How To Prepare Infected Rooms And Their Contents For Heat Treatment

Extreme Bed Bug Control

Published: October, 2023

Preparation is the first step when heat treating pest infected rooms. At the moment this might seem overwhelming. After all, it’s more than likely that you have no idea how to do this. You’re probably also worried about the contents of your rooms. But that’s why we’ve written this helpful guide. Just follow these steps and you’ll be more than prepared for the treatment.

Getting infected rooms ready for heat treatment

1. Turn off air conditioners / turn on heaters

Turn off your air conditioners a at least a day before the treatment. Also turn on all heaters and radiators (you can turn these off after one treatment). This will warm up the home and increase the effectiveness of the treatment. We will advise you about what to do with heating when we are on your property.

2. Unplug all electronics

Anything electronic should be unplugged from the wall. This includes things like your TV, computers, appliances and anything else which is plugged in.

3. Move everything away from the wall

Any furniture touching a wall must be moved at least 6-12 inches away. This includes sofas, cabinets and bookcases.

4. Clear door openings

If anything is hanging in a doorway, it must be removed. For example, if you have a hanging curtain in your doorway, then take it off.

5. Gather up loose papers

Heat treatment machines use powerful fans. This will blow papers and can be dangerous. Any loose papers, books, newspapers, and magazines must be placed in boxes, or cupboards.

6. Remove everything from your walls

Before heat treatment, things like wall hangings, pictures, paintings etc. must be removed. These may also be blown off and damaged. These items can be placed on the floor.

7. Open cupboards

Cupboards that contain clothing must be opened wide. Clothing must sit loosely in cupboards. Air should be able to circulate between items of clothing. Drawers must also be opened. Clothing must also be loose in drawers. Tightly packed clothing should be taken out and left in baskets around the room.

8. Do the same with other items

Other clothing type items should also be loose as these can be treated too. This includes your linen, towels, blankets, soft furnishings and so on. You can put these items in baskets as well. Do not place anything in plastic bags.

9. Remove flammable items from the room

This includes things such as lighters, alcohol, and solvents. If you have fireworks, then remove these as well as part of the do’s and don’ts of preparing. Also take out pressurized items like hairspray, aerosol cans, tinned drinks, and fire extinguishers. Anything in a pressurized can should be removed.

10. Remove anything that can melt

Wax crayons, candles and oil paintings must be taken out of infected rooms. Also remove food that can melt (chocolates, sweets etc.) You can include cosmetics here as well. Also remove fresh food like vegetables and fruit.