A. Bed Bug Extermination Preparation Contractor must assist clients who are experiencing a bed bug infestation in their homes with the following tasks: 1. Placing all clothing and linens in large, clear plastic bags so that contents are easily visible. The Contractor must not use cardboard boxes. 2. Placing all shoes, coats, pillows, plush objects, and small rugs and mats into large, clear plastic bags. Shoes must be vacuumed; rugs must be cleaned at a laundromat or other laundry service facility that can accommodate the items. Personal belongings must be inspected carefully, cleaned, and placed into plastic bags or bins. 3. Taking down wall articles in the residence that may house or hide bed bugs such as, but not limited to, clocks, hanging picture frames, posters, etc. 4. Placing all clothes, linens, pillows, shoes, coats, and plush objects into a dryer on high heat setting for 1/2 hour or longer. The Contractor must not overload the dryer. Items that either the Contractor or client determine may be harmed at high temperatures must be soaked in warm water with an ample amount of laundry soap for several hours before rinsing. 5. Separating cleaned items from items that have not been checked or cleaned. Personal belongings must remain in bags until they can be carefully inspected or washed. All rooms must be emptied of all personal belongings, and floors thoroughly vacuumed with a brush attachment, which must be washed in hot water and detergent after use. 6. Vacuuming mattresses, box springs, headboards, and bed frames thoroughly using appropriate attachments for furniture and crevices, including scrubbing the mattress seams with a stiff brush to dislodge bed bugs and any eggs, if needed, and vacuuming the residue. After vacuuming, the Contractor must immediately place the vacuum cleaner bag in a plastic bag, tie it tightly, and throw the bag away outside the residence. The Contractor must install certified "bed bug proof" encasements for mattresses and box springs. 7. Washing non-porous surfaced furniture, floors, and walls with warm soapy water. The Contractor must use essential oil soaps (pine, orange, or lemon), enzyme soaps, or a sudsy detergent/soap. 8. Washing in and around any steam or hot water radiators (not electric baseboard heat). 9. Cleaning products and disinfectants must be eco-friendly, biodegradable, and not result in residue on floors, cabinets, appliances, and surface areas. Professional cloths made of microfiber (or a similar soft material) must be used on surfaces and microfiber (or similar material) mops must be used on floors and stairs to minimize risk for scratching or scarring surfaces 10. Moving and returning furniture during and after the process. 11. Discarding mattresses, furniture, clothing, or other items as deemed necessary if they are not able to be successfully cleaned; properly wrapping them and coordinating the disposal with the building staff or homeowner. 12. The Contractor and its staff must use all appropriate protective gear when performing services, including but not limited to gloves, coveralls, hair nets, goggles, shoe covers and masks. B. De-Hoarding and Heavy Cleaning The Contractor must provide the following services for clients on an as-needed basis: 1. In cooperation with the client, organize all living spaces by sorting and distinguishing between items to discard and items to retain. The Contractor should assist the client in making determinations, but the final determination is to be made by the client. 2. Separate and box/bag up items to retain and to remove from the home. 3. Remove trash and other items identified as to be removed from the home either to a dumpster, transfer station, donation center, or storage location, as appropriate. Removal or disposal of any personal property (other than trash) must be approved by the client and DHS staff. Coordinate disposal with building staff or property owner, as applicable. 4. Provide heavy cleaning services including, but not limited to, washing walls and windows/blinds, shampooing carpets, scrubbing floors, washing/steam cleaning furniture, etc. 5. Remove carpet and tack strips and arrange for full steam cleaning of carpets (only upon request by the County). 6. The Contractor must elicit the client’s cooperation throughout the process and assist the client in making decisions regarding what personal property to retain and/or discard. The Contractor must not proceed against the client's will unless a court order has been obtained. The Contractor must notify the Project Officer of any client resistance or any other difficult situations. The Project Officer will provide assistance and guidance. 7. The Contractor must not engage in any of the following: a. Transporting the client in any vehicle. b. Providing services to other members of the client's household, if not authorized by the County in writing. c. Administration of medications. d. Purchasing, pick-up and/or delivery of narcotic and controlled medication. e. Managing clients’ money. f. Disposing of client's personal property, unless approved and supervised by DHS staff. g. Functioning as a personal advocate for a client.
