What to Do Before the Exterminator Arrives: Bed Bug Preparation Guide 

Discovering bed bugs can be stressful, but proper preparation before your professional bed bug treatment plays a key role in ensuring a successful extermination. Bed bugs hide deep in cracks, seams, and furniture, so taking the right steps before the exterminator arrives helps maximize treatment effectiveness and prevents these pests from spreading further.

1. Declutter the Affected Areas

Remove unnecessary items such as magazines, boxes, or piles of clothing from bedrooms and living spaces. Clutter provides extra hiding spots for bed bugs, making it harder for professionals to treat the area thoroughly. Bag and seal anything you remove to avoid spreading bugs to other rooms.

2. Wash and Heat-Dry Linens and Clothing

Bed bugs and their eggs can’t survive high temperatures. Wash all bedding, curtains, and clothing in hot water (60°C / 140°F), then dry them on the highest heat setting for at least 30 minutes. Afterward, store cleaned items in sealed plastic bags until the treatment is complete.

3. Vacuum Thoroughly

Vacuum mattresses, bed frames, carpets, baseboards, and furniture seams to remove live bugs and eggs. Pay special attention to cracks and crevices. Once finished, immediately empty the vacuum into a sealed bag and discard it outdoors to prevent re-infestation.

4. Move Furniture Away from Walls

Create space by pulling furniture, beds, and couches at least 12–18 inches away from walls. This gives your bed bug exterminator better access to treat behind and underneath furniture where bed bugs often hide.

5. Avoid DIY Chemical Sprays

Over-the-counter sprays can scatter bed bugs, pushing them deeper into hiding. Avoid using store-bought pesticides and leave the chemical application to trained professionals who use proven, regulated products.

6. Protect Your Sleeping Area

To minimize bites before treatment, keep bedding off the floor and consider using bed bug interceptor cups under bed legs. This won’t solve the infestation but can help reduce bites while waiting for the exterminator.

7. Follow Professional Instructions Closely

Each infestation is unique, and your pest control company may provide specific instructions. Follow their checklist carefully—good preparation is often the difference between one treatment and multiple follow-ups.

✅ Professional Bed Bug Control in Calgary

Preparation is just the first step. For complete elimination, trust certified bed bug control experts in Calgary. At Pest Pro Exterminator, we use advanced methods to target bed bugs at all life stages and provide you with aftercare guidance to keep your home pest-free.

📞 Contact Pest Pro Exterminator today for expert bed bug inspection and treatment in Calgary. Take back your home and enjoy a peaceful, bite-free sleep.