Heat Treatment Preparation Checklist

Everything you need to prepare your home for bed bug heat treatment

Preparing for Your Heat Treatment

Proper preparation ensures maximum effectiveness of your heat treatment and protects your belongings. This comprehensive checklist will guide you through everything you need to do before our technicians arrive.

Good news: Heat treatment requires minimal preparation compared to chemical treatments. Most items can stay in place!

⏰ Preparation Time: Allow 2-3 hours to properly prepare your home. We'll provide this checklist when you schedule your appointment.

Quick Summary: What Needs to Be Removed

👥 People & Pets

Must leave for 6-8 hours

🕯️ Heat-Sensitive Items

Candles, crayons, chocolate

🌿 Plants

All houseplants & flowers

💊 Medications

Prescriptions & vitamins

🔥 Pressurized Items

Aerosols, propane tanks

🔫 Firearms & Ammo

All weapons & ammunition

Complete Preparation Checklist

👥 People, Pets & Living Things

  • Remove all people

    Everyone must leave the property during treatment (typically 6-8 hours). Plan activities away from home.

  • Remove all pets

    Dogs, cats, birds, fish, reptiles, and all other pets must be removed. Aquarium fish should be taken to a safe location with their tank.

  • Remove all plants

    Houseplants, fresh flowers, and any live vegetation cannot survive treatment temperatures. Move outside or to another location.

🕯️ Heat-Sensitive Items

  • Candles and wax items

    All candles, wax melts, and wax-based items will melt at treatment temperatures.

  • Crayons and modeling clay

    Children's art supplies that can melt should be removed.

  • Chocolate and candy

    Any chocolate, candy, or food items that melt easily should be removed or refrigerated in a cooler.

  • Cosmetics and toiletries

    Lipstick, lip balm, makeup, and similar items should be removed.

  • Vinyl records and cassette tapes

    These can warp at high temperatures.

💊 Medications & Health Items

  • Prescription medications

    All prescription drugs should be removed. Heat can affect potency.

  • Over-the-counter medicines

    Vitamins, supplements, pain relievers, and all OTC medications.

  • Medical devices

    CPAP machines, nebulizers, blood pressure monitors, and similar devices should be removed.

🔥 Pressurized & Flammable Items

  • Aerosol cans

    All spray cans (hairspray, deodorant, spray paint, air fresheners, cooking spray, etc.)

  • Propane tanks

    BBQ propane, camping fuel, and similar pressurized gas containers.

  • Fire extinguishers

    All fire extinguishers must be removed from treated areas.

  • Compressed air cans

    Canned air for electronics cleaning.

  • Lighters and matches

    All ignition sources should be removed.

🔫 Firearms & Ammunition

  • All firearms

    Guns should be removed or secured in a gun safe if the safe will not be treated.

  • Ammunition

    All ammunition must be removed from treated areas.

🎨 Art & Valuables (Optional - Use Your Judgment)

  • Original artwork & photographs

    While usually safe, irreplaceable items can be removed for peace of mind.

  • Musical instruments

    String instruments (violins, guitars) may need removal. Consult with our technician.

  • Valuable documents

    Birth certificates, passports, deeds, and irreplaceable papers (paper is generally fine, but remove if concerned).

💻 Electronics & Technology

  • Unplug all electronics

    TVs, computers, gaming systems, appliances - turn off and unplug. They can stay in place.

  • Remove batteries from devices

    Remove batteries from remote controls, flashlights, toys, and similar items.

  • External hard drives & USB drives

    Can be removed if concerned, though generally heat-safe.

🏠 Home Preparation

  • Open closet doors and drawers

    All closets, cabinets, and drawers should be open to allow heat circulation.

  • Pull furniture away from walls (slightly)

    Create 6-12 inches of space for heat circulation and sensor placement.

  • Remove items from on top of furniture

    Clear items from tops of dressers, nightstands, and shelves.

  • Provide access to all rooms

    Ensure technicians can access all areas being treated.

✅ What Can Stay (No Need to Remove)

Good news! Most of your belongings can stay exactly where they are:

👕 Clothing & Linens

All clothing can stay in closets and drawers. No need to bag anything!

🛏️ Mattresses & Furniture

All furniture, mattresses, and box springs stay in place.

📚 Books & Papers

Books, magazines, and most paper items can stay.

💻 Most Electronics

TVs, computers, and appliances can stay (just unplug them).

🍽️ Dishes & Kitchenware

Plates, glasses, pots, pans - all can stay.

🖼️ Wall Decorations

Pictures, mirrors, and wall art can stay mounted.

📅 Treatment Day Timeline

1

Before Technicians Arrive

Complete all preparation steps from this checklist. Verify all people, pets, and required items are removed.

2

Arrival & Setup (1-2 hours)

Technicians arrive, set up equipment, place temperature sensors throughout your home.

3

Heat Treatment (4-6 hours)

Property temperature raised to 120-140°F. Bed bugs eliminated in all life stages.

4

Cool Down (1-2 hours)

Temperature returns to normal. Final verification and equipment removal.

5

Return Home

You can safely return home the same evening. Sleep peacefully knowing bed bugs are gone!

💡 Pro Tips for Easier Preparation

  • Start preparing 2-3 days before treatment to avoid last-minute stress
  • Use boxes or bins to organize items you're removing
  • Take photos of your home after preparation to document the process
  • Make a list of where you placed removed items so you can find them later
  • Plan an activity for treatment day - go to work, visit family, enjoy a day out

⚠️ Important Reminders

  • Do not return home until technicians confirm it's safe (usually same evening)
  • Home will be hot - give it time to cool before returning
  • If you're unsure about an item - call us! We're happy to answer questions: Call or Text (267) 225-0086
  • Incomplete preparation may reduce treatment effectiveness

Questions About Preparation?

Our team is here to help! Call or text us if you're unsure about any items or need clarification.

📞 Text or Call (267) 225-0086