrigerator to protect them from the heat.
 

Lastly, take a deep breath—help is on the way! Feel free to reach out if you have any questions or would like to take advantage of our vehicle treatment or preparation services.