Considering the fact that bed bugs are very tiny and can hide in unlikely places, whenever you’re moving or storing things, it is necessary to take precautionary measures to ensure they don’t sneak into your stuff and follow you to your destination.
Here are some precautionary steps you should take before you move
- If you have bed bugs in your present home, or you suspect there may be bed bugs there, then you should check our guide on Safe Ways to Prevent and Get Rid of Bed Bugs.
- Before moving into the new home, carry out a meticulous check to see if there are bed bugs in the new home. Flash torchlight at those hidden areas where bed bugs could hide, just to be sure that there’s no infestation.
- After performing the check above and you see any bed bugs, contact the landlord and ask him to hire a pest control professional to get rid of the bugs. If you’re the homeowner, then you should make sure you do the same before you move in.
Getting Ready For your Move
- Check old boxes thoroughly before you pack materials into them. It is however advisable to use new boxes when packing.
- If you’re moving with a rented van, find out if the company checks their van for bed bugs, and how often they do it.
- If you’re using a blanket or trampoline to wrap or cover any item, ensure that the blanket or trampoline is properly cleaned before use.
- Before loading your things into a rented vehicle, check for bed bugs even if the company says they do routine fumigation.
- The same applies for storage. Before putting your items in storage, make sure the company does fumigate their storage place. Also, check the place yourself, and most advisably, pack your items into sealable bags, plastic containers or any other thing you can seal with a duct tape.
- When removing items from storage, check them carefully.
- Select the clothing amongst your items and wash them immediately they’re out of storage. If you suspect they might have come in contact with bed bugs, then wash them in hot water, put them in the dryer and dry for 20 minutes on the highest heat.
Following the above steps will help you to know how to avoid bed bugs when moving or packing luggage.
