Since bedbug treatments are expensive, it is best to have confirmation that bedbugs are indeed infesting your residence. Options: A) Collect a sample (in a jar with a tight-fitting lid, or on a piece of transparent tape). B) Bedbugs can bite anyplace on the body, but usually on arms, thighs, neck, back and chest/stomach. Often there are several bites in a line (since the bugs will bite until they hit a vein). If the bites are ONLY on lower legs and ankles you may have fleas.

NOTE: Waterbeds must be drained prior to initial treament.

PREPARE TO BE GONE FOR 3 HOURS.
The Bedbug treatment is extensive and many surfaces will need time to dry before you re-occupy the residence. You may stay until we are finished in order to lock-up, but then you must leave for 3 hours. We like to schedule treatments for mornings so that you will be able to re-enter in time to prepare supper and re-assemble beds.

REMOVE BLANKETS AND SHEETS FROM BEDS.
Wash all your linens and place them in a hot dryer for 20 minutes. (Laundered items should be stored away from the bedbug-infested area or sealed in securely tied heavy duty plastic bags to keeps insects out. If you are taking items in a plastic bag to be laundered, don't reuse that bag. Be sure to take a new, unused bag to bring them back. It is suggested that you store the laundered items in a separate area.)

Clothing should be removed from the bedroom to a hot dryer for 20 minutes. After removing, place clothing into heavy duty plastic bags, securely sealed, and removed from the area.

REMOVE ALL CLUTTER FROM UNDER AND NEAR BEDS.
Clutter under beds can provide the bedbugs with hiding places and prevent effective control.

VACUUM ALL CREVICES ON YOUR MATTRESSES, BED FRAMES, AND HEADBOARDS.
After vacuuming, empty the vacuum cleaner and discard the contents in a sealed plastic bag.

TOYS, STUFFED ANIMALS, AND BOOKS THAT HAVE BEEN KEPT IN THE BEDROOM SHOULD BE SEALED IN PLASTIC BAGS.
Toys and stuffed animals can be frozen at 20 F (-5 C) for five days to kill any bugs hiding in them.

SCHEDULE THE SECOND TREATMENT (included in the price) FOR THREE (3) WEEKS LATER.
Bedbugs usually feed only once per week. They have to cross the chemicals several times before they succumb to the insecticide. Three weeks seems to be an optimal time to prevent survivors from developing a resistance to the chemicals we are using.

DO NOT...
...Throw out beds or furniture. This is usually unnecessary and wasteful. If an item should be discarded, your technician will tell you. (Never give away infested furniture.)
...Use over-the-counter pesticides. These products may scatter the insects and make eradication more difficult. They also do not make for effective treatments and may create a line of pesticide-resistant insects.

The Michigan Department of Community Health says there are several things homeowners can do to help control bed bugs. One thing they suggest is that after bedbugs are eliminated you can seal your mattresses and pillows with plastic or hypoallergenic, zippered covers. This will reduce allergies caused by the bedbugs.

Removing clutter and proper preparation will save time and will speed the elimination of these pests.

One final point: though these treatments should be effective, it may take some time. Bedbugs feed weekly and spend the remainder of their week hiding in cracks and crevices (bedbugs can survive over 9 months without feeding). Unfortunately, the only way to encourage them to cross the pesticide treatment is for you to sleep in your beds and sit on your furniture.