Proper preparation is the foundation of a successful bed bug extermination—especially in New York City apartments, where shared walls, clutter, and limited space can make treatment tricky. Getting your home ready not only speeds up the process but also helps ensure complete elimination of bed bugs in fewer visits.
Here’s a step-by-step NYC preparation guide from the experts at A1 Bed Bug Exterminator NYC.
Laundry and Bagging
Start by washing all bedding, linens, and clothes in hot water and drying them on the highest heat setting for at least 30 minutes. Once dried, immediately seal the items in clean plastic bags or bins to prevent re-infestation. Keep them sealed until after your exterminator completes treatment.
Pro Tip: Don’t mix cleaned items with dirty ones. Label bags by room (e.g., “Bedroom 1,” “Living Room”) to simplify unpacking later.
Declutter and Create Access Paths
Clear areas under beds, behind furniture, and along baseboards. Technicians need to access these spots to apply heat, steam, or residual treatments. Pull furniture about 6–8 inches away from the walls to allow better airflow and chemical coverage.
Avoid moving infested items into hallways or other apartments—it can spread bed bugs throughout the building.
Protect Furniture and Belongings
Use bed bug–proof encasements for mattresses and box springs to trap any remaining insects and make future inspections easier. Vacuum furniture seams, headboards, and couch cushions using a crevice tool. Dispose of vacuum bags immediately afterward.
Electronics and small items should be placed in sealed bins or treated with gentle heat or cold if safe.
Keep Pets and Family Safe
During treatment, all residents and pets must leave the apartment for the time specified by your exterminator—usually 4–6 hours, depending on the method used. Cover or remove pet dishes, toys, and food. Fish tanks should be sealed and air pumps turned off during treatment hours.
After Treatment: Stay Vigilant
Once you return, avoid unsealing cleaned laundry until your technician confirms it’s safe. Continue vacuuming weekly, reduce clutter, and use interceptor traps under bed legs to detect lingering bugs. Follow-up visits are often part of a full NYC treatment plan—don’t skip them.
Preparation might feel tedious, but it’s the most important step toward permanent bed bug elimination. A well-prepared apartment allows your exterminator to focus on precision instead of obstacles—saving time, effort, and cost.
Call A1 Bed Bug Exterminator NYC today at (646) 503-0013 to schedule your same-day bed bug inspection and get a full prep checklist customized for your apartment.
