Keep a suspected problem from traveling
Avoid taking loose bedding, clothes, or furniture from an affected room into a room where bed bugs have not been found. EPA advises containing items during preparation so bugs are not carried elsewhere. Ask how to bag belongings that need to be moved, and how to keep prepared items separate.
This is not a reason to discard everything. Many belongings can be treated, and putting unmarked furniture outside can pass the problem to another household. Discuss disposal only when it is needed.
Get specific laundry instructions
Ask which fabrics should be processed, how to transport them, and where finished items should be stored. A household dryer can be useful for items that tolerate the required heat, but laundering instructions need to account for the material and the treatment plan. Do not assume washing alone resolves a bed bug problem.
Tell AML about delicate fabrics, items that cannot go in a dryer, and any limits on access to laundry equipment. That helps identify preparation tasks that need a different arrangement.
Clarify what should move—and what should stay
Ask about furniture access, under-bed storage, closets, and items on the floor. Reduce clutter as instructed without carrying loose items through the house. If moving a heavy bed or sofa is difficult, discuss it before the visit.
Do not improvise room-heating methods with a thermostat or portable heater. EPA warns that these attempts can be dangerous and do not reliably treat the places bed bugs hide.
Know the next step after preparation
Agree on instructions for occupants and pets, the return to treated spaces, and any cleaning restrictions. Ask what evidence to track afterward and how AML wants it reported. Progress should be assessed using the agreed plan, not a deadline borrowed from someone else's treatment.
- Which preparation tasks must be completed before arrival?
- What should stay bagged or in place afterward?
- When should I contact AML about a new sighting?
- What follow-up is included in the proposed service?
Sources & further reading
This guide is general education. Follow AML’s instructions for your specific service and any applicable product-label requirements.