How To Move From A Bed Bug Infested Location

​The following article was written at the request of a bed bug victim.

Each day numerous bed bug victims seek information from online sources in search of answers to their bed bug related questions. One of the most commonly asked questions is. . . 

“how do we move from a bed bug infested location without bringing bed bugs with us?”

While this may seem like a simple question, with bed bugs there are no simple answers.

​Whether moving from a multifamily or single family home, the greatest concern for those
moving from a bed bug infested location to another home is how to do so without bringing these
nasty pests along with them. Anyone who has experienced bed bugs first hand knows how
problematic these blood thirsty insects can be. Bed bug victims seek viable and practical
methodologies that will allow them to move to their new home less their unwelcomed parasitic
guests.

In communicating with and advising bed bug victims across the country a prime observation and
concern is that poor decisions and mistakes are inadvertently made due to inexperience, lack of
proper knowledge, inappropriate advice and misinformation. As such, it is wise to learn and
understand the correct principles and fundamentals regarding bed bugs that apply when
attempting to move from an infested location without risk of bringing bed bugs along.
When dealing with bed bugs it is best to be conservative. Perhaps a good mindset is to treat all
things bed bugs in a manner such as depicted in the movies “The Andromeda Strain” or
“Contagion” where once contacted an unseen viral germ may cause a painful and ugly death in a
matter of just hours. If we all treated bed bugs very seriously, as if they were a matter of life and
death, chances are we’d be much more careful and effective when dealing with them.

​The following fundamentals apply and should be considered when moving:

• The primary goal is that no bed bug contaminated item is brought along during the move.
• Consider that bed bugs or bed bug eggs may be hidden and present in nearly any item.
• All items to be moved must be inspected, treated and rendered bed bug free.
• If necessary, properly sealing suspect items in plastic bags and containers may be done such that elimination work to be conducted on such items can be done when time allows.
• Treated items should be sealed in bed bug proof plastic bags, wrap or containers prior to the move.
• Once a plastic bag or wrap has been used to contain suspect items, do not reuse such bags
  for normal use.
• Cardboard boxes and other packing materials in which bed bugs can hide should be avoided. ​​​
  • ​​​​Such materials may be suitably treated and sealed within bed bug proof plastic bags or plastic wrap.
• Items may be rendered bed bug free using suitable treatment methods. Such treatment
  methods include but may not be limited to:​​
  • Steam
  • Vacuum
  • Heat
  • Alcohol wipes
  • Nuvan pest strips
  • Insecticide applications
• In no case should any suspect untreated item be included in the move.
• ​It is possible for moving trucks, trailers and vehicles to harbor bed bugs as a result of
  transporting infested items. As such, it is wise to inspect and treat the moving vehicles
  prior to the move.
• It is possible for bed bugs to hitch a ride on people as well and suitable preventative steps
  should be taken to address this as well.
  • Check shoes and clothing for the presence of bed bugs.
  • Change suspect clothed with bed bug free clothes prior to entering a vehicle or the​residence.
• ​Ultimately, we need to assure the home being moved to is bed bug free. Investigate and conduct a thorough inspection of the move to location prior to relocating.

There are numerous viable, practical and efficacious ways to eliminate bed bugs and render
items bed bug free for the moving process. Below are some suggested methodologies for your
review and consideration:

• Cloths and other garments may be rendered bed bug free by running them in a hot dryer.
• The lethal temperature of at least 122 F must be attained for at least one minute uniformly throughout the garments being heat treated within the dryer.
• Heat treated garments may be sealed in plastic bags or other suitable bed bug proof containers.
• Electronic items may be treated in a number of ways including:
  • Mild heat treatment. (Note that while excessive heat may harm sensitive electronics, the lethal temperature threshold is about 113 F which may not cause harm. However, it is wise to consult the manufacturer of the electronic item in question.)
• Pest strips may be used to treat items such as furniture, computers, televisions and
  other items by sealing the item to be treated within a suitably sized plastic bag or
  storage container to create a confined treatment space.
  • When using a bag or container be sure that there is a sufficient volume of empty space within the bag such that the treatment vapors may sufficiently travel within the treatment chamber.
  • Note that some storage bins may have ventilation holes incorporated into their rims or handle areas. Such holes will need to sufficiently sealed using suitable tape for bed bug treatment purposes.
  • ALWAYS READ AND FOLLOW PESTICIDE LABEL INSTRUCTIONS !
• Provided suitable access to reach hidden areas, a vacuum may be used to remove bed bugs however, eggs present in inaccessible areas may not be successfully removed by suction alone.
• A suitably powered hair dryer may be used for directed heat treatment.
• The warm air from a hair dryer may flush bed bugs when directed at hiding places within the electronic item.

Moving Vehicles:

​A moving truck or trailer may harbor bed bugs due to prior use. And, while this may seem
unlikely, it is wise to adopt a conservative approach to protect yourself from bringing bed bugs
along with you as a result of the move. Any moving truck or trailer may be inspected and treated
as needed. However, there may be many cracks and crevices present which may successfully
harbor undetected bed bugs.
While it is possible to successfully inspect and treat a moving vehicle for bed bugs as needed,
local regulations should be checked prior to doing so.

• ALWAYS READ AND FOLLOW PESTICIDE LABEL INSTRUCTIONS.
• There are a variety of insecticide products which may be used to treat a moving truck or trailer when needed. Be sure that the product selected is labeled for bed bug control and is efficacious.
• Do not place any item within the treated space until after all spray application residues have completely dried.
• Vacuums and steamers may also be used to treat a truck or trailer.
• Note that we must be thorough when inspecting and treating for bed bugs.

What About People?

​As previously mentioned it is possible that bed bugs may hitch a ride on a person’s shoes,
clothing or equipment. The risk of picking up hitch hiking bed bugs is greatest when working at bed bug infested locations and is especially so when working at an infested location. As such,
suitable methodologies should be considered to mitigate such risks.

• Wear white or light colored clothing such that it will be easier to detect hitch hiking bed
• bugs.
• Co-workers should assist in the detection process by visually inspecting each other’s back
• and areas a person cannot see for themselves.
• Have a set of fresh bed bug free clothing stored in a bed bug proof container on hand.
• When moving work has been completed, completely change into fresh bed bug free
• clothing and seal all the suspect work clothes into a plastic bag or bed bug proof storage
• container for subsequent treatment.
• Suspect work clothes may be treated using heat or running in a dryer for a sufficient
• amount of time.

​Paul J. Bello is the author of The Bed Bug Combat Manual and has been a pest professional
since 1976. He currently serves as a pest management consultant and assists various clients in
pest related situations. His website is www.pjbpestconsultant.com and may be reached for
assistance via paul@pjbpestconsultant.com.