ANSWERING YOUR QUESTIONS ABOUT BED BUGS

TREATMENT

The Toronto Bed Bug Project in conjunction with the Structural Pest Management Association of Ontario and its members has developed a set of guidelines for the treatment of bed bugs in multi-unit dwellings for Pest Management Professionals (PMP).

BEFORE TREATMENT:

• • • all clutter should be removed from the unit

• • • if possible, steam clean, wet vacuum or shampoo any carpeting and furnishings

• • • vacuum the mattress thoroughly including the crevices, handles and buttons

• • • vacuum the bed frame, baseboards and objects or flooring close to bed

• • • discard the vacuum bag in a tightly sealed garbage bag

• • • remove all clothing from dressers and place in clean plastic bags or plastic totes

• • • bookshelves, nightstands or other furniture in the immediate area must be emptied so the technician can spray
      the underside of furniture

• • • place all items in tightly sealed garbage bags and leave them in the room to be treated

LAUNDERING

All clothing items should be placed in garbage bags, sealed and emptied directly into the washing machine. It is important to launder items using hot water, as cold water will not kill bed bugs or their eggs. When the laundering cycle is complete, the clean laundry should be placed in new clear garbage bags and sealed during the treatment process. The garbage bags used for transporting clothing to the laundry room should be discarded outside of the premise, as they may contain bed bugs. If possible, for severe infestations, water-soluble bags should be used to collect sheets and clothing and put directly into the wash. All clean clothes should be put in the dryer on high for a minimum of 20 minutes. Some clothing may require dry cleaning. Most washers and dryers are not properly equipped with the appropriate capabilities to kill the bed bugs we recommend that you place the items in a garbage bag and tightly secure and bring the items to Browns.

BEDS

All bedding must be removed before the technician arrives. Soiled bedding should be washed in hot water, separate from other laundry, or dry-cleaned before or soon after the treatment to avoid a resurgence of bed bugs. Pillows should also be placed in the dryer on high heat for a minimum of 20 minutes. After treatment, bedding should be tucked in tightly, and the bed kept a few inches away from the wall. Bed skirts should not be used. Browns large steam tunnel can accommodate bulkier items such as comforters, duvets, etc. Since most washers and dryers are not properly equipped with the appropriate capabilities to kill the bed bugs we recommend that you place the items in a garbage bag and tightly secure and bring the items to Browns.

BABY CRIBS

All linen should be laundered. All toys should be washed in soapy, hot water and stuffed toys should be placed in the dryer on high heat for 20 minutes. Most washers and dryers are not properly equipped with the appropriate capabilities to kill the bed bugs. To ensure future infestation, place the items in a garbage bag and tightly secure. Browns treatment can ensure the bugs are killed and the bedding and toys are fully sanitized.

DRESSERS AND NIGHT TABLES

All contents of dressers are to be placed in garbage bags and placed in the dryer cycle on hot for a minimum of 20 minutes. All articles on top of the dresser are to be removed and placed in plastic bags or plastic totes. Bookshelves, nightstands or other furniture in the immediate area must be emptied so that the technician can spray the undersides of the furniture. Furniture and items should be moved at least 30 cm (12 inches) away from the walls to facilitate spraying the baseboards. Shelving and drawers should be clean. Browns can accommodate more cumbersome and delicate objects such as lampshades, stuffed toys, etc.

CLOSETS

All closets including linen closets are to be emptied. Clean articles should be placed in the dryer on high heat for a minimum of 20 minutes. All soiled articles need to be washed in hot water and then dried at high heat. Laundromat dryers may have lower heat settings and may not heat up to 60 C, so a full cycle should be used. To avoid taking a chance with your washer and dryer capabilities, place the items in a garbage bag and tightly secure. Browns treatment can ensure the bugs are killed and your clothes are fully sanitized.

SOFAS AND CHAIRS

All chair covers, throws and pillows must be laundered prior to treatment.

DISPOSAL OF FURNITURE

Discarding beds, bedding and furniture is NOT a sound approach to bed bug control as new items can easily be reinfested. Furniture infested with bed bugs that cannot be salvaged needs to be disposed of in a manner that will prevent the further spread of the bugs. In the process of removing a piece of furniture, bed bugs can escape into hallways and make their way into new apartments, spreading the problem to new areas.

IF YOU DECIDE TO THROW OUT BED BUG INFESTED FURNITURE:

take apart or damage the piece of furniture to ensure it cannot be reused, then wrap the furniture in plastic so bed bugs cannot escape — this should be done in the unit before it is removed a mattress should be slashed or otherwise damaged to make it unusable, then wrapped in plastic so bed bugs cannot escape — this should be done in the unit before it is removed put items in the trash shortly before pick-up, so they do not sit at the curb for a long time

ADDITIONAL INFO

Ottawa Public Health has an informative page on bed bugs, where users have access to city resources and help.