Step By Step Process

Eliminate bed bugs using a scientifically proven and documented step-by-step treatment process that uses fumigation and/or heat remediation in conjunction with traditional pest control techniques.

Step 1: Location Preparation

To effectively eliminate 100% of bed bugs and their eggs, successful treatment should always start with the removal of any UNNECESSARY CLUTTER. This is done to limit the amount of infestation and accurately identify the pest’s location.

NOTE: There is no reason to discard any personal items that are of value because Sulfuryl Fluoride fumigation, also known as Vikane®, is 100% guaranteed to eliminate all pest infestation including the egg stage of life). Initial clutter removal is typically performed by the customer but can also be achieved by leveraging available moving partner services.

Step 2: Identification

Historically, human detection of the exact location of all bed bugs is extremely difficult and prone to error. This leads to prolonged customer exposure and the plaguing effects caused by bed bugs. By incorporating a trained, certified and independently-operated K-9 bed bug detection service, dogs can alert handlers to pin point exact areas of active infestation with greater accuracy. By using a K-9 within the structure, it allows active infestation to be identified quickly so that concentrated treatments can be preformed for accurate and effective elimination.

Step 3: Inspection

To insure that all involved parties (resident, property owner, property manger and PCO) are in agreement with the findings of the K9 detection results, BBFS recommends a coordinated visual inspection by all available parties. This serves to help limit the amount of time till control efforts begin and prevents disagreements as to existence/severity of bed bug infestations in future.

Step 4: Education/Planning

During this step, BBFS will work with clients to coordinate a customized Integrated Bed Bug Management Plan (IBBMP) and Education Program for all affected residents. Generally BBFS will, along with residents/property owners/property managers, schedule a town-hall meeting to present inspection findings, provide basic information about bed bugs, discuss treatment options and present customized IBBMP for subject location(s). Often, during this step, involved parties will develop responsibilities list(s), agree to common preventative procedures (post-treatment) and sign IBBMP contract(s).

Step 5: Preparing of Location and Infested Personal Items for Treatment(s)

It is proven that 70 – 90 percent of bed bug infestations reside in the contents of an infected area. Through the use of trained moving partners, customers can have their infested belongings removed and loaded into moving trucks or portable vault/chambers for fumigation treatment. Detailed guidelines for packing and preparation are provided to clients to ensure success.

Step 6: Vacuuming and Steam Treatment

Following the removal of the furniture and possessions from the subject unit, BBFS recommends that vacant unit is treated with traditional “green” treatments to remove excess bed bug population(s) remaining, and begin eradicating easily accessible harborages through the use of HEPA vacuums and Dry Vapor Steam machines.

Step 7: Chemical Treatment(s)

When the majority of infestation is removed for fumigation, the Pest Control Operator (PCO) has better access to perform traditional treatment methods. Based on the previously discussed and agreed-upon treatment plan developed by the PCO, Resident/Owner and Property Manager, the PCO will treat the now vacant subject location with residual pesticides and DE to prevent future infestation from occurring. Examples of commonly used pesticides and insecticides include: XXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Step 5: Fumigation using Vikane (Sulfuryl Fluoride)

Infested belongings are transferred to an off-site location for fumigation with Sulfuryl Fluoride a.k.a. Vikane®. Vikane® is a colorless, tasteless, odorless gas that leaves no residue and replaces oxygen required to sustain life. It was introduced in 1961 by Dow AgroSciences and is approved for use on articles such as Clothing, Musical Equipment, Electronics, Artwork, Furniture, Historical Documents and other personal items. Treatment is performed in 12-24 hours and fumigated belongings can be stored if necessary until the PCO and K9 service verify the structure is also bed bug free. This method is scientifically proven to be effective and is guaranteed by Bed Bug Fumigation Specialists to eliminate target pests in a single treatment.

Step 6: Habitat Remediation (Property Manager/Handyman)

Property Manager will coordinate a handyman coming to subject unit to seal all bed bug harborages with latex caulking or joint compound. During this time, some baseboards and trim will need to be inspected, repaired and possibly replaced depending on infestation level and bed bug damage. Some Habitat Remediation modifications may require additional assistance from a licensed General Contractor depending on size/scope of required repairs.

Step 7: Return Fumigated Property

Once subject unit treatments and remediations have been completed, BBFS coordinates the return of the recently fumigated bed bug FREE belongings and furniture originally removed in step 5. BBFS also conducts a quality assurance inspection of the restored property to insure that all steps have been carefully executed and completed by all participating parties.

Step 8: Final Inspection

After the traditional PCO treatment is completed, the use of a K-9 service will validate the successful elimination of any live infestation within a dwelling.

Step 9: Bed Bug FREE Certification

Following the successful completion of the customized IBBMP steps listed above, Bed Bug Fumigation Specialists will provide a Certificate of Fumigation and detailed “Fume Log” which includes such information as; date/time of fumigation, type of fumigation,type of fumigant used, amount and concentration of fumigant used, recorded measurement levels during control period, name of licensed fumigator, etc. For an example of a BBFS Certificate of Fumigation and Fume Log, click below

Post Process:

In order to maintain a bed bug FREE environment following the completion of the IBBMP, BBFS recommends that all interested parties (residents, owners, property managers and PCO/PMPs) cooperatively develop a pest control schedule that includes quarterly inspections (visual and K9), monthly/quarterly residual pest control applications by licensed PCO/PMP (as needed) and an action plan for incidental bed bug contact/exposure that might occur. Developing preventative educational tools for all new residents, guests and visitors is very helpful as well.