Decluttering, bagging, and — critically — not spreading items into untreated rooms. MSU Extension calls decluttering "an extremely important first step," since bed bugs thrive in cluttered living areas and clutter makes it harder for a treatment to reach every hiding spot.
Bed Bugs Answers connects you with licensed local pest control companies. We are not a pest control contractor.
What's the single most-violated rule during prep?
"Do not put anything on top of the bed or move items into another room," per MSU Extension. Moving belongings between rooms during preparation is a documented way infestations spread further within a home, undoing the point of the treatment before it even starts.
What do I do with clothes, toys, and other belongings?
Seal clothes, shoes, plush toys, pillows and bedding in large clear plastic bags, sealed tightly, until they can be laundered. Store already-clean items in sealed bags or airtight containers so they aren't re-infested. For items that can't be laundered — electronics, books, hard toys — use airtight plastic tote bins instead.
What about vacuuming and disposal before the visit?
Vacuum mattress and box-spring seams, carpet perimeters, and under baseboards — a single pass rarely gets everything, so plan to repeat it. If you're disposing of an infested mattress or furniture, don't leave it on the curb or porch for someone else to take; EPA's guidance is to slash or otherwise visibly destroy it, or take it directly to a dump.
Sources
3 cited- Core preparation checklist: Michigan State University Extension, Preparing your home for bed bug treatment (checked 2026-08-18).
- Vacuuming guidance: UC IPM Pest Notes Publication 7454, Bed Bugs, May 2013 (checked 2026-08-18).
- Disposal guidance: US EPA, Top Ten Tips to Prevent or Control Bed Bugs; UC IPM Pest Notes 7454 (checked 2026-08-18).