Moving home is an exciting home but it is also often quite stressful! Now you can always get expert removals or storage experts in to help, but with something like the recent rise in bed bug infestations, it’s important to stay informed. Pest control company Rentokil have found that there has been a 65% increase in infestations from 2022 to 2023. Experts seem to think that there was less risk over the COVID-19  pandemic due to less second-hand furniture, less travel and less moving.

With the world up and running again, first-time buyers, renters, downsizers and landlords all need to be aware of this pesky pest issue and how to prevent and deal with it before it becomes a larger issue.

Tips on how to prevent bed bugs when relocating

Inspect and Treat Current Home

Hire a pest control professional to thoroughly inspect your current home for signs of bed bugs before you start packing. Look for live bugs, cast skins, and tiny black spots indicating bed bug waste. Inspect mattresses, box springs, bed frames, couches, and other soft surfaces where bed bugs like to hide. If bed bugs are found, get a treatment right away to kill them before they spread. Treatments may involve pesticide sprays, steam cleaning, heating, and fumigation.

Declutter Before Packing

Get rid of as many belongings as possible that you don't need at your new place. The less you transport, the lower your chances of taking bed bugs with you. Focus on reducing clutter like papers, books, toys, seasonal items, and excess furniture. If you haven't used something in over a year, consider donating or discarding it. Decluttering also makes packing easier.

Inspect Suitcases and Moving Boxes

Carefully check any luggage, boxes, crates, or other containers that will transport your belongings to your new home. Look along seams, zippers, handles, and edges for signs of bed bugs. If you find bugs or suspicious spots, do not use that item for moving. Mark it for treatment or disposal. Only use pest-free containers to pack and move your possessions.

Wash and Dry Clean Fabrics

Wash clothing, linens, curtains, towels, and other fabric items on the highest heat setting allowed before packing them. The heat will kill any bed bugs or eggs. For delicate items that can't be washed, have them dry cleaned. Be sure to tell the dry cleaner you're trying to get rid of bed bugs - they have chemical sprays that can treat fabrics. Keep freshly laundered items sealed in plastic bags until moving day.

Discard Infested Furniture

Upholstered furniture like couches are prime hiding spots for bed bugs. If your current furniture is infested, discard it - don't take it to your new place. You're better off buying new furniture that hasn't been exposed to bed bugs. If you can't part with an item, have it professionally treated by a pest management company using techniques like fumigation or heat treatment.

Vacuum Thoroughly

Vacuum carpets, furniture, mattresses, and other surfaces to suck up any bed bugs or eggs before packing your belongings. Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter and disposable bags. Immediately seal and discard the vacuum bag after use. A thorough vacuuming can help capture bed bugs that might otherwise hitch a ride to your new place. 

Seal Belongings in Plastic Bags

Pack your clothes, linens, towels, and other soft belongings in sealable plastic bags or plastic storage bins. This prevents bed bugs from getting in and contains any bugs that may already be present. Leave items bagged and sealed until you unpack at your new home. Plastic mattress and box spring covers can also enclose these infested hot spots during a move.

Hire Professional Movers

Tell professional movers you're concerned about bed bugs. Reputable moving companies in Britain are aware of the risks and take steps to avoid spreading them. They will inspect furniture and possessions and isolate infested items. Movers have access to special packing materials and trucks to contain the bugs. Hiring pros reduces the chances of taking bed bugs with you compared to moving items yourself.

Clean New Home Before Move-In 

Thoroughly clean your new living space before moving your belongings in. Vacuum floors, scrub kitchen and bathroom surfaces, and wipe down walls and baseboards. This removes dirt and food sources bed bugs could feed on. You can also use non-chemical bed bug traps from Amazon around the perimeter of rooms as an early monitoring system for any bugs that may come in.

Inspect as You Unpack

Unpack carefully and keep an eye out for signs of bed bugs as you go. Isolate any items that show evidence of bugs until they can be treated or disposed of. Putting clean linens and clothing into dressers and closets right away limits exposure if you do find bed bugs. Be very suspicious of used furniture, mattresses, or box springs. Inspect secondhand items meticulously or consider buying new ones instead.

Act Quickly if Bed Bugs Are Spotted 

If you do discover bed bugs after moving in, take immediate action. Contact a pest control professional to confirm you're dealing with bed bugs and begin treatment. Catching infestations early makes eradication easier before bugs multiply and spread widely through your new home. Don't try do-it-yourself remedies which can make problems worse.

Be Proactive

Going above and beyond to prevent bed bugs means you can move into your new home with confidence and peace of mind. Follow these tips, and you'll reduce the chances these nightmare pests will hit the road with you. Stay vigilant during the moving process, and you can stop bed bugs from turning a fresh start into a scary situation.