If personal items are found bed bug free, where should they be stored?

The best choice is to store personal items that are confirmed to be bed bug free in areas such as the kitchen or another non-infested space. This approach minimizes the risk of reintroducing bed bugs into living areas that are being treated or monitored for infestation. Keeping these items in an area that is separate from any identified infestation helps ensure that bed bugs do not have a chance to move into those items.

Storing items in the kitchen or non-infested areas can also be practical since these spaces typically offer better temperature and environmental control, which can help in maintaining the condition of the items. In contrast, open areas might expose items to more risks, and placing items back into bedroom drawers or a garage can inadvertently lead to reinfestation as these are often areas where bed bugs are active or can reestablish themselves. Thus, selecting a clean, unaffected area for storage is a proactive step in effective pest management.