Pick up clothes, papers, and clutter from the floor, under beds, behind furniture, and on shelves.

Bag everything in plastic bags and seal them tightly.

Label bags clearly so you know what’s clean or dirty later.

• Wash dirty cloth on high heat

• Dry on high heat for at least 45 minutes (51°C or higher) 

• Bag clean clothes in new sealed plastic bags—do not return them to closets or drawers yet. 

•  Double-bag and zip tie each one tightly.

Pro Tip: Only rewash items that are dirty. Dry heat is what kills the bugs. 

Empty dressers, nightstands, bookshelves, and desks.

Place items in sealed bags or bins, and store off the floor.

Don’t forget to check inside electronics and behind picture frames

Do It Right or Don’t Bother: Vacuuming is a key part of bed bug prep but only if it’s done properly.

Do not use a bagless vacuum like a Dyson. Live bed bugs can crawl right out of the canister after vacuuming. Always use a vacuum with a disposable bag so you can safely trap and remove them.

Important: While bed bug eggs can’t crawl, they are sticky and may cling to the inside of a canister. A bagless vacuum makes it harder to remove them completely.

Here is what we use Atrix VACBP1 HEPA Backpack Vacuum