Eradicating bedbugs is rarely a one-step process. In most cases, multiple treatment visits are required — typically two or more — to fully eliminate the infestation at all life stages. While modern treatments are highly effective, they are not instantaneous, and some activity may continue in the days following each visit.
To give the treatment the best possible chance of success, it’s essential that residents continue to follow key precautionary measures even after the final visit has been completed. This page outlines the steps you should take to maintain progress and prevent any risk of re-infestation.
Even after treatment has taken place, bed sheets, pillowcases, duvet covers, and other bedding should continue to be hotwashed at 60°C on a regular basis — ideally at least once a week for several weeks.
Beds are one of the few places where bedbugs may still find warmth, shelter, and a food source. While the treatment will target these areas, residual activity is still possible, especially from newly hatched nymphs or bugs that were hidden deep in inaccessible areas.
By continuing to hotwash your bedding, you add an extra layer of protection, helping to kill any surviving bugs or eggs that may have escaped the initial treatment. This simple routine significantly reduces the chances of re-infestation and supports the full success of the process.
After a bedbug treatment has been carried out, it’s important to refrain from excessive cleaning in the treated areas for at least 7 days. Most professional insecticides used in bedbug control have a residual action, meaning they continue to work over time by leaving a fine layer of active ingredient on surfaces where bedbugs travel and hide.
Vacuuming, sweeping, or mopping treated surfaces too soon can remove this layer, reducing the effectiveness of the treatment and potentially allowing surviving bugs to avoid contact.
You should continue general housekeeping in non-treated areas, but avoid cleaning floors, skirting boards, bed frames, or other treated surfaces for about a week — or as advised by your technician. Allowing the insecticide to remain undisturbed gives it the best chance to work effectively.